The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has released their findings of an independent investigation into a Struthers priest.

According to the release, the investigation focused on Father Marian Babjak following an allegation of inappropriate physical contact with a minor made in November 2021.

Babjak served as pastor of Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers since August 2020 and previously as associate pastor at St. Charles Borromeo in Boardman after being ordained in 1995.

The Diocese of Youngstown placed Babjak on administrative leave following the allegation and an independent investigation ensued. That investigation included interviews of all the people involved as well as notifying public authorities.

After the investigation, the report was turned over to the Diocesan Review Board comprised of professionals from a number of fields.

The Diocesan Review Board found that the allegation of inappropriate physical contact was credible and that a violation of the diocese's Standards of Ministerial Excellence had been violated.

However, the Review Board found that the physical contact did not reach the level of sexual abuse. They recommended that Father Babjak be considered for future active ministry following an evaluation period.

Father Babjak agreed to resign from Christ Our Savior Parish in early July and agreed to undergo an evaluation on his suitability for future ministry.

Rev. Philip Rogers will take over at the Struthers church on August 1.