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Archdiocese of Boston removes priest accused of sexually abusing child

BOSTON — A priest has been removed from ministry after an accusation of sexual abuse on a child.

The Archdiocese of Boston said Rev. Christian Ohazulume, an extern priest from Nnewi Nigeria, has had his faculties to minister removed after it received the allegation on August 31.

Ohazulume was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday afternoon, and pleaded not guilty.

Church leaders said the allegation took place in 2007 during a time Ohazulume was residing with a family upon his arrival in the United States.

According to the prosecutor, the 7-year-old girl went into the priest's basement bedroom for help with her homework, when Ohazulume allegedly closed the door and sexually abused her.

"He forced his tongue into her mouth," Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Rita Muse said. "She described him holding her face tightly, and at some point, she ended up on his bed."

Court documents say the bedroom was located next to a common room in the house where Ohazulume kept an alter, and would often hold Mass for the family and their friends.

Ohazulume moved out of the house in 2010 when he got a job as a Chaplain at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he was working until his arrest.

The Archdiocese of Boston said he lived at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Brookline, where he has assisted in celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.

"When the Archdiocese informed us about the allegation and its decision to revoke Ohazulume’s ministry faculties, we immediately placed him on unpaid leave and terminated him shortly thereafter. He is no longer employed by BIDMC,” said Jennifer Kritz, Senior Director of Communications.

The Archdiocese of Boston has notified law enforcement as well as his home Diocese of Nnewi, Nigeria.

Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian has represented thousands of clergy abuse victims, obtaining millions of dollars in settlements.

He said new sexual abuse survivors continue to contact him daily.

"My immediate reaction is this courageous victim has come forward. Good for her, she should be proud of herself," Garabedian said. "Coping mechanisms do not allow victims to come forward until they are older and able. We're just starting to see the tip of the iceberg."

The Archdiocese said it was advised by law enforcement to delay until today release of this information while they initiated their investigation.