Diocese: Diocese of Metuchen
Notes:
Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Hillsborough, NJ. Removal from active ministry announced 10/25/13 after allegation of abuse of a minor in late 1970s when he was associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in South Amboy. County prosecutor informed the diocese but will not file criminal charges due to Statute of Limitations. Review Board and retired investigator found allegation “not frivolous.” Cole denied the allegation. Matter referred to Vatican. Cole found not guilty by a church tribunal, composed of three priests from outside the diocese, in 11/15. Cole was planning to go to Guatemala to study Spanish, then return to the diocese to do Hispanic ministry.
Sources:
Bishop of Metuchen letter 10.25.13; Star Ledger 10.28.13; Hillsborough Patch 10.29.13; My Central Jersey 10.29.13; My Central New Jersey 11.13.15; NJ website 11.13.15; SNAP 11.13.15; CentralJersey 11.16.15; The Patch 11.16.15; Suburban 11.17.15; http://bishop-accountability.org/