Priest accused of lewd act at nude beach

LANSFORD, Pa. (AP) - December 4, 2008 Parishioners at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Carbon County were told that 58-year-old Monsignor Lawrence Bukaty stepped down as their pastor in late July for health reasons.

But The Morning Call of Allentown reports that court documents indicate Bukaty was charged with public lewdness in June after a park ranger saw him fondling himself at clothing-optional Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, N.J.

According to court records, Bukaty pleaded guilty July 30 to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct and agreed to pay a $525 fine and stay out of Sandy Hook.

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Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com

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