Ill. priest attempts suicide after abuse claim

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JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in suburban Chicago say a Roman Catholic priest accused of abuse is in intensive care after a suicide attempt in which he jumped off a church balcony.

Joliet police spokesman Mike Trafton says the 37-year-old priest was found unconscious on Wednesday between the pews of a church that’s no longer in use. Trafton says it was clear the priest had jumped from the balcony, which is about 20 feet high.

Bishop J. Peter Sartain says the priest had been placed on administrative leave this week after allegations that he had abused a 13-year-old boy.

The Associated Press isn’t naming the priest because he hasn’t been charged with a crime.

Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti says the priest is under investigation but wouldn’t say for what.