RICHMOND, Va. – A former Virginia clergyman has been charged with sexual assault of a minor involving a former parishioner in 1985.
Scott Asalone, 63, of Asbury Park, NJ, was indicted by the Northern Virginia Multi-Jurisdictional Grand Jury on Thursday, March 12.
The charges are related to a 1985 alleged sexual contact by Asalone, while he was a member of the clergy at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville, Virginia.
The alleged victim was between 13 and 15 years old, according to the indictment.
Asalone was identified through Attorney General Mark Herring and Virginia State Police’s investigation into clergy abuse in Virginia.
The investigation is looking into whether criminal sexual abuse of children occurred in Virginia’s Catholic dioceses and whether leadership in the dioceses covered up or abetted any such crimes.
“This is the first criminal indictment stemming from our ongoing investigation with Virginia State Police into potential clergy abuse,” said Herring. “The investigation remains ongoing and if anyone has information related to this case or any other instance of abuse, I would encourage them to please contact us as soon as possible. I know that stepping forward to share your experience can be difficult or scary but I want you to know that, even if it happened years ago, we will still take it seriously and make sure you get the help and support you need.”
Asalone was taken into custody on March 14 by the Virginia State Police and New Jersey law enforcement officials in Asbury Park.
He will face extradition to Virginia, where he will be tried in Loudoun County Circuit Court.
