A former Catholic priest for parishes in Vandalia and Ramsey is voluntarily removing himself as a member of the clergy following investigations as revealed by the Catholic Diocese of Springfield. On Tuesday, the diocese issued a statement on its website outlining the status of 55-year old Father Barry J. Harmon who had served the Mother of Dolors parish in Vandalia and the St. Joseph Parish in Ramsey. In the statement, the diocese says Harmon was placed on medical leave for health issues in late October 2017. During the time of Harmon’s leave, financial irregularities were found at the two parishes who were informed in February of this year that there had been misappropriated funds. When the diocese looked further into Harmon, pornography found in Harmon’s possession and was turned over to the Vandalia Police Department. Fayette County State’s Attorney Joshua Morrison on Wednesday stated of the investigation into the pornography, that there was not any child pornography found.
As Morrison stated, he is still awaiting financial reports that have been turned over to the police to determine if there are any charges to come from that aspect of the investigation.