A Viennese priest accused of sexually abusing a man when he was a child has been reinstated to the clergy.

According to a press release from the Youngstown Catholic Diocese, the decision was made after an independent review board found insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against Father Denis Bouchard.

Bouchard, a former pastor of Queen of the Holy, was removed from his position in 2018 after a man accused Bouchard of sexually abusing him when he was a child.

An independent commission sided with Bouchard on charges of civil assault, civil battery and intentional infliction of mental suffering.

“The investigation is now closed, Father Bouchard is no longer on administrative leave…” – we read in a press release. “Father Bouchard will return to his provincial headquarters and will be given a new assignment.”

In May, Bouchard lost a defamation lawsuit against his accuser.

21 News reached out to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter for additional information.