The Diocese of Knoxville has completed an internal investigation into the actions of Father Joseph Reed, involving allegations of boundary violations and positioning the clergyman for reassignment despite no criminal findings, as reported by WVLT. Reed, formerly of Farragut's St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School, was placed on administrative leave last December after two individuals reported discomfort with Reed's behavior, which sparked civil and diocesan inquiries into the priest's conduct.
While the Knox County Sheriff's Office deemed the allegations unsubstantiated in January, citing a lack of criminal evidence, the diocesan investigation, which included scrutiny from an independent investigator, determined that credible evidence of frequent and consistent, grave and unbecoming of the Holy Priesthood violations existed that necessitated Reed’s removal from his position and a move to a new assignment under strict oversight, according to a statement obtained by WATE. The decision made by the Diocesan Review Board, a group of trained professionals from diverse fields, underscored both the severity and frequency of the violations, which concerned both minors and adults.
Bishop Mark Beckman has engaged the Priest Personnel Board to help chart a new path for Reed following the investigation. Part of the future oversight includes mentorship from a more experienced pastor as a measure of due diligence and safeguarding. This was outlined in a letter to the community shared by WBIR. The bishop's letter acknowledged the difficult period the church is going through, expressing awareness of Reed's valued influence on the community and insisting that appropriate priestly care would remain a priority for the congregation at St. John Neumann.
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