Central Illinois Catholic priest removed from ministry

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A central Illinois Catholic priest has been removed from ministry after church officials say he misused money from two parishes and pornography was found among his possessions.

The Springfield diocese says the Rev. Barry Harmon went on medical leave last October from Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia and St. Joseph Parish in Ramsey. The diocese says reviews found Harmon misappropriated up to $29,000 from the parishes and was to repay the money.

Diocese officials say Vandalia police determined no child pornography was involved, but that Harmon was charged in July with drunken driving.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki says in a statement that Harmon has agreed to voluntarily seek removal from the priesthood.

A diocese spokeswoman said she would forward a request to Harmon from The Associated Press for comment.