Catholic priest commits suicide, jumps from a high rise hotel

A US Catholic Priest under investigation for inappropriate behavior with a minor leaped to his death from a Chicago high-rise building, according to US media reports.

James Csaszar jumped from a hotel in the Midwestern city’s downtown on Wednesday but was not initially identified by police. The Catholic Church confirmed Csaszar’s suicide on Thursday.

The 44-year-old had been placed on administrative leave last month from his position at a church in Columbus, Ohio, about 300 miles southeast of Chicago.

The Diocese of Columbus said he was being investigated for “excessive and questionable text and telephone communications with a minor and potential misuse of church funds.”

Law enforcement officials planned to continue their investigation, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Police told an Ohio television station that their probe was preliminary and the allegations involved a child at the church where Csaszar served, according to WBNS.

The priest was well-liked by his congregation, according to media reports.
“He was one of my favorites,” Cheryl Dodson told WBNS. “He was always there to listen to you no matter where he was on the street or what it was.”

Csaszar suffered multiple injuries after jumping from the hotel, which is in high-rise building in downtown, according to the Chicago Tribune.

He is the former pastor of the Church of Resurrection in New Albany, WSYX Channel 6 reports. He also worked at the St. Rose Parish in New Lexington for 11 years, 10tv.com reports.

The Catholic Diocese of Columbus placed Csaszar on administrative leave last month after the diocese was made aware of “questionable text and telephone communications with a minor.”

Police also were investigating a “possible misuse of funds” while Csaszar was the pastor in New Lexington.

According to 10tv.com, no charges had been filed but media devices had been seized by police as evidence.

The Ohio Bureau of Investigation also was involved. In a statement, the diocese said: “We are reminded throughout sacred scripture that God our Father is loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving.

We also know that in his years of priestly ministry Fr. Csaszar did many good things for the people that he served in his parish assignments. And so we ask that everyone pray for Father Csaszar, his family, friends, and parishioners during this most difficult time.”