Accused was , at one time, vicar-general, secretary to bishop:

Dallas Diocese officials say they have verified a sexual-misconduct allegation against a prominent priest and have permanently barred him from ministry.

Monsignor Richard E. Johnson was suspended from St. Patrick Church in late May, when he was accused of abusing an altar boy for several years in the 1980s.

Monsignor Johnson, who led the large Lake Highlands parish for about 20 years, could not be found for comment Monday. He is at least the 15th Dallas priest to be removed from ministry after being accused of misconduct with minors.