A Millville priest has been placed on administrative leave while the Butler County Sheriff's Department investigates him for alleged “inappropriate contact with young males,” authoritiessaid Friday.

        The Rev. Ken Schoettmer, pastor of Queen of Peace in Butler County's Hanover Township, has not been arrested or charged, Maj. Anthony Dwyer added.

Schoettmer

        “We are continuing to seek out people who may have had contact with him in the past,” he said.

        The priest has cooperated with investigators, Maj. Dwyer said. He wouldn't say when the investigation started or when the alleged improprieties occurred.

        Father Schoettmer, 59, has led Queen of Peace since 1995, according to Dan Andriacco, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Before that, he was a minister at Our Lord Christ the King in Linwood. Father Schoettmer could not be reached for comment Friday.

        The archdiocese learned Tuesday that Father Schoettmer was under investigation, Mr. Andriacco said.

        Queen of Peace has about 750 families, Mr. Andriacco said. It also includes a 232-student elementary school, he said.

        But the sheriff's department said the allegations are not related to children there.

        Anyone with information can call Lt. Greg Blankenship at 887-3010.

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