Diocese: Deacon arrested for alleged inappropriate contact online

A deacon who works in Etna was arrested Tuesday for alleged inappropriate contact online with a police officer posing as a minor.

In a release, Bishop David Zubik said he was “distressed” to learn of Rosendo "Ross" Dacal’s arrest at his Washington County home.

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“The charges against Deacon Dacal are disturbing,” he said. “I have pledged to civil authorities the full cooperation of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in their investigation.”

Dacal, 73, is married and a deacon at All Saints Parish in Etna and his home parish is St. Bonaventure in Glenshaw.

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According to the criminal complaint, an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old boy was contacted by a target with the username 'chubbyguy."

The target indicated he was an older male from Pennsylvania.

Related: Teacher charged with institutional sexual assault of student

Among hundreds of messages police allege Dacal sent, at least four were one-way video sessions where he exposed himself to the undercover officer.

Dacal has served All Saints Parish in Etna and the Allegheny County Jail since 2011, Zubik said, adding that the diocese had no knowledge of his alleged activities.

He is now suspended and is on administrative leave.

Zubik told Channel 11 he has not been made aware that there are any victims in this case. He is hoping there isn't.

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