Fairfield priest indicted, arrested on child sex charges

FAIRFIELD, Ohio - A Fairfield, Ohio, priest was charged Thursday with one count of transportation of a minor across state lines for illicit purposes.

Robert Frank Poandl, 71, was arrested Thursday by FBI agents at the Glenmary Missioners in Fairfield where Poandl, known as “Father Bob,” lives, according to a press release.

The indictment alleges that in August 1991, Poandl took a 10-year-old boy across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity. The crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

During Poandl’s initial appearance, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Muncy told U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Bowman that Poandl had taken a 10-year-old boy from Cincinnati to West Virginia in 1991 where he is alleged to have sexually assaulted the child. Muncy also told the court that the crime was not disclosed until the victim came forward.

Muncy added that Poandl has substantial international travel and connections across the country which makes him a flight risk.

Magistrate Judge Bowman ordered Poandl to be detained and scheduled a detention hearing for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19.