Nov 9, 2007 / 12:06 pm
A priest from the Archdiocese of Boston arrested for allegedly stalking NBC late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien has been placed on leave, the Boston Globe reports.
Father David Ajemian, a 46 year-old priest from Stoneham, Massachusetts, was arrested in New York City last week on charges of stalking Conan O'Brien.
He is accused of sending threatening mail to the host's home and office, contacting his parents, and showing up at the studios in Manhattan where O'Brien's show is filmed. The charges against the priest are aggravated harassment and stalking, for which he could face up to a year in prison if convicted.
Barbara Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney's office, told the Associated Press that Father Ajemian wrote in one of the letters "I want a public confession before I ever consider giving you absolution - or a spot on your couch." He signed the letters "Padre 009."
Conan O’Brien does have a friendship with Fr. Paul B. O'Brien, who is pastor of Saint Patrick's Church in Lawrence. Though the two are unrelated, both were roommates at Harvard. Some news reports are speculating that Ajemian may also know the late-night entertainer from Harvard.
Father Ajemian was ordained in 2001. He was recently a parochial vicar at a Stoneham parish, and according to an archdiocesan spokeswoman he had been unassigned since June.
The Archdiocese of Boston released a statement announcing Father Ajemian's removal from public ministry as a result of his arrest. The archdiocese has also placed the priest on leave.
"The Archdiocese has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with New York authorities on this matter. Further, during this difficult time, the Archdiocese will offer pastoral support to all parties affected," the statement said.