Former Bucks Co. Priest Sexually Assaulted Altar Boys: DA

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A former Catholic priest in Bucks County has been arrested on charges he sexually assaulted two altar boys during his tenure, the Bucks County District Attorney announced Tuesday.

Francis "Frank" Trauger, 74, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was a priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Tullytown from 1993-2003. He was arraigned Tuesday morning on counts of corruption of minors and indecent assault.

According to the Bucks County District Attorney's office, the assaults happened when the victims were about 12 years old. They occurred from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s, prosecutors said.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Trauger assaulted both of the boys during the robing process prior to mass at St. Michael.

Trauger had been named in connection with other victims in a 2005 Philadelphia grand jury report and was laicized — or withdrawn from clerical duties by the church — that same year, authorities said.

According to Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, prosecutors believe Trauger may have harmed other children. Anyone victimized by him, or who has information about other assaults, should contact law enforcement, he said.

"This defendant abused his position of power to take advantage of these young men. They are very brave for coming forward now" Weintraub said. "I say this to anyone else out there who was victimized by this predator: Please come forward. You will be heard, and justice will be done."

District Judge Robert L. Wagner, Jr., released Trauger on unsecured bail of $250,000.

Trauger's case remains under police investigation. Anyone with information should contact Tullytown Police Sgt. Phil Kulan at 215-945-0999, Ext. 225, or Bucks County detective Lt. David Kemmerer at 215-348-6354.