Priest accused of groping teenage girl is released from jail

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – A newly ordained Roman Catholic priest accused of groping a 13-year-old girl under her skirt won’t have to remain in jail while the charges are pending in New Jersey.

A judge ruled Wednesday, rejecting requests from Morris County prosecutors that the Rev. Marcin Nurek remain jailed until the matter is resolved or be required to wear a monitoring device.

The 37-year-old priest was charged last week with child endangerment and criminal sexual contact. He’s accused of touching the girl’s buttocks over her underwear and telling her she was “sexy.”

The Diocese of Paterson has put Nurek on administrative leave. But his lawyer said Wednesday that the diocese has offered to provide Nurek with housing while the charges are pending.

Nurek is an emigrant from Poland. He was ordained into the priesthood in July.