Rev. Metropoulos, Arrested for Child Porn, Spent Time at Metropolis Camp
BANGOR, ME – Rev. Adam Metropoulos, who was arrested on September 15 on charges of possessing child pornography and surreptitiously videotaping a woman taking a shower in his bathroom, had spent long periods of time at the Metropolis camp in Contoocook NH.
Since his arrest, Metropoulos has been detained at the Penobscot County Jail. Judge John Lucy set the bail recommended by Penobscot County Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts at $100,000. Metropoulos, was the presiding priest at St. George Greek Orthodox parish in Bangor, ME for the past 13 years.
TNH haw learned that the Authorities are investigating all of Metropoulos’ activities during his time at the Metropolis camp.
Although no incident or any allegation has been reported, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston sent a letter dated September 24 to all the parents of the campers of the Metropolis camp program.
Metropolitan Methodios wrote the following: “My brothers and sisters in the household of God: News of the arrest of one of our priests, Adam Metropoulos of Bangor, Maine, has shocked all of us. As I have stated repeatedly, the Metropolis takes accusations of sexual abuse very seriously. It is behavior that is not tolerated from our priests, employees, or volunteers. Upon being notified of his arrest, I immediately suspended him from all priestly duties.”
Methodios informed the parents that he is cooperating fully with the authorities. He added: “Please be assured that the Director and members of our MBC staff continue to be vigilant in adhering to applicable laws and Archdiocesan policies and procedures as they minister to our young people.”
Methodios requests that “if you have information that is relevant to this matter, we encourage you to notify local law enforcement and the Metropolis. We will update you further as the process moves forward.”
Metropoulos’ next scheduled court date is November 5.
It was revealed during the court hearing that in 1983 Metropoulos was convicted on a sex charge in Michigan and that a few years ago, he “touched two 15-year-old boys inappropriately.”
Metropoulos was convicted in Michigan in 1983 of seconddegree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 13, according to Saginaw court records. Because computerized court records there only go back to 1984, information about the crime and the sentence imposed was not immediately available.
As TNH reported on September 13, Bangor police received a complaint from an adult female indicating that she believed she had been photographed and or videoed without her permission or knowledge. As a result of that complaint, detectives began an investigation that resulted in Metropoulos’ arrest.
The news has astonished the small parish of St. George of almost 100 families. Parish Council President Lee Speronis and Vice President George Leokas have not responded to TNH’s request for comment.
TNH learned that the woman who reported Fr. Metropoulos to the authorities was his wife’s sister, who had come to visit with them on the weekend, but Police Sgt. Tim Cotton refused to comment on that because the investigation continues.
Sgt. Cotton, however, told TNH that “the woman was staying at Metropoulos’ home and she went to take a shower. While in the shower she looked across the bathroom and she observed what she believed to be a camera in a basket on a wall. She exited the shower, went and checked on the camera. It was in fact a camera which was recording her in the shower.” He also said that “she confronted Metropoulos and told him that she was going to report him. She provided the police with the memory card that she took out of the camera. Police detectives spoke to Metropoulos, a search warrant was issued, and the police searched his home, where they found child pornography material.”
Metropolitan Methodios of Boston sent a letter to the membership of the parish dated September 18 stating that “I write to you these few words to assure you that I share your pain and sorrow during this most difficult time. I assure you that our Metropolis takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and is cooperating fully with the civil authorities on Bangor as they complete their investigation. Upon receiving the final verdict of the Bangor Courts, we will be able to begin proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Court of the Metropolis. Until then, the Rev. Adam Metropoulos has been suspended from all priestly duties.”
Methodios sent his chancellor, Fr. Theodore Barbas, to liturgize at the September 21 Sunday service and address the congregation on his behalf.