Alleging abuse, priest sues own diocese

PITTSBURGH -- A Roman Catholic priest is suing his own diocese, saying he was sexually abused as a teen by a now-deceased priest who taught at his high school.

The Rev. John Nesbella was placed on a leave of absence yesterday after filing the lawsuit this week, alleging he was abused more than 25 years ago at a rectory operated by the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, the diocese said in a statement.

Nesbella alleges he was abused at age 16 by the Rev. Martin Brady, now deceased, his teacher at Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg.

The lawsuit names as defendants the diocese, Bishop Joseph Adamec, and former Bishop James Hogan.