The diocese says 70-year-old Monsignor Thomas A. Derzack was removed as pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, located in Walnutport, Northampton County. He was also barred from diocesan school properties or events.
According to the diocese, an adult spotted Derzack — who was not wearing clerical clothing at the time — taking photos in a public area during a Dec. 27 wrestling tournament at Bethlehem Catholic High School.
Derzack was reportedly photographing the young wrestlers from behind as they were waiting to compete, and without their consent. He was approached and questioned by a security guard, and then voluntarily deleted the photos.
Bishop Alfred Schlert has turned the case over to a diocesan review board to determine Derzack's future. Bethlehem police are continuing to investigate.
Derzack was ordained in 1976 and served in a variety of assignments in the diocese.