By M. Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – A Roman Catholic priest from Nevada who was convicted of sexual abuse will not serve his probation near St. Louis.
The Missouri Department of Corrections has denied the transfer of Father Mark Roberts to Recon-a treatment facility in Jefferson County.
Corrections department spokesman Tim Kniest says Recon is not the best place for Roberts, because one of his victims lives in nearby St. Louis County.
Kniest also says recent attention about the case would make it difficult to treat the priest.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests recently protested Roberts transfer.