A Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh priest who once served at a Butler County church has been charged in two incidents of sexually assaulting a juvenile in 1998 while he was serving at a church in Allegheny County.

Robert Joseph Cedolia, 70, of Pittsburgh, who served at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Church in Middlesex Township from July 2014 through October 2018, was held for court in both Allegheny County cases in May. The diocese placed Cedolia on administrative leave in August 2019.

The incidents in Allegheny County allegedly took place at Our Lady of Joy in Plum during the spring of 1998, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed by county police.

The alleged victim, who is not identified in the complaint, told police both incidents occurred when he was 8 years old while he attended training for his first Holy Communion.

Cedolia took the boy from the other students attending the training to the sacristy located to the left of the altar, according to the affidavit.

A sacristy is where a priest prepares for a service, and where vestments and other things used in worship are kept.

The boy thought Cedolia was sizing him for a robe when the priest allegedly began feeling his body, but he pushed Cedolia's hands away after he reached toward the button on his pants, according to the affidavit.

The victim alleged Cedolia ripped the button off his pants and assaulted him, according to the affidavit. Afterward, the boy said he rejoined the other children and did not tell anyone about the incident.

The second incident took place about two weeks later when the boy alleged that Cedolia came up behind him in a restroom, covered his face and assaulted him.

The diocese could not be reached for comment.