The criminal investigation into allegations that a priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johns­town molested boys while at churches in Cambria County has been turned over to the state Attorney General’s Office.

Citing a conflict of interest, the Cambria County District Attorney’s office has asked the state to take over the investigation of the Rev. George Koharchik.

Cambria County DA Kelly Callihan hasn’t gone into detail concerning the matter but has said that a member of the staff had attended one of the churches where Koharchik had served.
 
The 63 year old Koharchik was placed on leave from active ministry in the priesthood last summer following allegations that Koharchik had sexually molested at least four boys, some as long as three decades ago.