A reverend in Central Nebraska has been placed on administrative leave as the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln investigates a “recent allegation involving sexual contact with an adult woman.”

According to a statement on the Lincoln Diocese website by Bishop James Conley, Father Scott Courtney has been placed on administrative leave from his role at Sacred Heart parish in Roseland and Assumption Parish in Juniata.

The statement said the allegation does not involve a current or former parishioner of Courtney , and the incident has been reported to police.

Before he was put on administrative leave, Courtney was pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Roseland and Assumption parish in Juniata. He also had teaching duties at St. Cecilia high school in Hastings.

In a statement to parishioners and school patrons, Fr. Thomas Brouillette of Hastings said he would take over duties at the Juniata and Roseland parishes. Fr. Brouilette said the teaching duties at St. Cecilia would be assigned to other priests.

This information comes after two Lincoln diocese priests were removed from the ministry last month.

In early August, it was announced that Rev. Charles Townsend was removed from the ministry for engaging in an “emotionally inappropriate, nonsexual relationship” with a 19-year-old. Townsend had been the priest at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in South Lincoln.

In addition, Rev. Patrick Barvick was removed from his role as a pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Davey. He had previously served at St. Joseph’s Church and Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, and St. Michael’s in Hastings.

The Attorney General of Nebraska also sent out a release last month urging residents to report any allegations of abuse by clergy members.

The AG said anyone who has experienced even an uncomfortable incident with a priest should report it to law enforcement.

When asked how many calls and the nature of those calls the AG has received since setting up it's hotline, the following statement was given:

“Nebraska law provides that the Attorney General has joint criminal jurisdiction in all 93 counties. In that role the office has a long history of investigating and prosecuting child abuse and child sexual assault cases throughout the state. This current matter is consistent with that responsibility. We will continue, as is our standard practice, to work alongside our local, county, state, and federal partners.”

The Lincoln Diocese has also set up a hotline for people to call and report abuse, but Conley said it is not a substitute or alternative to calling law enforcement. Instead it is intended to offer the maximum alternatives to make sure any wrong in the church is uncovered and reported.