For Immediate Release: December 9, 2022

Youth Apostle Priest On Leave Pending Investigation by the Diocese of Fall River

Father David Sharland, Y.A., Catholic Campus Chaplain at Virginia Tech

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Diocese of Fall River informed the Catholic Diocese of Richmond that Father David Sharland, Y.A., has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.  The announcement was made public today, Dec. 9, 2022, by the Fall River Diocese. The entire press release from the Diocese of Fall River can be read here.

Father Sharland was ordained in the Diocese of Fall River in 1999 and has been a member of the Arlington, Virginia–based Youth Apostle Institute since 2002.  Fr. Sharland has been serving as Catholic Campus Chaplain at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg since 2013.  Upon receiving word of the pending investigation, Bishop Knestout suspended his ministry.  The Diocese of Fall River has advised that the conduct giving rise to the investigation did not occur within the Diocese of Richmond and does not involve a minor.

The Diocese of Richmond urges anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of clergy, an employee, or volunteer in ministry to come forward and report it immediately to the civil authorities. We ask that you also call the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) at 1-877-887-9603 or by email at [email protected].