Former St. Patrick's priest nabbed
Published on November 14th, 2007
The St Patrick's Church congregation endured a difficult week as they watched one of their former priests become fodder for front page paparazzi news when Father David Ajemian was arrested for reportedly stalking NBC talk show host Conan O'Brien.
The arrest took place in New York City when Ajemian, who attended Harvard University around the same time as the talk show host and Brookline native, reportedly tried to force his way into the NBC studio while the show was taping.
"At a time like this I feel for any parent with a mentally ill child, and I think many people are making a profit off a very unfortunate situation," said one St Patrick's Parish member who spoke with the Stoneham Independent but wished to remain anonymous. "Why can't they just leave this poor man alone?
"I'd prefer to remember him as a very generous and giving man that brought a wonderful voice to St Pat's," added the Parish member.
The former St. Pat's priest, who left the Stoneham church in June and had been acting in a similar capacity in a Chelsea rectory during the interim, was accused of stalking Conan O'Brien after showing up at the Late Night studios last week and attempting to force his way into the set.
Ajemian was found fit to stand trial Friday in a New York City court, although his lawyer, Eric Seiff acknowledged he has been treated for psychological problems and reportedly agreed to undergo mental health counseling over the weekend.
Ajemian, who was released Friday on $2500 bail, was approached over the weekend by New York reporters while staying with family in Boston and professed that the notes he reportedly sent to O'Brien as well as the arrest was a big misunderstanding.
"I've tried to make it clear that I had no intention of physically harming him in any way," said Ajemian to the New York Daily News. "I feel sad that some of my correspondences were interpreted that way.
"I will abide by the restraining order 100 percent."
A spokesman for the Boston archdiocese wouldn't comment on the reasons behind Ajemian's reasons for leaving the St. Pat's community, and instead wanted to help heal any hurt or inconvenience caused by the incident.
"We are providing pastoral care, counseling the family," said Terrence C. Donilon, a spokesman for the Boston archdiocese. "Our hearts go out to everybody."
Seiff agreed with a New York State judge that the priest was fit for trial, but Seiff said Ajemian had been taking medication and has been treated for a year for psychological problems.
Locally, St. Patrick's Parish Pastor Father Bill Schmidt didn't want to speak specifically about Ajemian or the incident itself, but instead expressed displeasure at the way an overexcited and sensationalist media has run wild with the scandalous story.
"Clearly we're dealing with some level of mental illness here and there's a lot of sadness in watching the way things have developed with Father Ajemian over the last week," said Stoneham St. Patrick's Father Bill Schmidt, who was on a retreat when the news of Ajemian's arrest first broke last week. "There was also a great many upset people within the St Patrick's congregation at the way that the way Boston Herald took the tabloid route and plastered it all over the front page.
"That's probably why I cancelled my suscription to the Herald several years ago," said Schmidt. "I think a lot of the television news coverage has to do with the fact that it's a sweeps period, and I think that's very unfortunate," added Schmidt. "Otherwise, the Archdiocese has advised me to steer clear of talking about anything that could be used against us or Father Ajemian in possible litigation."
In an official statement released by the arcdiocese, an admission of the arrest is made by the church and a word of support issued to all those affected.
"The Archdiocese of Boston can confirm that Rev. David Ajemian was arrested in New York City on Nov. 2, 2007. As a result of his arrest, the Archdiocese has placed Ajemian on leave and he is no longer able to exercise public ministry.
"The Archdiocese has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with New York authorities on this matter. Further, during this difficult time, the Archdiocese will offer pastoral support to all parties affected.
Out of respect to all parties involved, and in light of the pending legal proceedings, we decline further comment at this time."
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