Authorities arrested Brennan in Maryland on Friday morning. They transported to Philadelphia for his first court appearance in federal court in the afternoon.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney William McSwain, commented, “Making false statements to the FBI is a serious crime, and given the circumstances, the alleged false statements here are particularly disturbing. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to hold this defendant accountable for his alleged actions.”
On the other hand, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said, “The defendant allegedly lied to the FBI to obstruct an investigation into complaints that he sexually abused a child while serving as a priest.”
“I’m proud to work with our federal partners to hold him accountable. Our Office will investigate and prosecute anyone who abuses children, takes advantage of their position of power, or gives false statements to law enforcement, no matter who they are,” he added.
Predator priests committed a widespread child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania
U.S. Attorney McSwain’s office launched a probe into clergy sexual abuse of children in Pennsylvania after AG Shapiro released a Grand Jury report on the problem in August 2018.
