RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. – A St. Louis priest and teacher was arrested after a caller found him looking into the windows of a home Friday night.
Michael McCusker, 36, was found hiding in the bushes near a 38-year-old woman’s home in the 9000 block of Greenridge. He’s a priest and teacher at St. Louis Priory School.
According to court documents, McCusker and the victim are co-workers. McCusker has a history of inappropriate and offensive communication toward victim, who has lodged complaints with her employer.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office issued warrants charging McCusker with second-degree stalking and resisting arrest. He was being held on a $500 bond, police said.
Letter sent home to families and staff
I write to you with a profound sense of sadness as I report to you that a member of the monastic community was arrested this weekend. Father John McCusker was charged with misdemeanor second degree stalking of another Priory faculty member and resisting arrest.
We are in communication and cooperation with law enforcement and continue to gather facts. While we seek more information, our thoughts and prayers go immediately to the faculty member and family who have been impacted. Because the safety of our faculty and students remains our highest priority, I can affirm that Father John has been removed from his roles in the school effective immediately, and he is no longer residing on campus.
The monastic community recognizes the serious nature of the offenses for which Father John has been charged, and offers our deepest apology to those who have been affected by his actions.
School families should be aware that Father Cuthbert and the school administrative team are working on plans to appropriately address this matter with our students and school parents.
I ask you to please pray for all affected by Father John’s actions. Please contact me, Father Cuthbert, or Director of Institutional Advancement Janice Bailey if you have questions or concerns.