Eugene priest indicted on sex, drug charges

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — A Lane County grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment against a Eugene priest accused of drug offenses and purchasing sex with a juvenile prostitute.

The Register-Guard reports (https://is.gd/wdpOUM ) that 42-year-old Daniel MacKay pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.

MacKay’s attorney, Terri Wood, says his client maintains his innocent and asks that people not prejudge him based on the accusations.

MacKay faces charges of prostitution, endangering the welfare of a child, sexual misconduct and attempting to use a minor in the commission of a controlled substance.

MacKay is a priest at a Serbian Orthodox church and also taught at Lane Community College.

The Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church has suspended MacKay from church duties pending the outcome of his criminal case.

___

Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com