Trial date set for bishop accused of impropriety

1/24/2004

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A trial date of Feb. 26 has been set for Bishop Demetri Khoury, who was accused of fondling a woman in a casino in July.

Attorneys spoke about the case yesterday and decided it will go to trial, Dennis LaBelle, Grand Traverse County prosecutor, said.

Bishop Demetri, who oversees eight states and Ontario for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, is charged with criminal sexual conduct and drunk and disorderly conduct.

The cleric was arrested July 9 after he was accused of grabbing the breast of a woman beside him at the Turtle Creek Casino near Traverse City. He appeared to be highly intoxicated at the time, Michigan State Police said.

About a week after his arrest, he was barred from preaching and performing liturgies.