Priest Wanted on Child Sex Charges Turns Himself In

BLOSSBURG – Father Thomas Shoback, a former priest of the Scranton Diocese, has turned himself in after being charged by State Police in Mansfield with over 30 counts involving child sex.

Father Shoback was arraigned with his attorney present before District Judge James Carlson in Mansfield today.

Police allege Shoback sexually abused a male at the St. Mary’s Parish Rectory and a private cabin on Lost Lane in Tioga County from the time he was 11 – 17 years of age. The alleged abuse took place from 1991 – 1997, according to his accuser.

Shoback was released on $35,000 unsecured bail pending a Preliminary Hearing on July 25 in Carlson’s courtroom.

Father Shoback also served churches in Plains Township,  Hazleton, Exeter Township, and Plymouth. He is 61-years-old.