The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Patrick H. Koch, S.J., a priest of the U.S.A Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). Father Koch served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 1994-1997.  He died in 2006.  The abuse allegedly occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, prior to his assignment at Sacred Heart Parish. Victims of abuse are encouraged to report crimes to local law enforcement.  They may also wish to contact Mr. John Lambert, the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (866) 407-4505.