MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A priest with service history at several churches in the Chicago area is under investigation for an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor, as reported by the Archdiocese of Chicago on Saturday.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, communicated through letters to the families of various parishes that Father Curtis Lambert will temporarily step down from his ministerial duties while the accusation is investigated.

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The accusation claims that the incident occurred about 40 years ago while Lambert was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park, the Archdiocese stated.

The pastor has previously worked in various capacities for St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish, St. Basil Visitation Parish, Immaculate Conception and St. Michael Parish, St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St. Peter Damian Catholic Church, Sacred Heart and St. Eulalia Parish and St. Thomas Becket Parish.

Civil authorities and the Archdiocese are conducting investigations. According to the Archdiocese, Lambert has denied the allegation.

The Archdiocese included the following statement in the letters:

“Moreover, as is required by our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to civil authorities. The person making the allegation was offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry. After the investigations are complete, the archdiocese will report the results to its Independent Review Board.