Posted on 11/10/2007 5:07:15 AM PST by ninonitti
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The Bay State Catholic priest accused of stalking and harrassing talk show host Conan O’Brien was found mentally fit to stand trial yesterday, but his attorney and parents say the 46-year-old has a history of mental problems.
Former Stoneham priest Rev. David Ajemian posted $2,500 cash bail for charges he sent O’Brien a series of bizarre and ranting notes and postcards this year, referring to himself as O’Brien’s “priest stalker,” and demanding a “public confession.”
During a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday, Ajemian was found fit to stand trial following a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. His parents were on hand to free him and bring him back home to Massachusetts, they told the press throng outside court.
A Newton priest representing the Archdiocese of Boston was also in court, saying he was asked to attend by Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley. “The cardinal’s concern is for everyone, including the O’Briens,” said Msgr. Dennis Sheehan.
Attorney Eric Seiff told the judge Ajemian takes medication for his psychological problems and has been in treatment for a year.
His 14-month fixation with O’Brien culminated Nov. 2, when he was arrested trying to get into a taping of the “Late Show With Conan O‘Brien,” authorities said.
Ajemian allegedly signed one letter “Padre 009,” which appears to be his screen name on an online O’Brien fan message board hosted by NBC. Yesterday, NBC removed Padre 009’s posts, during which the writer fantasizes about seeing the O’Brien’s show taped live.
NBC spokesman Marc Liepis said the network has no comment.
Ajemian, who graduated from Milton Academy in 1979 and Harvard in 1983, was ordained as a priest in 2001. Until June, Ajemian was assigned to St. Patrick’s Church in Stoneham. This week, he was placed on leave.
Strange.
There is nothing in the article to suggest this was sexual in nature.
His fantasy was about getting to see the show taped live and he’s charged with stalking? This doesn’t make sense.
Some people are just nutcases. I suspect alcohol, drugs, or both.
I don't think someone goes this far off the rails without some kind of major bolt being loose....could be sexual or maybe just run of the mill platonic mancrush.
I didn’t say he wasn’t mentally ill. I just said there is no evidence in the article that this preoccupation was sexual in nature. People can have all sorts of delusional beliefs about others without them being sexual.
The comment could have multiple meanings. "I want a public confession before I ever consider giving you absolution -- or a spot on your couch," wrote the Rev. David Ajemian.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1922864/posts
Of all the late night guys, Conan is my favorite, tho I rarely see his show. Seems like a smart guy and I haven't seen him turn political ala Letterman.
Guy must've done more than just fantasize about seeing a live taping. Glad it's over for everyone involved.
Dave's had his share......there was some woman who kept turning up at his place some years back and then there's Paul Schaffer but let's not go there....
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