Salina priest pleads no contest to battery

? A Salina priest has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery after being accused of inappropriately touching an adult male.

The Salina Journal reports the Rev. Allen Scheer, of Sacred Heart Cathedral, was accused in April of inappropriately touching a man. Scheer had been scheduled for trial Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of sexual battery before the plea.

A statement on the website of the Catholic Diocese of Salina said Scheer pleaded no contest Friday to the lesser charge of misdemeanor battery. The diocese also says Scheer was sentenced to six months’ probation.

Bishop Edward Weisenburger said in a statement that Scheer may possibly return to ministry after he’s evaluated by health care professionals and diocese leaders.