BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio -- Father Gary Zalenski is no longer acting as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Neffs after the Bishop removed him from the parish because of an allegation of sexual abuse.

Sunday, NEWS9 tracked Zalenski down, and he claims the allegation is false.

When Zalenski was told a woman came forward claiming she was sexually assaulted by him -- he said he went numb.

"[I was] shocked, devastated, my heart was ripped out. It was a horrendous roller coaster ride," said Zalenski.

He was told nine weeks ago. Since then, he said it has been wearing on him.

"I have become more and more emotional and trying to calm down and get somewhat of a control of my life," said Zalenski.

Zalenski claims he's innocent and many of his parishioners believe him.

"In my mind you're innocent until proven guilty," said Esther Kalinowski.

"I believe he is 100 percent innocent, he's a good man, he's an excellent pastor, he's an excellent administrator and I can't imagine him ever hurting anyone like that," said Sharon Demkowicz.

Members of the Sacred Heart congregation were told about the allegation at the end of mass Sunday morning. Bishop R. Daniel Conlon read a prepared statement, saying a woman came forward, accusing Zalenski of sexually assaulting her in 1991. Conlon called the allegation "credible".

Instead of walking out of mass uplifted, many parishioners said their hearts were broken.

"We had no chance to even talk to Father Gary," said Kalinowski.

"It's awful, I can't believe all this has happened. We said a prayer for Father Gary, to give him strength to get through this. He's a wonderful priest," said Sharon Olexa.

Zalenski has moved out of the rectory and can no longer perform his priestly duties. He said he's looking to the Lord, and to the law to clear his name.

Zalenski's attorneys are fighting the allegation. The case has been forwarded to the Guernsey County prosecutor and also to Rome.