OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – The Owego Church of the Nazarene is sharing information about a recently relieved pastor.

According to a statement on the church website, Jay Geistdorfer was removed from duty on February 1 after “a substantial number of individuals” made allegations of improper conduct.

Church officials did not provide specific details. The church’s leadership team says it was unaware of the allegations before Geistdorfer’s dismissal and did not address the allegations previously because the claims of improper conduct were made anonymously.

Additionally, the church will cooperate with any ensuing external investigation and has agreed to pay for third-party counseling services from The Hope Center to anyone who may have been affected.

According to WBNG TV, an investigation began in August of 2024 after a report of improper social media communications between a child and Geistdorfer, but no criminal charges were brought because there was no probable cause a crime was committed. The case was closed with a note, however, stating it could be reopened if more information came forward.

This is a developing story.