The Diocese of Charleston released a statement Monday following an allegation of sexual misconduct by a Charleston area priest.

Hayden Vaverek, a priest who previously served in parishes in Myrtle Beach and Garden City, is on administrative leave, said diocese spokeswoman Maria Aselage.

Authorities said someone told police Vaverek assaulted the person about 15 years ago when Vaverek was pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenwood. Aselage said no parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes are involved in the reported sexual assault.

She said victims or anyone with knowledge of any sexual misconduct should contact police. Anyone wanting to receive help or guidance from the diocese can call Sister Sandra Makowski at 853-2130, ext. 209.

Contact AMANDA KELLEY at 626-0381, or follow her at Twitter.com/TSN_akelley.