Bransfield, left, Lori, right.

A preliminary investigation of allegations against Bishop Michael Bransfield has been completed, said Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, apostolic administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.

The five-month probe was into allegations of sexual harassment of adults and financial improprieties by Bransfield.

Lori this morning also said that, pending a decision by the Vatican, “Bransfield is not authorized to exercise any priestly or episcopal ministry within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.”