A Chicago-area priest is under investigation after accusations he sexually abused minors 25 years ago, Cardinal Blase Cupich said in a letter to the pastor’s parish Saturday evening.

The allegations against the Rev. David Ryan stem from his time in the administration of Maryville Academy in northwest suburban Des Plaines.

“Father Ryan has been directed to live away from the parish while the matter is investigated, and he is fully cooperating with this direction,” Cupich wrote. “Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed.”

While Cupich does not specify how many alleged victims have come forward, his letter makes it clear there are more than one.

“The persons making the allegations have been offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry, and the archdiocese has begun its investigation of these matters,” Cupich wrote.

Ryan has been the pastor at Saint Francis de Sales, a parish in northwest suburban Lake Zurich, since 2006.

He’s also a member of the board of governors of the City Club of Chicago.

Cupich wrote that the matter has been reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.

Tony Arnold covers Illinois politics. Follow him @tonyjarnold.