Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania have opened a new investigation into claims of child sexual abuse by Roman Catholic church priests.
The prosecutors are using subpoenas to demand testimony and secret files from some of the high-ranking church officials in what the victims’ advocates say is the first such probe ever launched in the United States by the Department of Justice.
The subpoenas follow a chilling state grand jury report that found out at least 300 predator priests in the State of Pennsylvania molested more than 1,000 minors over seven decades ago, and church leaders covered up for the offenders.
The intervention by the federal government has opened up a new front of legal peril for the Roman Catholic church, given that state and local authorities have always handled any investigation into sexual abuse by clergy members.
A church expert in the state acknowledged that the state attorney’s intervention was ground-breaking. He further said that the subpoena was not surprising at all, given the horrific misconduct outlined in the grand jury report.
At least seven of the state’s eight Catholic dioceses have acknowledged receiving subpoenas and expressed willingness to cooperate with the Department of Justice officials. However, there is still no indication that the DoJ is planning to conduct a nationwide investigation.
What Will the Subpoenas Demand?
The subpoenas seek documents and testimony relating to the sexual abuse of minors by priests in Pennsylvania.
They will also demand information on how the church leaders handled those allegations, including any efforts made to cover them up.
The subpoenas will also seek information on any payments made to the victims, as well as any agreements reached with the priests accused of sexual abuse.
How Many Priests in Pennsylvania Have Been Accused of Abuse?
Although the exact number is unknown, a report released by the grand jury in August showed that about 37 percent of priests in the Pennsylvania archdiocese were accused of sexually abusing minors.
The report also showed that about 300 predator priests molested more than 1,000 children in Pennsylvania over seven decades ago, and church leaders often covered up for the offenders.
If the report is anything to go by, then it means that there could be as many as 600 priests in Pennsylvania who have been accused of sexually abusing minors.
What Does the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report Say About the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis?
The report is the most comprehensive account of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania.
It found that about 300 predator priests molested more than 1,000 children in Pennsylvania over seven decades, and church leaders often covered up for the offenders.
It also showed that the church leaders not only failed to stop the abuse but they also took steps to cover it up.
The report is a devastating indictment of the Catholic Church, and it shows that the church has failed to protect its most vulnerable members- children.
The truth is that the report may have far-reaching implications, and it will likely lead to more indictments, lawsuits, and reforms within the Catholic Church.
Church experts in the state warned that the report could have a devastating effect on the church across the United States as other states investigate Catholic Church sex abuse scandals.
How Many Victims Have Come Forward in Pennsylvania?
In the wake of the report’s release, it is believed that more than 1,300 victims have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania.
However, it is worth noting that the vast majority of those cases have only been reported on the victim’s hotline that was set up.
The report triggered the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as the archbishop of Washington. The report accused him of playing a role in protecting some of the priests who sexually molested children when he was the bishop of Pittsburgh between 1988 and 2006.
The grand jury report also triggered a fierce showdown in the state legislature where some legislators pushed hard to have the victims accorded a two-year window to sue the church in sexual abuse cases that could otherwise be too old to pursue.
However, some church leaders came forward and opposed the suggestion arguing that it would cripple their ability to sustain church-funded charities and enrich attorneys.
What Is the Catholic Church’s Stance on the Abuse Crisis?
The Catholic Church has vehemently denied any allegations of a cover-up, and it has also disputed the report’s findings.
Archbishop Charles Chaput said the report was “false and misleading” and accused the Attorney General of Pennsylvania of waging a “war” on the Catholic Church.
What Is the Next Step for the Victims?
Now that the subpoenas have been issued, more victims are expected to come forward with their stories.
However, it is worth noting that most cases are too old to be prosecuted under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations.
As such, the victims will likely seek monetary damages through civil lawsuits.
The Pennsylvania grand jury report has shone a light on the Catholic Church’s dark side, revealing the horrific extent of sexual abuse by priests.
Hopefully, this report will lead to more indictments, reforms, and justice for the victims.
Talk to an Experienced Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!
A new state attorney probe is underway in Pennsylvania for clergy abuse victims. This time, the subpoenas will demand the names of every priest who has been accused of abuse, as well as any church official who may have helped cover up the crimes.
The Pennsylvania Grand Jury report released a couple of years ago was damning, and it seems that authorities are finally ready to take action.
So far, only a fraction of the victims have come forward; many are still too afraid to speak out against their abusers.
But with this latest development, hopefully, more people will find the courage to come forward and get the justice they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy abuse, please don’t hesitate to contact us for legal help. Our clergy abuse attorneys are ready to listen to your case and help you seek the rightful compensation you deserve.
