GARY (IN)
Post-Tribune
Dec. 31, 2004
By Jon Seidel / Post-Tribune staff writer
A national group that defends victims of sexual abuse by priests has demanded an explanation from the Gary Diocese for the length of an investigation of a Michigan City priest.
David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, sent a letter Thursday to Bishop Dale Melczek of the Diocese of Gary and to Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando to ask why it took eight months for them to respond to allegations made against the Rev. Richard Emerson.
About two weeks ago, Melczek announced that Emerson, 52, a Hammond native, would be placed on administrative leave from his position as pastor of Michigan City’s Notre Dame parish because allegations of sexual abuse made against him were judged to be credible.
Emerson has been accused of engaging in sexual activity with a minor while working as a priest in the Orlando Diocese during the 1980s.
The Rev. Brian Chadwick, the communications director for the Gary diocese, said no criminal charges have been filed against Emerson, although authorities in both Indiana and Florida have been informed. Emerson is restrained from public ministry or contact with minors pending a Vatican review, the diocese said earlier in a news release.
Posted by kshaw at December 31, 2004 07:52 AM