May 12, 2005

Abuse survivors group wants grand jury probe of priests

PENNSYLVANIA
The Morning Call

A support group for victims of clergy sexual abuse has asked Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin to emulate his counterpart in Philadelphia by launching a grand jury investigation of the Diocese of Allentown.

The group, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, also wants Allentown Bishop Edward Cullen to release the names of clergy members who have admitted to molesting children or others "who have been justifiably accused."

Martin said he investigated those clergy members three years ago and didn't find enough evidence to convene a grand jury. None of the priests were charged with a crime. Diocesan officials said they gave the names to law enforcement officials and cooperated fully with their investigation.

Posted by kshaw at May 12, 2005 04:21 PM