ORLANDO (FL)
Herald-Tribune
By MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Two men sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando for negligence Monday, saying they were molested by a priest who had been allowed to continue working in central Florida churches even after a previous allegation of abuse was made.
Both men, now in their 40s, are seeking more than $5 million each for what they describe in the lawsuits as severe psychological injuries caused by Vernon Uhran in the 1970s.
Uhran was removed from the diocese in 1992 after an allegation of sexual abuse was made against him, said Carol Brinati, a spokeswoman for the diocese.
Brinati said that since the diocese hadn't yet been served with the lawsuits she couldn't comment on them. She didn't know where Uhran currently lives, and an Orlando phone number for Uhran was disconnected.
"Child sexual abuse is criminal and sinful. We remain committed to helping every victim and we pray for all those involved in these situations," Brinati said. "We stand ready to cooperate with law enforcement in any ensuing investigation."