December 24, 2005

Civil suit dropped against priest

ALASKA
Fairbanks News-Miner

By CHRIS TALBOTT, Staff Writer

A Nome Superior Court judge has dismissed a civil suit against the Rev. James Poole, but left on course a trial against the Fairbanks Diocese and the Society of Jesuits.

The attorney for Jane Doe 2 called the ruling a victory, despite the fact his client's accused abuser won't stand trial.

"This has incredible ramifications for the other cases because this is the first decision about whether these things can go forward," Ken Roosa said. "These cases are still viable. These cases are not stillborn."

Judge Ben Esch ruled that the charges against Poole long exceeded the state's statute of limitations and dismissed him from Jane Doe's 2 civil suit. Poole still faces suits by Jane Does 3 and 4.

Posted by kshaw at December 24, 2005 06:42 AM