MARYLAND
Baltimore Sun
By Jennifer McMenamin
Sun Reporter
Originally published February 7, 2006, 8:54 PM EST
For nearly 20 years, Thomas Roberts kept quiet, hiding the secret of sexual abuse by the high school chaplain he sought counseling from in 1987.
When another young man who had attended a different school came forward in 1993 with similar allegations against the priest, Roberts kept quiet still.
Tuesday, as a Baltimore County judge prepared to sentence Jerome F. Toohey Jr. for the sexual abuse that occurred over three years, Roberts kept quiet no longer.
"Father Jeff lived nearly 20 years in the freedom of my silence," the 33-year-old former Calvert Hall College student told the judge. Turning to face Toohey, Roberts added, "I'm old enough and strong enough now to fight for the young man you abused. Today, the balance of power has finally shifted, and the burden is completely yours."