GLOUCESTER CITY (NJ)
Courier Post
Thursday, April 13, 2006
By LARRY HANOVER
Courier-Post Staff
GLOUCESTER CITY
Allegations of sexual abuse against a longtime Gloucester Catholic High School teacher and coach mark the first time the Camden Diocese has been forced to act under the zero-tolerance charter adopted by Catholic bishops four years ago, a diocese official said.
The result has been something not expected as revelations of abuse have dominated the news in recent years -- agreement among the diocese and groups representing sexual-abuse victims that the system seems to have worked.
The teacher, Gerald Scharff, 63, resigned Friday after learning he was placed on administrative leave. Scharff did not return calls seeking comment, although supporters continued to argue he is wrongly accused.
It was unclear Wednesday whether Scharff might face criminal or civil action.