WTNH [Connecticut]
March 26, 2007
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6281066&nav=3YeX
(Hartford-WTNH) — The Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford paid out $22 million to settle priest sex abuse cases in 2005, but now one of those cases may not be over.
A victim, Tony Lembo, who took part in that settlement is now going public with a new book. The book is on the heels of a recent report that finds that the former chaplain, Stephen Foley, is still driving around in what looks like a police cruiser.
The last time anyone saw Foley publicly was nearly 4-years ago when News Channel 8's investigative reporter Alan Cohn confronted him outside a Hartford law firm. That was the same day that another victim, identified only as Anthony Doe, was added to the list of those claiming sexual abuse by the former state police chaplain.
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Today, Anthony Doe stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight, revealing his identity as Anthony Lembo. Lembo, now 44-years old, is a former Waterbury resident who settled with the Catholic church for a six-figure sum. Lembo says he was molested by Foley, starting at the age of 14, and is detailing his experiences in a new book called The Hopeville Fire Department.
Over the weekend, The Hartford Courant reported that Foley is still driving a police edition Ford Crown Victoria that is equipped with antennas and flashing lights. The car may have been obtained through fraudulent means.
"To me, this guy is out of control," said Lembo. "You can't wait around for him to be this again, and he probably will, if he hasn't all ready."
A Courant photographer captured the picture of the car at the sprawling St. Thomas Seminary parking lot in Bloomfield. Foley still resides at the seminary and so do many high ranking Catholic clergy.
"He's driving around with a fully stocked state police car, presumably figuring out ways to pick up children," said State Representative Mike Lawlor. "I'm guessing that's what's going on because that's what these guys do."
The Commissioner of Public Safety said today that, "Major Crime detectives are examining the motor vehicle documents."
The story in the newspaper also implies that the State Police destroyed documents relating to their former chaplain's cases. Police say that the records were retained for as long as required by statute.
As far as the church, Father John Gatzak, speaking for the archdiocese said, "We were not aware of the fact that he was driving a police car. It is a concern and it will be looked into."
Gatzak also said that it was the church that removed Foley from his duties back in 1993.
Lembo says he hopes his book will prompt others who were abused to come forward.
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