BishopAccountability.org
	Church Pianist Departs after Misconduct Allegations Police Looking at Case Involving Musician at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano By Jeff Overley and Kimberly Edds Orange County Register [California] May 27, 2007 http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1709715.php A pianist at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano was recently put on leave because of an allegation of sexual misconduct and later resigned, church officials said Saturday. Church officials learned of the allegations against Albert L. Schildknecht of Laguna Niguel during the past two weeks, said Maria Schinderle, Diocese of Orange general counsel. Officials contacted law enforcement and put Schildknect, 56, on leave. He later quit, Schinderle said. Schildknect, who officials say played piano at weekend Mass, did not return calls. No information on the accuser or the nature of the alleged misconduct was available. Sgt. David Njust of the Orange County Sheriff's Department said investigators looked into accusations against Schildknecht after a 28-year-old woman reported being abused by him when she was 15. Investigators couldn't substantiate that any alleged abuse happened within the 10-year statute of limitations, but a second allegation involving a Costa Mesa woman was uncovered, Njust said. Investigators gave their findings to Costa Mesa police, who said they could not immediately comment. Schinderle said a church bulletin would inform parishioners of the situation. Contact the writer: 714-932-1221 or joverley@ocregister.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.