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  Green Bay Catholic Diocese, Ex-Priest Named in New Lawsuit

By Emily Matesic
WBAY
January 16, 2008

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=7627049

An alleged sexual assault victim in Nevada filed a lawsuit against former priest John Patrick Feeney, the Green Bay Catholic Diocese, and the diocese of Reno-Las Vegas.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, announced the filing of the lawsuit Tuesday afternoon.

The victim, identified only as John Doe 119, says Father Feeney sexually assaulted him in 1984 when he was 13 years old.

The court document accuses the Green Bay diocese of transferring a known child sex offender to Las Vegas.

Soon after Feeney arrived at the Las Vegas church, the suit alleges, the abuse took place, and several more claims of in appropriate sexual behavior were brought against Feeney.

In 1987 he was sent for an evaluation at a treatment center. The conclusion of that evaluation, "It is our view that Father Feeney, despite having a diagnosable sexual disorder, is untreatable."

Two years later, according to the lawsuit, Feeney sought treatment again. This time it was recommended "Father Feeney move on... and that he be considered for a return to ministry."

However, in that same letter to Green Bay Bishop Adam Maida, he was told, "When you have read the enclosed reports, please destroy them or return them to use and we will see to their disposal."

SNAP says that's an example of the diocese covering up Feeney's crimes.

"Destroy records, destroy evidence of criminal behavior by one of your priests against children in Wisconsin, in Nevada, and now in California in order to protect him and us," Peter Isely, SNAP's Midwest director, said.

The diocese issued a response late Tuesday afternoon after it reviewed a copy of the complaint:

    At this time we do not know if the complaint was filed in Clark County, Nevada, and no complaint has been served on the Diocese. If we are served with a complaint, we will continue in our practice of cooperating with civil authorities. And, as always, we will continue to listen to victims and train our staff and volunteers on how to create and maintain safe environments.
 
 
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