Attorney for Teenager Reported the Church Claimed It Amicably Resolved Case
CBS 4
October 15, 2008
http://cbs4.com/local/priest.sexual.abuse.2.842156.html
[with video]
MIAMI (CBS4) — A Miami attorney said the Miami Archdiocese settled a case against his client, a teenage girl known as "Jane Doe", who alleged that the Rev. James Fetscher at St. Louis Catholic Church was aware of sexual misconduct by its youth minister, Anthony B. Ricco, then 19, as far back as 2004 but did not report it to authorities as required by law.
The apology from the Catholic Church is being called "unprecedented" and reportedly came as part of a settlement with the young woman.
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Jeffrey Herman, the attorney representing the 15-year-old teenager, claimed the Miami Archdiocese received numerous complaints in 2004 that Youth Minister Anthony Ricco at St. Louis Catholic Church in Pinecrest was sexually abusing young girls.
Among those alerted to his suspected behavior, the church's Pastor, Father James Fetscher, and Senior Youth Minister Paul Herring. The woman claimed Father Fetscher and Herring took no action to protect the children at St. Louis Catholic Church, even after receiving complaints.
In 2006, 'Jane Doe' said as a 15-year old, she was sexually abused by Ricco, who she claims also abused other girls in the New Life youth group, some as young as 13-years old.
In December 2006, Ricco pled no contest to nine counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child. These counts include his sexual assaults on 'Jane Doe.'
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A family who attends the church told CBS4 Reporter Natalia Zea that the Archdiocese has every reason to say they're sorry. The Amore family attends the church to help them through the hardest time.
"In today's society," Judi Amore said, "I really think you need some sort of faith-based background." Now, they've learned their former youth minister has admitted to sexually assaulting some teenagers during youth group field trips. Judi is not surprised. "It's pretty prevalent at all churches."
The outcome, however, is anything but common. "This is the first case I'm aware of that the Archdiocese of Miami actually issued an apology to the victim," Herman said.
The apology issued said, "The Archdiocese of Miami extends an apology to Jane Doe 31 for its role in the harm caused to her and asks for prayers for all those in the youth ministry who were adversely impacted by such events. The Archdiocese of Miami will continue to prevent future violations."
The Amore's feel an apology is the least the Archdiocese can do. "For years, a lot of these things were swept under the rug and now it's coming to light and they're actually doing something about it," Judi said, "I think that's wonderful."
"If they think they needed to apologize, there must be a reason," said parishioner Rick Quesada. Quesada is a godfather who has unwavering faith in the Catholic Church. He appreciates the fact that the Archdiocese is taking responsibility and feels church leaders are doing the best they can. "No one is perfect, you know? Unfortunately, there's evil everywhere and the truth came out."
The victim's attorney won't say how much money was awarded in the settlement, but did say that for the victim, the apology was very important.
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