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	Former Hinsdale Priest Convicted of Sex Abuse Released By Amy Deis Pioneer Press September 24, 2009 http://www.pioneerlocal.com/hinsdale/news/1789454,hinsdale-fatherfred-092409-s1.article A former St. Isaac Jogues priest was released from state custody this morning and will be closely monitored as part of a program to transition him back into society. The Rev. Fred Lenczycki, 65, already has been registered as a sex offender and will be living in Forest Park, according to the Sex Offender Registry Web site. He will wear a GPS ankle bracelet and be closely monitored. Lenczycki was convicted in 2004 for sexually abusing three boys at St. Isaac's in the early 1980s. Lenczycki also admitted to fondling at least 30 boys in the Chicago area, Missouri and California while serving as a priest. He served two years in prison. Just before being released in 2006, a group of citizens petitioned to keep him in custody, and he was sent to a state-run mental health facility in Rushville. In March 2008, DuPage Judge Bonnie Wheaton declared him a sexually violent person for having been convicted of a sexual crime and exhibiting signs of a mental illness that suggested he could commit another sexually violent crime. Earlier today, Wheaton signed off on a treatment plan presented by Liberty Health Care Corps., which is contracted by the state. The plan includes releasing him into the care of a conditional-release agent, who will monitor Lenczycki for the first 30 days. The agent will accompany Lenczycki whenever he leaves his home. A spokesman for the Illinois Attorney General's Office asked for a stay on his release because of safety concerns for the public. Judge Wheaton denied the request. The spokesman said the attorney general will move quickly on appealing the judge's decision. Marion Cruz, one of the lawyers representing Lenczycki along with James Montgomery, said Lenczycki has agreed to the conditions and restrictions of his release and told her he would abide by them. "Today, Judge Wheaton admonished him and gave him a lengthy speech, emphasizing his following those restrictions," Cruz said. "She said, 'There's a lot of people watching you and making sure you're holding up these agreements.' " Cruz said Wheaton also emphasized that this case has not been treated as a criminal matter because Lenczycki already served his prison term and that this is a mental health matter. "He's gotten a lot of press because he's been a priest, but he will go through the same process as any (sexually violent person)," Cruz said. Lenczycki's conditional release includes 42 restrictions, some of which are statutory and some relevant only to him. In July, Wheaton ruled Lenczycki no longer needed to be locked up in Rushville, but she made it clear that he can no longer practice any priestly duties like celebrating Mass. He also cannot be in the presence of or converse with any minors, he must receive approval for any purchases, he cannot buy a vehicle, he cannot leave the county or state without approval and he must disclose his finances. If Lenczycki violates any of the conditions or restrictions of his release, the state's zero-tolerance provision puts him back into custody of the mental health facility. He also cannot go anywhere without approval and is subject to a search at any time. Cruz said the state will work with his family members to make sure they are aware of the conditions and restrictions. "The ultimate goal is to protect the community and make sure he doesn't re-commit," Cruz said. Contact: adeis@pioneerlocal.com
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