Update: Victim Takes Stand in Priest Rape Case, by Leslie Almaroad, WCYB, March 21, 2011

Update: Victim Takes Stand in Priest Rape Case

By Leslie Almaroad
WCYB
March 21, 2011

http://www.wcyb.com/news/27267847/detail.html

The victim in a case involving a former Kingsport priest took the stand in a Sullivan County courtroom today.

William Casey is accused of sexually abusing and raping a young boy while he was a priest at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Kingsport.

The case dates back about 30 years and defense attorneys for Casey claim there has been a due process violation, which is why Casey was in court today.

The judge says he will make his decision Friday.

Our news crew was in the courtroom as the victim in the case explained why it took him so long to report the abuse.

Warren Tucker told the courtroom he was sexually abused by William Casey from the age of ten until he was 15.

"He said that I was special, and that our friendship was special, and our love was special and no one else would understand it."

Tucker, now 45, took the stand Monday and explained in his own words why it took him nearly 30 years to come forward.

"I didn't think anyone would believe me because Father Casey was very well-liked."

Tucker says he was even afraid to tell his mother because of the relationship she claimed to have with Casey at that time.

"My mother had told me Father Casey and her were in love and that it was more than a friendship love, that it was romantic and that he was leaving the priesthood to marry her."

Defense attorney Rick Spivey got his chance to cross examine Tucker, asking him a number of questions, including if he had ever felt threatened by Casey.

Tucker responded, "Threaten me with physical harm? No sir."

Tucker went on to testify that he decided to report the abuse to police after talking with someone from SNAP, an organization that works with survivors of those who have been abused by priests.

Once Tucker completed his testimony, prosecutors called David Boettner to the stand to testify about what William Casey said when questioned by the bishop of the Knoxville Diocese. When asked what Casey said when the bishop asked him about having oral and anal sex with Tucker, Boettner answered by telling the court that Casey told the bishop he was guilty.