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	Snap: Abuse Victims Should Contact Police Directly By Paul Luce Daily Times April 19, 2011 http://delcotimes.com/articles/2011/04/19/news/doc4dacf5cb7d82c807401335.txt In the wake of allegations against an area Catholic school athletic director, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is urging other possible victims and witnesses to bypass church officials and call police. Archbishop John Carroll High School's Francis Murphy, 39, was arrested Friday on charges of unlawful contact with a minor, promoting prostitution, corruption of minors and related offenses. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney's office, Murphy solicited sexual favors from a male student via Facebook. An archdiocese of Philadelphia press release stated school administrators sent a letter via email to school families Monday, informing them of the arrest. "The letter conveyed to parents how troubling this news is for the members of our school community," said Mary E. Rochford, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese. "It also reaffirmed our pledge to parents that the prevention of child abuse and protection of children is our primary concern." The press release acknowledged that public notice of such allegations may be painful to those who have been abused and encouraged anyone needing assistance to contact the archdiocese's Victim Assistance Office. Though SNAP officials had not read the letter as of Monday afternoon, SNAP National Board member Peter Isley said he hoped it clearly urged other victims and witnesses to contact law enforcement officials, instead of church officials. "It's self-serving damage control when Catholic staffers urge crime victims to report crimes to Catholic staffers," Isley said in a faxed statement. Isley's statement begged anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered Murphy's alleged crimes to get help and call police. The Daily Times was unable to obtain a copy of the letter by press time Monday. However, Archdiocese of Philadelphia Director of Communications Donna Farrell agreed, adding victims and witnesses should always contact law-enforcement officials first. "We certainly want people to call the police. That is where they should go," she said. "Contact the police or contact the Montgomery County district attorney." Farrell said the letter offered information and talking points for parents to help address the situation with their children. "If this brings up some traumatic reaction, we are trying to provide an outreach," she said. The archdiocese press release stated Murphy has been placed on administrative leave, relieving him of all duties related to his employment related to the archdiocese. Murphy has been Carroll's athletic director since 1999, but is currently behind bars at Montgomery County prison in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, court records show. Assistant Baseball Coach Father Ed Casey has taken over Murphy's head coaching duties on an interim basis as the school searches for a new coach, Carroll Principal Joseph Denelsbeck said. James Corkery was named interim athletic director. Denelsbeck said the school's students and faculty are in shock after hearing the allegations against one of their own. "What we are focusing on now is making sure our students are safe and that they continue to learn, play their athletics and that their lives remain as normal as possible," he said. The school's guidance office is on hand to offer students emotional support, he added. "We're just focused on our students and making sure they are safe and in a good learning environment," Denelsbeck said. SNAP spokesman David Clohessy called for Cardinal Justin Rigali to address the school community regarding the allegations against Murphy. Denelsbeck said while Rigali would always be welcome to the school, a visit from the cardinal is not Clohessy's call to make. "If the appropriate people feel that is a good recommendation, since it is the cardinal's school," he is always welcome to come and speak, said Denelsbeck. "But I don't know what kind of expertise (Clohessy) would have to make that recommendation." Contact: pluce@delcotimes.com
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