By Kacie Breeding
The Times-News
July 14, 2011
http://www.timesnews.net/article/9033869/former-kingsport-priest-casey-found-guilty-of-aggravated-rape-sexual-misconduct
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| William Casey |
William Casey has been found guilty as charged of first-degree sexual misconduct and two counts of aggravated rape. He was taken into custody immediately, and is being held without bond pending a sentencing hearing on July 22.
The verdict was delivered at 1 p.m. in Sullivan County Criminal Court. The charges alleged Casey, 77, of 740 Shakerag Road, Greeneville, began to sexually abuse a young altar boy shortly after becoming priest of St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Kingsport in the 1970s.
Sullivan County District Attorney Barry Staubus called the case "one of the most emotionally draining" that he's ever handled, but he felt the victim, Warren Tucker, now 46, has finally been "vindicated" after 35 years.
Tucker could not be reached for comment after the trial. Instead, Cal Pfeiffer, a representative of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests -- the nonprofit group that first encouraged Tucker to go to police -- offered comment on his behalf.
"He's not happy that this whole thing began, or that he had to go through the trial. He's relieved that it's over, and he's gotten some justice," said Pfeiffer.
Pfeiffer said they hoped the verdict gives "hope" to those who are, "holding it inside like (Tucker) had for so many years," and shows them that they can come forward, and should not be "hindered" by the statute of limitations.
Bishop Richard Stika, of the Diocese of Knoxville, said in a press release Thursday afternoon that the diocese had supported Tucker's efforts to seek justice against Casey from the time he reported "this horrrible crime" to them.
"We are brokenhearted at the pain and tragedy Mr. Tucker has experienced over the past years, and we sincerely hope that today’s verdict will bring some healing to him," Stika stated.
Stika also said the diocese had taken steps to identify and offer assistance to, "any other possible victims" in the areas where Casey had served, beginning immediately after Tucker came to them.
Staubus said it is not uncommon for victims of such abuse, "particularly clergy abuse," to "suffer long into adulthood, often, before they disclose it." An expert gave testimony to that effect at a prior hearing.
When Tucker finally did approach law enforcement, he said he, "wanted to be counted, and he's been counted," Staubus said. "Finally, William Casey has been held acountable for what he did."
Staubus said he hopes the verdict sends this message: "In Sullivan County, Tennessee, know that if you abuse children and you think you've gotten away with it for several years, you haven't, that you'll be held accountable."
Meanwhile, Staubus declined to comment on what Casey's punishment might be. He said his focus thus far has been on getting a conviction.
He said that they will have to research what applicable laws were in effect in the late '70s and early '80s before determining an appropriate sentence.
Casey was indicted in Sullivan County on Aug. 31, 2010. He has already pleaded guilty to a similar offense committed against Tucker in McDowell County, N.C., and has additional charges involving Tucker pending in Scott County, Va..
Tucker testified Casey raped him twice -- once when he was 13 and once when he was 14 -- in the priest's bedroom in the rectory basement, and performed oral sex on him in his mother's trailer shortly before his 15th birthday, with Tucker saying he "felt obligated" to reciprocate the alleged act. He described feeling powerless to resist a man he believed to be "representative of God on earth."
He described either seeing Casey or being left in his care "almost daily" because his divorced mother worked seven days a week and attended nursing school. An only child, he said he had considered Casey a father figure, and his mother allowed Casey to take him on several overnight trips, during which he and Casey slept in the same bed. He said Casey told him he was "special" and that they had a "special love together."
Two officials from the Diocese of Knoxville were called Wednesday morning as the prosecution's final witnesses.
Father David Boettner testified that he, Bishop Richard Stika and Deacon Sean Smith met with Casey immediately after Tucker reported his allegations to the diocese on April 14, 2010. Tucker had provided a written statement of his allegations, and the document was read to Casey at the meeting, Boettner said. Afterward, Casey was asked if its contents were credible.
Boettner said Casey's response was, "Unfortunately, but not all the specifics."
Boettner said Smith then asked if Casey had sexually penetrated and fondled Tucker and that Casey had responded, "I'm guilty."
Deacon Sean Smith, identified as chancellor and chief operating officer of the diocese, testified about the same exchanges.
Smith testified, "I asked Mr. Casey if he indeed masturbated Mr. Tucker, if he had oral and anal sex with him."
He also said Casey responded, "I'm guilty," and that Casey also apologized to Stika, Boettner and himself, saying he was "so sorry that this would cause hurt to the Catholic church and all the faithful in the diocese."
By the time Tucker reported his allegations to authorities, Casey had retired from the Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville. He was subsequently suspended from the Catholic ministry pending completion of the laicization process. His attorney, Rick Spivey, told the jury Wednesday afternoon that his client has been "defrocked."
The press release from the diocese made no mention of the laicization process. Stika referred only to a "suspension decree" issued when Casey admitted credibility to Tucker's allegations. That decree "permanently suspended" Casey from the ministry, removed his priestly faculties, stripped him of the title "Father" and prohibited him from dressing, acting or presenting himself as a priest.
Spivey was not immediately available for comment after the trial.
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