BishopAccountability.org
	US Diocese Settles Assault Case against Indian Priest The IBN September 8, 2011 http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/us-diocese-settles-assault-case-against-indian-priest/815766.html The terms of the agreement include a commitment by the Diocese of Crookston to continue its safe environment work.Jeyapaul has refused to return from India to face two criminal charges in the US.According to KSTP-TV Channel, Peterson appeared at a news conference yesterday to announce the settlement of USD 750,000."I'm here today to speak my truth, and to protect kids," the victim said.Peterson said that she tried to kill herself a couple of years ago and was hospitalised.She said her faith in God and the church was "taken" by Jeyapaul, and she wants to make sure he can't hurt other kids."I just think he needs to be out of ministry and away from kids and that's my main concern right now," she said. "I won't rest until he is." The settlement requires the Crookston Diocese to post a picture of Jeyapaul on its website along with details of the abuse.The diocese must also warn parishioners about Jeyapaul and notify Catholic authorities in India to express concern that children were at risk from him.Last year Jeyapaul had agreed to come to United States and fight the charges against him, but later changed his mind.Prosecutors in Roseau County are seeking to extradite Jeyapaul to face two counts of criminal sexual conduct.Jeyapaul has said he is innocent and has refused to return to Minnesota.The Diocese of Crookston said in a statement that it regrets any harm that may have caused to any person due to the actions of Jeyapaul, and the hardships the parishes have endured during this difficult time.The Safe Environment programme in the Diocese of Crookston mandates that every volunteer, employee or clergy who serves the Church is subject to a criminal background check and safe environment training.The statement added that on August 25, 2005, the Diocese of Crookston received a complaint against Father Jeyapaul alleging inappropriate behaviour with a teenage girl.Upon receiving this complaint, the Diocese notified the proper civil authorities.
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