9 Jurors Seated in Clergy Sex Abuse Civil Trial

WWLP
July 23, 2012

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/9-jurors-seated-in-clergy-sex-abuse-civil-trial

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Nine jurors have been seated in a clergy sex abuse case.

The case involves two former Springfield Bishops who are accused of not protecting a child from sexual abuse.

The jurors will hear the case of Andrew Nicastro.

He's the man who claims former Springfield Priest Alfred Graves sexually abused him as a child.

Now, he's suing former Bishops Thomas Dupre and Joseph Maguire who he says could have prevented it.

22News was there in 2009 when he announced the lawsuit.

"It's angering. It could have all been avoided had somebody simply did anything, anything at all," Nicastro said at that time.

He told 22News the catholic church has offered apologies, however he hopes by speaking out it will shed some light on the problem and prevent other children from being abused in the future.

The lawsuit claims the former Catholic Bishops knew Graves had a history of indecent conduct with a minor, but did nothing to keep him from reoffending.

Graves was removed from ministry in 1992 and is not allowed to represent himself as a priest.

Now, Nicastro, who was reportedly abused nearly 30 years ago, is looking for closure for himself and hopes to make a difference in someone else's life.

"I hope at least if this stops it from happening to one more child it will all have been worth it. But, I can no longer stay quiet," Nicastro added.

The judge wants to seat 5 more jurors Tuesday morning and begin trial in the civil lawsuit.

Nicastro is expected to testify first.