Texas May Parole Former Worcester Priest Imprisoned for Molestation

By Bronislaus B. Kush
Telegram & Gazette
June 28, 2013

http://www.telegram.com/article/20130627/NEWS/306279633/1246

Thomas H. Teczar, the defrocked Worcester priest serving a 50-year sentence in Texas for molesting an 11-year-old boy more than 20 years ago, may be released from prison because of medical problems.

Mr. Teczar, who was also publicly accused of sexually assaulting at least two Central Massachusetts boys, was formally removed from the priesthood by Pope Benedict XVI in September 2011.

Texas prosecutors and victims of Mr. Teczar were informed this week that the Parole Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is considering an early parole for the former priest and asked them to provide comments on any such action.

Ordinarily, Mr. Teczar would not be considered for parole until Oct. 23, 2019. ...

Spokesman Raymond L. Delisle said the Diocese of Worcester had no comment.

"The decision of whether or not to parole him is up to Texas officials," he said.

David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests said there are documented accusations of Mr. Teczar sexually assaulting children for nearly 50 years.

"Despite this, he wants to serve only four years of a 50-year sentence," Mr. Clohessy said. "Having a long history of committing crimes without consequence, he cannot be allowed to walk free from the only punishment he has ever received, punishment which keeps him away from children."