Priest Convicted of Child Sex Abuse Charges

Local 12
September 20, 2013

http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/priest-convicted-child-sex-abuse-charges-2967.shtml


[with video]

CINCINNATI (Adam Clements) -- "I can honestly say I have been to hell and back in these last four and a half years." They’re the words of a mother, relieved after hearing one word – Guilty. A jury found Father Robert Poandl guilty of federal sex abuse charges. His victim says the priest took him to visit a church in West Virginia in 1991, and molested him. At the time, the victim was just ten years old. "He has dealt with this for 22 years, until he could finally see justice.” says the victim’s mother. The victim's parents are happy with the legal system, but still disappointed in the church. "In the case of our son,” says the victim’s father, “none of them contacted him. One priest contacted us privately, and that was it. That's all the help we got from the church." The victim’s mother applauds her son’s strength and courage, saying, "I think my son is alive today, because he came forward. If there is anyone out there who has been abused by a priest, or a victim of sexual abuse as a child, by god, tell someone and come forward."