Rubin Urges Quick Notification on Abuse

Virginia MN
January 3, 2014

http://www.virginiamn.com/news/local/article_d8489790-7421-11e3-aabf-0019bb2963f4.html

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin said Thursday that Catholic diocesan officials in Duluth should have immediately involved law enforcement after learning a priest had allegedly sexually abused a child.

Rubin said in a news release that an adult had reported in 2012 to the Diocese of Duluth about “a credible allegation of sexual abuse by Father Cornelius Kelleher, which abuse had occurred many years ago.”

The adult came forward when she learned that Kelleher had moved to a residence near her home. The incident occurred three years after the statute of limitations expired. The diocese did act promptly to remove Kelleher from where he was residing and under church law prohibited him from acting publicly as a priest.

Two other women also came forward and said they had been victims of sexual abuse as children by Kelleher, and also beyond the statute of limitations, the county attorney said.

Diocesan officials reportedly acknowledged to Rubin that 15 months had gone by before the report of alleged sexual abuse and notification to authorities was made, “was far too long and unacceptable,” Rubin said.

The diocese now realizes that although the alleged abuse occurred years ago and that the victim’s privacy must be kept upon her request, “it is incumbent upon the diocese to promptly report the allegations to the responsible law enforcement agency or social services,” Rubin noted.

The county attorney stressed that allegations of sexual abuse of children by anyone should be reported, and that allegations taking place within three years of disclosure are required to be reported to law enforcement or social services, which cross-check with each other.

The women did not report the allegations for years as they felt they would not be believed. That “exemplifies the harsh reality that sexual abuse has a lifelong impact on victims,” he added.

There was no response by the diocese to a call shortly after business hours seeking comment.

The diocese released Tuesday the names of 17 priests it said were credibly accused of sexual abuse. A news report said that 14 have died, and the others have been removed from the church or are under investigation.

Rubin said in his news release that he had contacted prosecuting officials in all 10 counties making up the Duluth diocese regarding the situation.