Pedophile Priest Conviction Upheld

SNAP
January 28, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/tn_pedophile_priest_conviction_upheld

We are grateful that a three judge panel has upheld the conviction of a predator priest. Fr. William C. Casey should remain behind bars. And his former Catholic officials should take aggressive steps to find, and help, his other victims.

[Times News]

We are glad this brave man, Warren Tucker, will get his day in court. We are proud that he is protecting others. And we’re grateful that this predator, Fr. William Casey, is being held responsible for his heinous crimes.

Every time a pedophile priest is prosecuted, kids are safer. We applaud Warren for his courage and are confident that Casey will stay locked up.

We hope this positive news will encourage others who have been hurt by child molesting clerics to come forward, get help, call police, protect kids and start healing.

Casey was indicted in Scott County, Virginia and pleaded guilty to child sex charges in North Carolina. We believe he's a dangerous man.

Often, predator priests hire top notch defense lawyers, exploit legal technicalities, escape conviction, or receive light sentences, and walk free, able to molest again. We are glad this hasn't happened here.

And often, others with information about clergy sex crimes remain silent. That may be happening here.

So it's crucial that bishops in each of the states where Casey spent time (NC, TN and VA) do real outreach.

In the diocese of Knoxville, some small steps have been taken to let parishioners and the public know about Casey’s crimes. But much more could and should be done. Bishops should personally visit each parish where Casey worked, begging victims and witnesses to contact law enforcement.

Until bishops do this, their claims of “reforming” on clergy sex crimes and cover ups will continue to ring hollow.