FL- New child sexual abuse lawsuit filed, SNAP responds

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
August 13, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/fl_new_child_sexual_abuse_lawsuit_filed_snap_responds

For immediate release: Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of th

A new child sex abuse lawsuit has been filed against Fr. William Authenrieth who is apparently still alive and living in Massachusetts.

We urge Orlando Bishop John Noonan to urge his colleagues in Massachusetts to warn the public and their parishioners about Fr. Authenrieth, who has been accused of or sued for child sex crimes at least five times. That's the least Noonan can do to protect children. (After all, Florida Catholic officials recruited, educated, hired, trained, shielded and transferred Fr. Authenrieth. They can't simply suspend him from parish work and do nothing more to seek out those he has hurt and safeguard those he may hurt.)

Some might argue that, given his age  (about 80), Fr. Authenrieth isn't likely assaulting children now. They would be wrong. 

It takes only seconds for a man to shove his hands down a boy's pants or his tongue down a girl's throat. And who would parents or kids trust more than an elderly, balding, stoop-shouldered, grandfatherly-looking figure? 

It's irresponsible for anyone to assume that because a child molester is older, he's somehow safer.

We urge every single person who saw, suspected or suffered Fr. Authenrieth's crimes to come forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoers, protect kids and start healing.

ose Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com )

A new child sex abuse lawsuit has been filed against Fr. William Authenrieth who is apparently still alive and living in Massachusetts.

We urge Orlando Bishop John Noonan to urge his colleagues in Massachusetts to warn the public and their parishioners about Fr. Authenrieth, who has been accused of or sued for child sex crimes at least five times. That's the least Noonan can do to protect children. (After all, Florida Catholic officials recruited, educated, hired, trained, shielded and transferred Fr. Authenrieth. They can't simply suspend him from parish work and do nothing more to seek out those he has hurt and safeguard those he may hurt.)

Some might argue that, given his age (about 80), Fr. Authenrieth isn't likely assaulting children now. They would be wrong.

It takes only seconds for a man to shove his hands down a boy's pants or his tongue down a girl's throat. And who would parents or kids trust more than an elderly, balding, stoop-shouldered, grandfatherly-looking figure?

It's irresponsible for anyone to assume that because a child molester is older, he's somehow safer.