Ex-brooklyn Priest Sued for Child Sex Abuse, SNAP Responds

SNAP
August 14, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_ex_brooklyn_priest_sued_for_child_sex_abuse_snap_responds

A new child sex abuse lawsuit has been filed against Fr. William Authenrieth who is originally from the Diocese of Brooklyn, abused in New York and Florida, and now lives in Massachusetts.

We urge Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio 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. Since Fr. Authenrieth was recruited, ordained, and trained in Brooklyn (before he was transferred to Orlando), Brooklyn Catholic officials should at least warn unsuspecting families about him.

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.