Child Molestation Claims against Former Priest of the Syracuse Diocese Are Credible

WSYR
October 2, 2014

http://www.localsyr.com/story/d/story/vatican-child-molestation-claims-against-former-pr/26055/6CMk1WnD1UGEwY3fu0khpg?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WSYRLocalNews+(News+Channel+9%3A+Local+News)


Vatican officials have confirmed that child molestation accusations against a decorated former priest of the Syracuse Diocese are credible, officials say.

Charles Eckermann, who was designated with the title “Monsignor,” was suspended in April when a Diocesan review board determined that accusations are credible, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Diocese confirmed on Thursday.

The accusations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred 25 years ago.

Eckermann was a priest at St. Ann’s in Manlius and served as a principal at Bishop Ludden High School.

Eckermann cannot be prosecuted criminally because the allegations exceed the statute of limitations.

Eckermann, now in his 80s, is forbidden from functioning as a priest.