Brick Priest Found Guilty of Abusing Mother

SNAP
October 16, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/nj_brick_priest_found_guilty_of_abusing_mother

We are grateful that Fr. Marukudiyil Velan, known as “Fr. Chris” has been found guilty of criminal sexual conduct. Often trusted members of the clergy are given “light” sentences and then free to move into unsuspecting communities where they pose a very real danger.

We are especially grateful to the brave mother who reported what happened to her and allegedly to her children. Her courage to speak up and to seek justice will protect more people.

This is not the time to become complacent. Predators are known to molest throughout their lifetime. Church officials should reach out to any other possible victims or witnesses. We have a simple message to every current and former Catholic Church employee and member: It’s never too late to share what you know or suspect with law enforcement officials. It’s up to us to pass on information. And it’s up to police and prosecutors to determine what will help them further prosecute or imprison a criminal.

Velan was an adjunct priest at Church of the Visitation and in 2012 molested a mother. Velan admitted what he did on video tape during the police investigation.