Ex-east Tennessee Priest Convicted of Rape Now Asking for New Trial

By Laura Halm
WATE
June 4, 2015

http://wate.com/2015/06/04/ex-east-tennessee-priest-convicted-of-rape-now-asking-for-new-trial/

William Casey

GREENEVILLE (WATE) – A former East Tennessee priest, convicted of rape, is asking for a new trial.

William Casey was sentenced to a 35 year prison term in 2011 for aggravated rape and sexual misconduct in a case dating back to the 1970s. The now-adult victim, Warren Tucker, says the abuse lasted for years.

Casey has recently hired a new attorney, Frank X. Santore, Jr. The State of Appeals Court has already upheld Casey’s conviction and was denied permission to appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Santore says he can’t get Casey’s conviction thrown out, so he wants a new trial.

Previous story: Ex-East Tennessee priest gets 35-40 years in sex abuse case

“I am not sitting here saying this is going to be a slam dunk. In fact, we have the burden going forward by clear and convincing evidence here. The presumption of innocence is removed,” said Santore.

Santore says the reason why he’s petitioning for post-conviction relief is because of a number of problems in the past.

“In my opinion, the evidence is not good. In my opinion, the evidence should have been excluded. In my opinion too, the prosecution was stale,” he said.

If a judge takes up the petition, it gives the state 30 days to answer, then the judge would take another look. If the case then goes to trial, it could be set within six months. The defense team hopes for either a change in venue or a jury from outside the region.

Frank X. Santore, Jr.

“He never made any incriminating statements as to what type of behavior he may have committed, and number two whether it was committed in Sullivan County, Tennessee,” said Santore.

Santore hopes to use liturgical diaries which document pieces of Casey’s day while pastoring from 1976 to 1980 as a new argument for the defense.

“I don’t know how he would’ve found the time,” said Santore.

Despite testimony that Casey made incriminating statements and he has been found guilty, his attorney is adamant about one thing.

“This man, to call him a sex abuser is absolutely ridiculous,” added Santore.

Catholic Diocese of Knoxville spokesperson Jim Wogan sent us the following: “These allegations were thoroughly investigated years ago. A court of law made its decision in 2011. Beyond that, the Diocese of Knoxville will have no further comment on this matter.”

According to SNAP, Survivors Network Abused by Priests, Warren Tucker does know about this post-conviction relief petition and is very concerned. SNAP says they hope this petition is not granted because it means dragging the victim through horrible experiences all over again. The organization adds they do know that the law can take many turns, so they’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, they’ll continue to listen and advocate for victims.