NJ--Priest abused in NJ, then taught in MD

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
July 30, 2015

http://www.snapnetwork.org/nj_priest_abused_in_nj_then_taught_in_md

A priest who fled the US after raping a teenager in New Jersey later quietly taught at a Maryland school. Catholic bishops in both states should aggressively seek out his victims and warn the public about him.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/07/have_you_seen_father_manuel_priest_accused_of_rapi.html0

Fr. Manuel Gallo Espinoza fled back to South America from the Newark archdiocese after a victim reported having been raped by the priest. (Catholic officials admit the report was “credible” and law enforcement sought to interview Fr. Espinoza.) A few years later, however, Fr. Espinoza quietly returned to the US and began teaching at a Prince George's County, Md. School. He abruptly left in February.

We call on bishops in both Maryland and New Jersey to use their vast resources – parish bulletins, church websites and pulpit announcements – to warn police, prosecutors, parents, parishioners and the public about Fr. Espinoza. They should turn over every shred of paperwork they have about this priest to law enforcement. Bishops should personally visit parishes in the areas Fr. Espinoza worked, begging victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to step forward.

Catholic officials recruited, educated, ordained, hired, supervised, trained and sheltered Fr. Espinoza, then tipped him off as police were about to question him. So aggressive outreach is the bare minimum they should do at this point.

We hope law enforcement will also consider criminal charges against those who ignored or concealed Fr. Espinoza’s crimes.