District Attorneys, Diocese Reach Agreement on Sex Abuse Rules

WICZ
October 28, 2015

http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=40776

After allegations of sexual misconduct within the Syracuse Diocese, a memorandum of understanding has been created between seven county District Attorneys, including Broome County's, and the Diocese.

The document puts into written word a verbal agreement that has been present for more than a decade. It includes protocol for the Diocese reporting any reports of sexual abuse directly to the county DA to immediately assess the situation.

"Today is a great step forward to further our collective efforts to eradicate this issue and to keep our children safe," said Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Bishop Robert Cunningham.

"It makes sure that no matter who the Bishop is or no matter who the prosecutor is, this is the way it should be done. It also tells the community that we understand that that's how it should be done," said Broome County District Attorney Gerald Mollen.

The document states responsibility to refer allegations directly to the DA regardless of its age or if the suspect is active in the diocese.