Local Priest Cleared of Accusations

Clinton Herald
June 23, 2016

http://www.clintonherald.com/news/local-priest-cleared-of-accusations/article_04ed4f8a-3981-11e6-877d-d77f10888109.html

A local priest has been cleared of accusations that he inappropriately touched minors three decades ago.

The Diocese of Davenport through a press release announced that Father John Stack will be assigned to priestly ministry and service to the Diocese.

According to the release, the Diocese received a report in 2013 that stated Stack, then a chaplain at Mercy Medical Center in Clinton, inappropriately touched minors in approximately the 1980s. The Diocese reported this to the Scott County Attorney's Office in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Diocese and the county attorney. Stack was removed from ministry while this matter was investigated.

As a result of the investigation and with the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board, Bishop Martin Amos petitioned the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican, requesting the case be brought to trial. The trial process could have resulted in one of three judgements: innocent, guilty or that the accusations of sexual abuse of minors were not proven.

The three judges, all from outside of the Diocese of Davenport, found that the accusations of sexual abuse of minors by Stack were not proven. There was not a finding of innocence or guilt. In order to assure the rights of all, the decision was appealed for further review. The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith concurred with the finding of the judges.

The release states that after receiving the conclusion from the Vatican, Bishop Amos will assign Father Stack to priestly ministry and service to the Diocese.