Accuser sheds light on abuse allegations

By Lianna Prill
1011 Now
September 06, 2018

http://www.1011now.com/content/news/Accuser-sheds-light-on-abuse-allegations-492664501.html

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln is under investigation by the Attorney General and local law enforcement. While the Diocese is cooperating, it's also causing victims to come forward with their stories of reported abuse.

"For the first time in the last 10 months, I finally feel there's someone standing up for the victims," Stan Schulte said.

Stan Schulte said he was abused by a priest in the Lincoln Diocese.

"I don't know why God put me in this position, but my goal is to do my very best to listen to God, be guided and have courage to stand up," Schulte said.

He said multiple people have connected with him -- all sharing similar stories involving different priests.

"There's one in particular that stands out to me. And he told me his story and as he's telling me his story, I get the chills for how disturbing this is. And he told me he told that exact story to the chancery, and one of the first words out of their mouth was, 'You know you're not going to get paid for this.'" Schulte said.

The Diocese has confirmed the AG has asked to review records dating back 40 years, and it's cooperating with this "state-wide investigation of all three Catholic Dioceses in Nebraska."

Lincoln's police chief and the Lancaster County Attorney also said they met with Bishop James Conley on August 24 regarding criminal allegations involving Diocese staff. LPD is looking into possible present and past criminal misconduct.

"The fact that they're going back that far makes me feel they're doing due diligence to give us a voice and that means so much to all of us...and I can't thank them enough for that." Schulte said.

Schulte said victims have been treated poorly by the Diocese, and that they have been multiple patterns of cover up -- from moving priests around to keeping victims in the dark.

"I would ask other people to pray that the truth does come out, and I have full faith in the Attorney General and what they're doing," Schulte said.