SNAP Advocates Call for Ohio Leaders to Investigate Priest Sexual Assault Allegations

By Fayth Atkins
WTOL TV
October 8, 2018

http://www.wtol.com/story/39250965/snap-advocates-call-for-ohio-leaders-to-investigate-priest-sexual-assault-allegations

The Survivor's Network of those abused by priests, also know as SNAP, is now calling on Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates and Attorney General Mike DeWine to investigate allegations of priest sexual assault in Ohio.

SNAP advocate Claudia Vercellotti said she was abused in Toledo in the 90's. She said after Pennsylvania finished a state-wide investigation into its diocese, it's now time for Ohio to step up and do the same.

"16 years I've been speaking on the issue and that's 16 years and one day too long. 22 years I've been trying to work within the closed system to victims," explained Vercellotti.

A spokesperson with Attorney General DeWine's office said they cannot get involved in the investigation unless Lucas County officials ask for their help.

Fellow gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray responded saying he would support an Ohio investigation into the abuse allegations.

WTOL 11 reached out to the Lucas County Prosecutor's office Monday but were closed for the holiday.