Why The Federal Government Is Now Investigating PA Catholic Church

KDKA
October 19, 2018

https://bit.ly/2yU4K1z

News broke yesterday that the US Justice Department will be investigating the clergy sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania.

Former US attorney David Hickton tells the KDKA Radio Afternoon News what the federal government will be able to do that the state prosecutors couldn’t.

Hickton says, “The abuse is not confirmed in only Pennsylvania, so obviously the federal sources which are nationwide and with other components can go worldwide; expanding the width and breathe of the investigation.”

“There are also a range of several crimes that are not on the book with the state, that could pertain here and so I think this is welcome news, I think for the victims it is good news, and for Catholics and the Catholic Church it is good news.”

Hickton adds this has gone on for too long and it is time to get to the bottom of it.

Jim VanSickle a sex abuse survivor and member of SNAP the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests shared his reaction to the Federal investigation into the clergy sex abuse with the KDKA Radio Afternoon News.

VanSickle says, “I am actually excited.  Anytime that we can have an investigation into the Catholic Church as well as any sexual abuse is important.”

“Obviously none of us know what they are actually looking at but they may be looking at people like me who have been taken across state lines in their experience.”

VanSickle aslo weighed in on how earlier this week the Senate did not vote on the legislation in place to open the statute of limitations.

“I am actually cautiously, optimistic that we will get this done.”