ST. LOUIS (MO)
Fox 2
[with video]
ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – A judge has ordered St. Louis catholic officials to turn over the names of all priests accused of sexual abuse over a 20-year span to a victim and her attorney.
Members of SNAP and other victims’ support groups hailed Tuesday’s ruling as they demonstrated in front of the Cathedral Basilica.
St. Louis Circuit Judge Robert Dierker gave the St. Louis Archdiocese until Friday to release the names, which will be kept from the public. Father Joseph Ross is accused of sexually abusing the girl at St. Cronin’s parish.
David Clohessy, director of SNAP, stated, “We are so grateful and proud of this brave young woman who is not only seeking justice for herself and warning people about a proven predator, but she’s also forcing this Archdiocese to ever so slowly to begin to peel back the layers upon layers of secrecy that have for so long protected predators and endangered kids.”
The Archdiocese released a response saying:
“The Archdiocese of St. Louis will review with its attorneys today’s court order for the release of identities of victims and accused clergy dating back many years that involve any substantiated allegation of sexual abuse.”
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