PENNSYLVANIA
PennLive
By Christian Alexandersen | calexandersen@pennlive.com
ALTOONA — A two-year grand jury investigation has revealed the depths reached by leaders in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to cover up the rape and sexual abuse of hundreds of children.
Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced the findings of the grand jury investigation Tuesday in Altoona. The investigation found that dozens priests and religious leaders with the diocese sexually abused or raped hundreds of children.
The results of a state grand jury investigation released Tuesday found that hundreds of children were sexually abused and raped by diocese priests and religious leaders over the past 40 years.
While PennLive digs deeper into the 147-page grand jury report, here are some highlights:
* More than 50 priests and religious leaders within the diocese were involved in the rapes and sexual assaults.
* The earliest abuse case took place 40 years ago.
* The bishop kept a “secret archive” of files on abuse incidents.
* Diocese officials used their power and influence to keep incidents of abuse from being investigated.
* Diocese officials claim to have used their power to handpick public officials — including mayors and police chiefs.
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