CALIFORNIA
KEYT
Tracy Lehr, KEYT – KCOY – KKFX Reporter, tracy@keyt.com
FILLMORE, Calif. –
Spotlight won two Oscars and the publicity has been followed by more cases of abuse.
One day after the Academy Awards Ceremony officers arrested Vidal Morales, 55 of Ventura. The longtime youth coordinator at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore is accused of committing lewd acts with a girl. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said Morales posted bail early Saturday. They also said other alleged victims have been identified.
Manny Vega is not surprised. “With this prestigious recognition of Spotlight, more folks understand what took place and the incredible power the church has. It is disheartening to hear of another case of childhood sexual abuse by a church member in our community. The absolute betrayal and abuse of power again proved to be an ongoing systemic problem within the Catholic Church. My hopes are that the church will fully cooperate with law enforcement and be as transparent as they say they are. However my experience and fear are more child victims and deception and delays by the church,” said Vega via text message.
Vega described it as a David and Goliath struggle that survivors have been engaged in with the church.
The former Oxnard Police Officer and Marine has been one of the most outspoken victims of the Catholic church priest abuse case that led to a multi-million dollar settlement.
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