PENNSYLVANIA
Tribune-Democrat
By Dave Sutor
dsutor@tribdem.com
HOLLIDAYSBURG – Blair County Magisterial District Judge Paula Aigner has ruled that sufficient evidence has been presented and charges can move forward against all three Franciscan leaders accused of allowing Brothers Stephen Baker to be around children at Bishop McCort High School or other locations – even though they allegedly knew he was suspected of having sexually abused students previously.
The Attorney General’s Office rested its case Wednesday at the Blair County Courthouse against the Revs. Giles A. Schinelli, 73; Robert J. D’Aversa, 69; and Anthony M. Criscitelli, 62 – Third Order Regular, Province of the Immaculate Conception, minister provincials – who are accused of conspiracy and endangering the welfare of children.
The attorneys for the Franciscan leaders are expected to present their cases after the lunch recess.
Earlier Wednesday, Former Bishop McCort High School Principal William Rushin testified that no one ever told him about Baker.
“I should have been notified,” he said.
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