DUBUQUE (IA)
KCRG-TV [Cedar Rapids IA]
June 4, 2024
The trial for the former Dubuque priest accused of sexually abusing altar boys in the 1980′s is set for July 30.
Father Leo Riley faces five counts of sexual abuse. He entered a written plea of not guilty last week.
Prosecutors are accusing Riley of molesting the altar boys when he was the associate pastor from 1984 to 1986 at the Resurrection School.
The criminal complaint details accusations from several former altar boys who claim Father Riley repeatedly abused them – often in the Sacristy. At least two described permanent medical damage connected to the abuse.
One former altar boy came forward after getting treatment for a damaged pelvic floor. A second boy also reported suffering from a damaged pelvic floor. That is a condition studies have linked to sexual abuse.
Multiple former altar boys said counseling and treatment helped to bring back specific memories of the sexual abuse.
One of the boy’s mothers described finding her son at school in a daze and unable to walk straight. Another mother said she noticed finding reddish stains in her son’s underwear.
At least one parent reported the abuse to the principal, and Riley was transferred to another parish a few weeks later.
Riley has denied all allegations against him.
He bonded out of prison last month.