Diocese Offers Differing Views on Priest's Past

By Greg Cunningham/gcunningham@amarillonet.com
and Don Munsch/dmunsch@amarillonet.com
Amarillo Globe-News
October 8, 2002

http://amarillo.com/stories/100802/new_diocese.shtml

The Diocese of Amarillo released a statement Monday saying that a priest who was arrested last week for allegedly molesting a child may have previously acted inappropriately with youth - a statement that differs from previous assertions by diocese officials.

Edward R. Graff, 73, was arrested Friday and charged with one count of sexual assault of a child in connection with his alleged activities while serving at churches in Silverton, Quitaque, Turkey and Memphis.

Edward R. Graff: The retired priest apparently fell and broke his hip Sunday while in the Swisher County Jail.

Graff joined the Diocese of Amarillo in 1992, coming from the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., with the understanding that he had undergone treatment for problems related only to alcohol, according to a statement issued by Bishop John W. Yanta, through Fred Griffin, diocesan attorney.

Graff served for 10 years as a priest before the Diocese of Amarillo found out about possible inappropriate conduct.

"In July 2002, the Diocese of Amarillo was informed by the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania, in writing that he may have been guilty of sexual misconduct with youth," the statement said.

The Allentown Diocese amended the statement to say that Graff "may have been guilty of acting inappropriately with youth."

"Upon receipt of that information and the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children, he was immediately retired from ministry and all his faculties for ministry were removed," the Diocese of Amarillo statement continued.

However, the diocese released another statement late Monday that said Yanta asked Graff to resign if Graff thought his situation would fall under the charter. Graff submitted a resignation letter in which he said he was resigning for age and health reasons.

Monsignor Harold Waldow, vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Amarillo, said he could not explain why information concerning Graff's departure has not been consistent.

The "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in June, adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy toward past sexual abuse by priests.

The diocese's first Monday statement contradicts what officials said when Graff resigned in July, as well as what Yanta said in a release Friday.

The Friday release from Yanta said Graff "chose to retire from ministry in this diocese in July 2002 because of advanced age and poor health."

At the time of Graff's resignation, Bishop Leroy T. Matthiesen, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Amarillo, said Graff "was not accused of anything with sexual abuse."

Cathy Lexa, director of communications for the diocese, said Monday that the diocese had no comment beyond the statements.

Graff could face additional charges related to the alleged molestation, officials said Monday.

Becky McPherson, 110th District attorney, said Graff was charged in connection with a June 15 incident involving a boy, but the contact may have been ongoing, which could result in more charges.

Investigators have indications that other victims may be involved, which could lead to even more charges, McPherson said.

"We certainly hope there's not more victims, but we do have some information from our one victim that there might be others," McPherson said.

McPherson said she was unable to provide further details, including what started the investigation and the location the alleged molestation took place, out of privacy concerns for the victim and because of the ongoing investigation.

The search for other possible victims was slowed down when Graff fell in a shower at the Swisher County Jail this weekend and apparently broke his hip.

Texas Ranger Jay Foster said he was planning on getting together with Briscoe County Sheriff Jeff Fuston on Monday to look for more victims, but Fuston was busy dealing with Graff's injuries.

No word was available Monday on Graff's condition or what hospital was treating his injuries.

Parents who have concerns about possible molestation can contact Foster at (940) 937-3122 or Fuston at (806) 823-2135.

The Diocese of Amarillo encourages anyone who may have been victimized to contact it at (806) 383-4159 for counseling and pastoral assistance.