By Larry Hanover
Courier Post [Gloucester City NJ]
April 13, 2006
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20060413/NEWS01/604130382/1006
Allegations of sexual abuse against a longtime Gloucester Catholic High School teacher and coach mark the first time the Camden Diocese has been forced to act under the zero-tolerance charter adopted by Catholic bishops four years ago, a diocese official said.
The result has been something not expected as revelations of abuse have dominated the news in recent years -- agreement among the diocese and groups representing sexual-abuse victims that the system seems to have worked.
The teacher, Gerald Scharff, 63, resigned Friday after learning he was placed on administrative leave. Scharff did not return calls seeking comment, although supporters continued to argue he is wrongly accused.
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| Gerald Scharff |
It was unclear Wednesday whether Scharff might face criminal or civil action.
The alleged incident occurred outside the state, acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch said.
The diocese has notified authorities in the state where the events allegedly happened, said Lynch.
The sister of a Gloucester Catholic alumnus told school officials in January that Scharff abused her brother and another boy in the 1980s.
The tipster's brother declined to make allegations. The other person came forward April 4, alleging "inappropriate touching," said diocese spokesman Andrew Walton.
On Monday, Principal John Colman sent a letter home with students asking parents to come forward if their children had additional claims.
No further allegations had been made as of Wednesday, Walton said.
In 2003, the diocese reached an $880,000 settlement with 23 people who said they were assaulted from 1961 through 1985.
Karen Polesir, co-chairwoman of the South Jersey chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said: "It's good to see the diocese is reacting correctly and taking the action that they are."
The Rev. Bob Hoaston, founder of Rescue and Recovery International, another survivors group, said he was pleased but felt the diocese could have moved more quickly by confronting Scharff in January.
Scharff couldn't be confronted without revealing the tipster's brother's identity against his wishes, but the diocese got the second individual to come forward, Walton said.
Supporters remained staunchly behind Scharff.
Gloucester Catholic alumnus Michael Stokes said Scharff found a way for him to attend the school when his parents were divorced and the family lacked money.
"He's a wonderful guy, a wonderful leader," added Gloucester Catholic cheerleading coach Deborah Heins.
Reach Larry Hanover at (856) 486-2470 or lhanover@courierpostonline.com
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