By Mark Sickmiller
WCPO [Cincinnati OH]
May 23, 2006
http://www.wcpo.com/news/2006/local/05/23/henties.html
Following an I Team report on the issue, Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk is admitting that hiring a convicted felon to conduct background checks for the Archdiocese was a mistake.
In a letter sent to priests, Pilarczyk wrote, "I deeply regret the serious lapse in judgment," referring to the hiring of Alex Henties. The rest of the letter is below.
Vincent Frasher, the man who directly hired Henties, remains under investigation and on administrative leave.
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Vince Frasher Photo by The WCPO/WCPO.com |
Henties claimed Frasher sexually abused him when he was a child.
The Archdiocese has refused to talk with 9News about the investigation.
Archbishop's letter to priests
The following is the letter Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk sent to priests and deacons in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The letter was sent out Monday. Archdiocese spokesperson Dan Andriacco emailed the letter to 9News Tuesday morning.
Dear Father or Deacon,
I am well aware of the hurt, embarrassment, and anger once again being felt by Catholics of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in the wake of recent events pertaining to Vince Frasher and Alex Henties. I deeply regret the serious lapse in judgment in having a felon involved with our background check program designed to protect children.
We have taken a series of substantive actions, some of which you may not be familiar with. I thought it might be helpful for you to have an account of the situation as we now have it. This is what has happened in recent days:
* I have put personnel director Vince Frasher on administrative leave until further notice. Personnel issues may be directed to either Mr. Howard Pecquet or Fr. Joe Binzer. Questions dealing with fingerprinting and criminal background checks should be directed to Fr. Joe Binzer.
* The investigation into the allegations by Alex Henties that he and Vince Frasher had a sexual relationship is underway. I want it to be done quickly but also thoroughly. I do not know how long that will take.
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Alex Henties Photo by The WCPO/WCPO.com |
* I have pledged complete cooperation with any investigation by secular legal authorities. The Archdiocese sent a television station's report of Henties' accusations to the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office the day after it was broadcast.
* We have begun the process of trying to identify an outside, independent, expert to evaluate identity security in the background check program for volunteers and employees who work with children.
This information may be shared with your parishioners if you wish. Please continue to pray fore the Archdiocese and its shepherds during these difficult times.
Archbishop Pilarczyk
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