By Jeff Small
KSDK [St. Louis MO]
August 31, 2006
http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=102879
(KSDK) - One day after Bryan Kuchar was released from jail, his victim is talking for the first time.
Sean Lindenbusch calls Kuchar a mentor who turned into a sexual predator. Lindenbusch says Kuchar nearly destroyed his life.
Normally NewsChannel 5 does not reveal the identities of crime victims. In this case, Lindenbusch wants everyone to see the face of a victim, and hear what it means to live a life, trying to overcome hurtful memories and experiences of abuse.
 |
| Sean Lindenbusch |
To the public, Sean Lindenbusch had a horrifying story of molestation, yet no name or face until now.
"I think the message I am trying to convey is that I will put my face out there and stand up and be counted and say this happened to me and it is okay and I am okay," says Lindenbusch.
Lindenbusch, 26, is still reliving memories of numerous sexual encounters involving the former Catholic priest.
Kuchar is the man Lindenbusch looked up to as a 14- year-old at Assumption Parish in St. Louis County.
"I feel as if I have been robbed of my childhood and it still affects me to this day in ways I know, and in ways I do not know," says Lindenbusch, as reality sets in that Kuchar is no longer behind bars.
"It is almost a helpless feeling to watch him walk free. It is kind of sad and almost scary at the same time."
Lindenbusch says Kuchar's freedom brings back every memory like it was yesterday. Among the most hurtful is hearing Kuchar repeatedly deny what happened despite making recorded statements to detectives.
"I almost feel sorry for him because I know what happened and he know what happened and he is going to have to deal with his maker someday."
For now, Lindenbusch says his hope is to help others hiding behind abuse scars, who may be afraid to speak up.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.