Anchorage Priest's Counsel Denies Allegations by Women

By Chris Klint
The Ktuu
February 27, 2013

http://www.ktuu.com/news/anchorage-priests-counsel-denies-allegations-by-women-022713,0,7445891.story

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

The attorney for an Anchorage priest accused of improper conduct with five women says the allegations are unfounded, and that he will fight attempts by the Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage to defrock him.

Father J. Michael Hornick was named in a Tuesday statement from the archdiocese as the target of allegations from five women that he engaged in inappropriate physical contact with them -- two of whom recently came forward, saying the incidents occurred decades ago when they were minors.

Hornick’s attorney, Wayne Anthony Ross, says in a Wednesday statement that Hornick hasn’t seen details on the new claims against him, but “vehemently denies” them.

“Such allegations are easily made and one made, they cannot be recalled and unfairly tarnish the reputation of Father Hornick, who has faithfully performed his priestly duties for over forty years,” Ross said.

Ross also said the public release of the new information about Hornick was unfair to his side of the story.

“For the Archdiocese to attempt to prosecute this case in the court of public opinion by its press release without giving Father Mike the chance to first defend himself is deplorable and unjust,” Ross said. “The actions of the Archdiocese may even be un-Christian.”