Community Reacts to Father David Poulson's Arrest

By Tiarra Braddock
Your Erie
May 8, 2018

http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/community-reacts-to-father-david-poulsons-arrest/1168356417

Father David Poulson was arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly sexually assaulting two minors.

"Well, sexual abuse is wrong no matter who it is and regardless if you are a priest or an individual creeper," said Erie resident, Melvin. Also shocking to some is the Attorney General's allegation that the Erie Diocese knew about Poulson for years. Samantha Jones has friends who went to Poulson's church. "Makes you really think about your church and what's going on and why cover it up if you're so into God, why cover it?” said Cambridge Springs resident, Samantha Jones.

Even people outside of Erie County expressed their relief with Poulson being charged. Judy Jones is with SNAP, The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. She is based out of the St. Louis area. "Many times priests get away with it, in fact, it sounds like he's gotten away with it for quite a while," said Judy Jones. The Erie Diocese issued a statement following Poulson's arrest and it reads in part:

"We are committed to assisting victims on the long road to healing and wholeness, and this means offering and following a transparent, logical process."

Poulson is being charged with indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and the corruption of minors. Bishop Lawrence Persico says he became bishop of the Erie Diocese in 2012 and Poulson's name didn't raise any red flags until 2016.