Berks Lawmaker Sues Diocese over Sex Abuse by Priest

69 News
May 27, 2020

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/berks-lawmaker-sues-diocese-over-sex-abuse-by-priest/article_5973afb2-a07b-11ea-b879-63aebff4d118.html

MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa. - A Berks County lawmaker has filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Allentown and its Holy Guardian Angels parish in Muhlenberg Township.

State Rep. Mark Rozzi said he was sexually abused by the Rev. Edward Graff in the 1980s, which is beyond the statute of limitations. His attorneys said they want to use a loophole in a similar suit, where the statute of limitations ran out.

Rozzi said he learned the diocese knew Graff had a history of abusing children after seeing the 2018 statewide grand jury report on clergy abuse.

The diocese issued a statement, saying, in essence, it has turned over the personnel files of all accused priests and has acted swiftly.