Records from a Franciscan religious order show three former leaders knew a friar had been accused of child sex abuse before he was allowed to work at a high school and other jobs where he was later accused of molesting more than 100 children, an investigator testified Thursday (Apr. 14).
“Jessica Eger, a special agent with the state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said documents showed Giles Schinelli, Robert D’Aversa and Anthony Criscitelli were aware of allegations dating to 1977 against Brother Stephen Baker, who killed himself in 2013.
“‘He molested children because these men put him in a position to molest them,’ Deputy Attorney General Daniel Dye told the judge while arguing with defense attorneys during the testimony.
The hearing, which will resume April 27, will determine whether the three former Franciscan leaders stand trial on child endangerment and conspiracy charges.
By Associated Press in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania — Click here to read the rest of this story.
Three religious leaders enabled friar to be predator / Associated Press
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Voice of the Faithful
A lay movement for governance reform in the Roman Catholic Church, responding to the clergy sexual abuse scandal and supporting survivors.
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