Destroyed diary, vicar general’s notes at center of Delaware abuse case

October 15, 2009

The attorney for a man allegedly abused by Father Frank DeLuca between 1966 and 1970 claims that Father DeLuca-- who has been convicted of abuse in another state-- destroyed a diary that is central to the case. The attorney also claims that Msgr. Thomas Cini, the Diocese of Wilmington’s vicar general, destroyed notes of conversations with abuse victims.

The diocesan attorney responded that the diocese had no control over the priest’s actions and that the vicar general’s notes are a “confidential work product” since passed on to diocesan attorneys.

The opposing attorneys also sparred over other issues. The alleged victim’s attorney called upon the judge not to permit Catholics to sit on the jury, while the diocesan attorney urged the judge not to permit Father Thomas Doyle to be recognized as an expert.

 

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Further information:

• DeLuca, diocese accused of destroying or hiding evidence (Wilmington News Journal)