Probation for Tennessee priest who admitted molestation

July 29, 2010

A 76-year-old Tennessee priest who admitted committing homosexual abuse in the late 1970s was sentenced to two years’ probation and a $500 fine on July 28.

Warren Tucker alleges that Father William Casey abused him 50 times over a five-year period three decades ago. Because of Tennessee’s statute of limitations, Mr. Tucker is seeking redress in other states, where incidents of abuse allegedly occurred during trips with Father Casey. The July 28 decision was rendered in a western North Carolina courtroom.

“It doesn't sit well that somebody can confess to sexual abuse and walk free among us," Mr. Tucker said. “We're still hopeful that justice will still be served.”

Father Casey “will never again serve as a priest of this diocese or any diocese in the world,” said Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville. “When Mr. Tucker came to us this spring, I assured him of my prayers and those of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville. I also apologized to him and reiterated my firm belief that the sexual abuse of minors by anyone is a travesty of the greatest magnitude and an abomination before God.”

“I wish to restate my apology and my commitment to continued prayers for Mr. Tucker and his family. I applaud him and other victims of sexual abuse for their bravery in coming forward to seek healing and justice. I strongly encourage all victims of abuse to do the same.”

 

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Further information:

• Former Knoxville priest who confessed to molestation gets probation (Knoxville News Sentinel)
• Tennessee priest admits abuse, urges prayer for victim (CWN, 4/20)