Prosecutors were warned of abuse in Altoona diocese
March 11, 2016
Three prosecutors in Pennsylvania were warned about widespread sexual abuse in the Altoona diocese as far back as 2002, but did not take action, a local news outlet has learned.
The news report-- coming a week after the release of a grand-jury report denouncing the failure of diocesan leaders to address abuse complaints-- suggests that law-enforcement officials may also have been guilty of neglecting the problem.
In September 2002, a local attorney wrote to prosecutors, charging that abuse was unchecked and naming ten priests who were allegedly involved. The attorney reports that he never received any response to his letters.
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Further information:
- Diocese Investigation: 2002 letter sent to prosecutors on priest abuse (WJAC)
- Pennsylvania bishop pledges cooperation with investigators in abuse inquiry (CWN, 3/4)
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