Article Title
As bishops gather, prosecutors step up scrutiny of church
Link to Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/as-bishops-gather-prosecutors-step-up-scrutiny-of-church/2019/06/11/70b5f81e-8c6e-11e9-b6f4-033356502dce_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5abd00b079d8
Source: Washington Post
Author(s): Juliet Linderman, Garance Burke and Martha Mendoza
Date: June 11, 2019
Synopsis of / Excerpts from Article
States attorneys general across the nation are currently fine-tooth combing through mountains of files related to Catholic clergy sex abuse, which files they obtained via search warrants or subpoenas at dozens of Catholic dioceses. These prosecutors are looking at bishops and other church hierarchy for wrong-doing in the form of coverup, obstruction, falsification, denial, and negligence. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is considering prosecution under state racketeering laws usually reserved for organized crime.
According to the article:
“For decades, leaders of the Roman Catholic Church were largely left to police their own. But this week, as American bishops gather for a conference in Baltimore to confront the reignited sex-abuse crisis, they’re facing the most scrutiny ever from secular law enforcement.”
“An Associated Press query of more than 20 state and federal prosecutors last week found they are looking for legal means to hold higher ups in the church accountable. They have raided diocesan offices, subpoenaed files, set up victim tip lines and launched sweeping investigations into new and old allegations. Thousands of people have called hotlines nationwide…”
“Attorneys general…use a range of tools. Michigan executed search warrants, which means police raid church offices. Delaware, West Virginia and Nebraska have issued subpoenas, making a legal request for the records.”
“Statute of limitation rules differ, and are being tested. In Michigan, for example, the clock stops if a priest moved out of state for a period.”
“In recent years, civil lawsuits have used racketeering laws leading to large settlements. Delaware-based attorney Stephen Neuberger, who has successfully sued the church on behalf of clergy abuse victims, said questions inevitably arise about church authorities covering up and facilitating for accused priests. He said organized crime statutes seem appropriate. ‘It’s not piling on,’ he said. ‘In fact I think it’s long overdue.’”