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  Diocese of Fairbanks Investigates Claims of Sexual Abuse

By Jeffrey Hope
KTUU [Anchorage AK]
June 1, 2005

Anchorage, Alaska - The Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks says it is investigating a new allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by one of its priests. The diocese says Father Richard McCaffrey is on administrative leave tonight.

McCaffrey is a pastor at the Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Fairbanks. Bishop Donald Kettler will not say who is conducting the investigation or if police are involved. However, he issued a statement in a press release this afternoon.

"I will work tirelessly to bring healing to those involved in this difficult situation. I ask for your prayers and the continued support for our diocese and the Immaculate Conception Parish during this difficult time," Kettler said.

Last month, Alaska State Troopers reported a 35-year-old woman told investigators she had been sexually assaulted when she was a 10-year-old girl living in Bethel. McCaffrey was serving in Bethel at the time of the incident.

The diocese is not commenting on whether its own investigation is related.