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  Priest Abuse Victims Seek Accountability, Healing

By JP Eichmiller
The Coloradoan
June 15, 2007

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/UPDATES01/70616008

Tim Evans is behind bars, but his victims want more.

In interviews with the Coloradoan, Nick Gerber, 26, and Dana Rotkovich, 33, two of the four victims who testified against Evans at his trial earlier this year, say redemption will only come when the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver opens up about what the victims believe the church knew and did to protect Evans.

"I think Nick and I realize (Evans' conviction) is only half the battle," Rotkovich said. "If the issue is not brought to people's attention, it is likely to occur again. I really believe there are others out there who have yet to come out."

A spokeswoman denied claims that the archdiocese was less than cooperative with authorities investigating Evans.

"Since law enforcement was first contacted in 2003, the archdiocese has fully complied," said Jeanette DeMelo, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese. "Throughout the justice process, the Archdiocese has acted neutral."

Evans was convicted in March and sentenced in May to 14 years to life in prison for molesting Gerber in 1998 and 1999 while Evans was a priest at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Fort Collins and Gerber was a 17-year-old parishioner. He was given at least four more years after being convicted on a similar charge in Jefferson County.

Evans, who left St. Elizabeth in 2002 and was removed from the priesthood in 2003, said he plans to appeal the conviction. At his sentencing in Larimer County, Evans did not apologize.

"I may love recklessly and foolishly," he said. "But I love unconditionally."

Contact: JPEichmiller@coloradoan.com

 
 

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