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  Officials Commended for Sex Abuse Investigation

By Kevin Landrigan
Nashua Telegraph
March 7, 2008

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/NEWS02/934609816/-1/OPINION01

CONCORD Two groups supporting sex abuse victims of Catholic priests honored state officials for their investigation and landmark settlement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester.

The Voice of the Faithful and Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests presented plaques to seven state prosecutors and investigators who released 9,000 pages of church records detailing clergy sex crimes.

New Hampshire was the first state to bring about a comprehensive, performance audit of church operations as part of a settlement the state reached with church administrators.

The settlement was in lieu of bringing criminal charges against church officials for lying to investigators about what they had done in response to abuse cases.

"Their decision to act, and act forcefully, was a brave step with important consequences," said Carolyn Disco of Merrimack, Voice of the Faithful survivor support chairman.

Survivors Network National Director David Clohessy choked up as he praised people for coming forward.

"Can you all possibly imagine or appreciate what it means to survivors to see the verbal gymnastics of diocesans officials exposed?" Clohessy asked.

Those honored were Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, former AG Peter Heed, Senior Assistant AG Will Delker, former Assistant AG Jim Rosenberg, ex-Associate AG Ann Larney, Associate AG Kristin Spath and Chief Investigator Paul Brodeur.

Kevin Landrigan can be reached at 224-8804 or klandrigan@nashua telegraph.com.

 
 

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