BishopAccountability.org
 
  Bishop Hopes to Restore Trust

WFMJ
June 10, 2009

http://www.wfmj.com/Global/story.asp?S=10507958

A Youngstown priest who admitted to sexually abusing a student more than thirty years ago has resigned, and is undergoing psychiatric treatment at a mental facility.

The Youngstown Bishop held a press conference Tuesday to tell how the church learned of the crime.

He was considered a well-liked priest who worked at over a dozen churches, recently at Our Lady of Peace in Canton.

Father Thomas Crum's job as a priest ended May 22nd when a former student came forward, alleging that he sexually abused the then-teenage student when he worked as a teacher at Cardinal Mooney.

The church began an investigation.

Bishop George Murry said he removed Crum from active ministry after Crum admitted that the allegations were true, and Crum was placed in a psychiatric facility.

In a press conference, Murry said the diocese alerted police.

There have been no other allegations against 60-year-old Crum, but the diocese is talking with students who attended Mooney around 1975 to 76, the year the abuse took place.

Murry said he believes the abuse took place over a period of one year.

While the statute of limitations has run out for criminal charges, Murry said civil suits are still available, but haven't been taken.

Murry said the accuser asked for anonymity, so the details of what took place are confidential, but that they know the abuse didn't take place on school or church property.

The victim no longer lives in the area.

The reason why he came forward is also undisclosed.

The "Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests," or, SNAP, said victims often worry they won't be believed.

They said young victims often don't realize a crime has taken place.

Crum won't be allowed to return to his ministry.

Murry said the diocese wants to ensure that abuse never happens again.

He said it is important that a parish be able to trust their priest.

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.