By Joe Ruble
WDBO
July 7, 2010
http://wdbo.com/localnews/2010/07/former-orlando-priest-again-ac.html
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Another lawsuit is filed against a former Orlando-based priest and catholic church leaders in Orlando and Gary, Indiana alleging altar boys were sexually abused in the late 1980's.
Adam Horowitz says his client was 15 years old when he met Father Richard Emerson at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Orlando.
"Our client was apparently the favorite of the altar boys of Father Emerson."
After a while, the lawsuit alleges Emerson started fondling the boy, leaving him confused and even today at the age of 38, distrustful of the church.
Horowitz lays blame at its feet, too.
"They knew or should have known that Father Richard Emerson was sexually deviant, but elected not to take any actions to protect children," he added. "They covered up for the sexual abuse."
This is not the first time Emerson has been accused of sexual abuse. The Orlando Diocese has stated that it cooperated with police when allegations against the priest began to emerge in 2004 in Gary, Indiana.
It is believed that Emerson is living in Georgia now.
Horowitz says he is interviewing other former altar boys and more lawsuits may be filed.
This lawsuit, filed in Orange County, claims orders came from the Vatican to conceal such abuse until statutes of limitations had passed.
SNAP, the Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests reacted to the lawsuit.
"We hope this victim's courage will prod others with information about Fr. Emerson to step forward, get help, call police, protect others and start healing," the group said in a press release.
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