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	Priest Had Past Allegations of Sexual Abuse against Kids By Kyle Slavin BCLocalNews August 12 2010 http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/100562439.html As police in Saanich continue to receive information about a former priest now facing child sex abuse charges, the Catholic Dioceses in Victoria and Columbus are revealing more information on Philip Jacobs’ past. Deacon Tom Berg, vice chancellor of the diocese in Columbus – where Jacobs served until being removed in 1993 – says 10 credible allegations have come in against the priest from his days working in Ohio. Though Berg could only say the complaints came iafter 1993, he says all the victims who came forward were under 18 at the time of the alleged incidents. “Everything we learned, everything that’s come to light, we have reported to Children Services,” Berg said. A spokesperson with the ministry said they do not have any records of any assessment on Jacobs. Bishop Richard Gagnon – who wasn’t involved in the diocese when Jacobs was hired and subsequently left – acknowledged that the diocese was aware of the allegations in Ohio when Jacobs was hired. He said that there are now stricter hiring regulations in the diocese, adding that allegations of inappropriate relationships with children would now make someone ineligible from obtaining employment. Because he wasn’t involved in Jacobs’ hiring, he said he could not comment on why, in 1996, these sorts of allegations weren’t disqualifying factors at that time. Jacobs worked part-time from 1996 to 1998 at St. Rose of Lima in Sooke before taking the position of parish priest at St. Joseph until 2002, when information on his past in Columbus came to light. Staff Sgt. Steve Wright with Sooke RCMP said they currently have no files involving Jacobs and his time working at St. Rose. Saanich police Sgt. Dean Jantzen said they have received inquiries since Jacobs was charged last Friday. “We’ve received information from people who were members of the parish that have concerns, to people suggesting that we may want to talk to specific individuals,” he said. “As well, we’ve received wishes and calls of concerns for everybody, including the padre.” The recent police investigation stemmed from information received in 2009 from when Jacobs was working at St. Joseph. On July 9, 2010, the charges – two counts of sexual assault, and one count each of sexual interference and sexual exploitation – were approved and a warrant was issued for Jacobs’ arrest. Last Wednesday (Aug. 4), Jacobs – now 60 – was arrested by the Canada Border Service Agency upon landing in Victoria from San Francisco. He was released Friday afternoon on $25,000 bail. Anyone with information to assist Saanich police’s child abuse team in their investigation is asked to call 250-475-4321. Contact: kslavin@saanichnews.com
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