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  Trial Vs. Accused Predator Priest Dismissed; SNAP Responds

By Judy Block Jones
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
August 31, 2010

http://www.snapnetwork.org/snap_statements/2010_statements/083010_trial_vs_accused_predator_priest_dismissed_snap_responds.htm

We hope this will be appealed to the West Virginia Supreme Court. It's important that the truth of what happened gets to be aired in open court. And it's important that suspected child predators not walk free because of legal technicalities.

We know this victim and family. They are very credible and caring. This brave young man and his loved ones should be commended for coming forward quickly and having the courage and wisdom to contact law enforcement. (Many times victims are unable to promptly report their abuse - and are often criticized for that. In this case, however, this brave young victim stepped forward promptly.)

Regardless of whatever happens in the justice system, this victim has taken a key step toward healing himself and protecting other kids.

This victim and his family have done everything right and they have done it largely alone. It is time for others to speak up. It is important that no one – victim, witness, or whistleblower -feel like he or she must carry the burden of keeping Poandl away from children alone.

Back in March, we in SNAP wrote to 11 bishops in dioceses where Poandl worked. We asked them to use their resources to reach out to others who may have been sexually abused by Poandl, We received help from only one (in Texas).

Now more than ever, it is imperative that anyone who has witnessed, suspects, or been harmed to Poandl, to speak up and contact police. It is unfair for any one individual to carry the brunt of this alone,

Now more than ever, it's time for these bishops to step up to the plate, do their civil duty, honor their moral obligation, and help law enforcement get to the bottom of these accusations against Poandl.

Every bishop who quietly sits back and does little or nothing risks enabling a child molesting cleric to molest again.

All sexual abuse and assault charges against a priest from Cincinnati who was expected to go on trial Monday have been dropped.

Reverend Robert Poandl was indicted on the charges in February.

Police in Cincinnati say a 28-year-old man came forward and claimed that Poandl molested him on a trip to Spencer back in 1991 when he was just 10 years old. At the time, Poandl was filling in at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Rectory in Roane County.

According to Roane County Prosecutor Josh Downey, the judge dismissed the case late Friday afternoon.

Downey tells WSAZ.com the judge ruled there were discovery issues that related to the medical records of the victim. The charges cannot be refiled in Roane County, according to the judge's ruling.

The state now has 90 days to decide whether it wants to take the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court. Downey says he is currently considering the matter, but has not made a decision on how the state will respond to the judge's order.

Contact: SNAPjudy@gmail.com

 
 

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