WBIR
March 25, 2011
http://www.wbir.com/news/article/162772/2/Former-E-Tenn-priest-accused-of-abuse-will-go-to-trial
[with video]
 |
| Warren Tucker testifying. |
The trial against a former East Tennessee priest accused of sexual abuse will move forward in Sullivan County.
Friday, Judge Robert Montgomery denied William Casey's motion asking that the charges to be dropped.
He ruled the statute of limitations didn't apply, because at the time, the charges carried the possibility of life in prison as a punishment.
William Casey is accused of abusing Warren Tucker from the mid 70's until 1981.
 |
| William Casey is accused of sexual abuse in Sullivan County. |
Tucker was 10 years old at the time.
The trial date is currently set for April 11th.
The Diocese of Knoxville released the following statement in response to the decision:
Bishop Richard F. Stika permanently suspended Mr. Casey from priestly ministry last year when Warren Tucker came forward with his story and Mr. Casey told the bishop the allegations had credibility.
Bishop Stika is overseas, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but Father David Boettner, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the diocese, offers the following statement:
"We are truly saddened by the abuse Warren Tucker experienced, and we thank him for his courage in bringing his story of abuse to light. The Diocese of Knoxville supports Mr. Tucker in his efforts to seek justice against William Casey, a retired priest who has been permanently removed from ministry and has admitted there is credibility to Mr. Tucker's accusation of abuse more than 30 years ago.
"The sexual abuse of a child is a grave evil and a horrific crime that shatters the life of the child and the community around him. We hope this trial will bring some closure to Mr. Tucker and allow justice to be served. We continue to pray for healing for Mr. Tucker and all those who have been affected by abuse."
Previous story
The judge will announce his decision on whether the sexual abuse case against William Casey will move forward on Friday at 9 am.
Previous story
A man who has accused a former East Tennessee priest of sexually abusing him testified in a Sullivan County court Monday.
Warren Tucker recalled events in the 1970's and 1980's involving William Casey for most of the morning.
"Very well liked; very regarded. A large congregation. I was a poor kid on the wrong side of the tracks, sort of speak," testified Warren Tucker.
Judge Robert Montgomery is hearing the defense's argument to dismiss the case against Casey on the premise that too much time had elapsed between the alleged abuse and the report of it.
Assistant District Attorney Barry Staubus questioned Tucker first. Then defense attorney Rick Spivey began the cross-examination around 11:50 a.m.
Casey is also being tried in Scott County, Virginia.
He pleaded guilty last year to "crimes against nature" in McDowell County, North Carolina.
In April of last year, Casey was suspended from Catholic ministry for life and can no longer function as a priest, or represent the church in any way.
10News has a crew in Sullivan County covering the pre-trial hearing. Stay with 10News and wbir.com for more on this story throughout the day.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.