SNAP Demands More Info from Diocese

WKBN
August 29, 2013

http://www.wkbn.com/2013/08/29/snap-demands-more-info-from-diocese/

One day after challenging Youngstown’s Catholic Bishop to reveal the name of a former parochial school teacher accused of sex abuse, a victim’s advocacy group is demanding information on a former local priest.

Members of the Survivors Network for Those Abused by Priests held another protest in the area Thursday, this one outside Saint Edward’s Parish on the city’s North Side.

The group is asking Bishop George Murry to explain where former priest John Warner, 69, is now living and if he is still undergoing treatment.

Warner was removed from his duties in the diocese two years ago after being accused of abusing a victim more than 30 years ago.

“He could be living amongst kids and abusing children right now,” said SNAP coordinator Judy Jones. “Child predators need to be kept away from children forever. That is a well-known fact, and the Bishop is still the one who is responsible for him”

In 2011 the Diocese of Youngstown received an allegation of sexual misconduct with Warner and a “minor child” over 30 years ago, according to a news release. Their investigation revealed the allegation was credible and Warner was placed in a facility for treatment. “He is now living in another state in a restricted community and is engaged in ongoing treatment,” the release stated.

According to the release, Legal reasons prevent the Diocese from disclosing Warner’s whereabouts.

A Boardman man said Wednesday he was abused in 1976 by a teacher and deacon while he was an 8th-grade student at St. Christine School in Youngstown.

Jerry Arnal, 51, said he reported the abuse in 1987 and 2008 to school and diocese officials and to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s office, but no action has been taken.

Arnal, who was with the advocate group the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said prosecutors told him the statute of limitations has run out so they are unable to file charges.

Arnal and SNAP officials refused to name the deacon they claim abused Arnal.