"We treat it as a credible allegation," said Deacon Tim McNeil.  Friday, the archdiocese announced Reverend Anthony Palmese may have sexually abused a child in Omaha 30 years ago.  Palmese served as an associate pastor at Holy Ghost from 1984 to 1985.

 

"We want parents and parishioners and the public to know about these men," said David Clohessy.  He's the director of the survivors network of those abused by priests, otherwise known as SNAP.

 

Sunday, he passed out fliers at Saint Cecilia church, warning catholic parishioners of possible predators.  He fears more victims may be hiding.  "Even though some of the crimes may have happened a long, long time ago, we still believe it's the civic duty and the moral duty of everybody who has information about child sex crimes to call law enforcement."  

 

SNAP asks victims to come forward and tell police.  McNeil said the archdiocese wants victims to speak out as well.  Sunday, Holy Ghosts announced the investigation in their weekly newsletter.  "If there's anybody here who had a negative experience with a priest, the priest in question, come forward.  We want to make sure that you get all the love, attention and care that you deserve."

 

McNeil says the length of time between an assault and report can make investigating a case difficult but that shouldn't stop someone from reporting.  "Most cases, we're able to determine that there is some credibility, even if a priest is deceased."

 

The archdiocese first learned of the allegations in 2013.  McNeil said they wanted to complete a preliminary investigation before announcing their findings but recent specifics in the case urged them to alert the public. 

 

The archdiocese says Palmese was a member of the New Jersey based order of Augustinian recollects.  Palmese has not been found guilty as the investigation is ongoing.  He died in 2012.