Colorado report names four local Catholic priests accused of child sex abuse

By Erin Crooks
KKCO-TV (Ch. 11 - NBC affiliate)
October 27, 2019

https://www.nbc11news.com/content/news/Colorado-report-names-four-local-Catholic-priests-accused-of-child-sex-abuse-563897571.html

In Colorado, forty-three Catholic priests are now facing substantiated allegations of child sex abuse; four with ties to Grand Junction and Montrose.

The Colorado Attorney General released the report after an agreement was made with the state's three dioceses, Archdiocese of Denver, the Diocese of Colorado Springs and the Diocese of Pueblo, following months of prior investigation. It reports allegations that 166 children have been abused by dozens of Catholic priests in the state since 1950.

The report lists the names of four Catholic priests locally. Father Joseph Reade was a priest at St. Mary’s Hospital and the VA Hospital, Father Lawrence Sievers at St. Joseph’s Parish and St. Mary’s Hospital and Father Michael Descoise also at St. Joseph’s, all three in Grand Junction. It also mentions Father Gary Kennedy who was a priest in St. Mary’s Parish out of Montrose. All alleged incidents taking place between 1969 and 1987.

The report states that Father Kennedy is undergoing investigation. Father Reade is reported to be deceased, while the status of the other two priests is unknown.

There are also accusations against priests in Craig and Glenwood Springs.
The report shows since 2002, that the Archdiocese of Pueblo failed to report 64% of recorded sex abuse allegations.

Folks in the area say they hope justice is served for the victims: “The allegations in which have been proclaimed and what is going on; I truly am not surprised,” says a local resident, Cory. “It’s sad in which is going on, it truly is,”

KKCO News reached out to St. Mary’s Hospital, the VA Hospital, St. Joseph’s Parish, St. Mary’s Parish in Montrose and the Diocese of Pueblo for comment. The VA Hospital declined to comment at this time, the other organizations have not gotten back to us yet.