WHEELING (WV)
WTRF
Posted: Jul 09, 2012
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has released a statement regarding a report that prosecutors are reviewing a sexual abuse claim against Bishop Michael J. Bransfield.
The report was published in Sunday’s edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Diocese is taking a stance that this is “old news.”
Below is the statement released by Diocese Spokesman Brian Minor:
You may be following upon an article that appeared in Sunday’s edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Our stance is that this is old news.
It appears to us to be further reference by the Inquirer to information released during this year’s clergy sexual abuse trial in Philadelphia. Bishop Bransfield’s name was used in those proceedings, which were reported extensively by media in Philadelphia and the Ohio Valley from April 17-19. In fact, in this article— you will see this reference: [Prosecutors are also aware of a separate allegation “of a fondling of a student by Bransfield,” Blessington told Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina. He did not elaborate, and the judge has barred the lawyers from publicly commenting in the case.
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