TENNESSEE
News Sentinel
By News Sentinel staff
Posted February 7, 2013
A former Kingsport priest, relieved of duties after being convicted of sexual misconduct and aggravated rape, has been dismissed to layman status by the Catholic church.
Rev. Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville, released a statement Thursday confirming that William “Bill” Casey of Greeneville has been “laicized” by Pop Benedict XVI.
“Through this laicization, Mr. Casey returns to the lay state,” Stika said. “I request that you continue to pray for Warren Tucker and for all victims of abuse throughout the world. I also ask you to pray for Mr. Casey and his family.”
Casey was sentenced in November 2011 to 35 to 40 years in prison and is incarcerated. He was sentenced in Sullvan Cunty Criminal Court to 15 to 20 years on a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge and two concurrent 20-year terms for two counts of aggravated rape.
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