MARYLAND
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Statement by Becky Ianni of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703-801-6044, snapvirginia@cox.net)

A Maryland man who is a church deacon has been arrested for the sexual abuse of a teenage girl. We urge church officials to seek out other possible victims.

Our hearts go out to this courageous woman and her family. We are grateful that she came forward and is seeking justice. We hope that her actions will inspire others who may have been hurt by Blanchard to come forward to the police.

When victims speak out and criminals are exposed children are safer.