OHIO
Beacon Journal
By Phil Trexler
Beacon Journal staff writer
New allegations have surfaced against a former Catholic elementary schoolteacher in Akron who quietly was sent to prison this year for sex offenses against a 12-year-old student.
The accusations are contained in a lawsuit filed Wednesday against the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland, St. Mary’s School in Akron and former music teacher Richard Rudman.
The family of the 12-year-old girl contend in their lawsuit that school officials turned a blind eye to Rudman’s actions in the classroom, including his taking the student and others out of class under the guise of “helping him” with special projects.
The suit also contends that Rudman “groomed, sexually abused, violated, molested and manipulated” the girl at school and away from the classroom. It also alleges he gave other girls gifts and money during school hours and also encouraged the children to contact him on Facebook.
There have been no allegations that Rudman molested other children.
The lawsuit, filed in Summit County Common Pleas Court, seeks more than $50,000 in damages.
A spokesman for the diocese issued a prepared statement Wednesday afternoon.
“The sexual abuse of a minor is a horrific act that no child should have to endure. That is why, for the Diocese of Cleveland and St. Mary Parish, the safety and welfare of the children in their care is a priority of the highest importance.
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