KENTUCKY
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 29
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )
We’re worried, but not surprised, that Fr. Shook, a convicted child molester, wants to be released from prison. We hope he fails in this premature effort.
[WDRB]
We hope that Kentucky officials will keep Fr. Shook behind bars for as long as possible.
Only the most reckless or foolish would believe that six months in prison would magically cure a pedophile of his compulsion to sexually assault kids.
Letting Fr. Shook out so quickly would rub salt into the already deep and still fresh wounds of those he molested. It would also likely deter other victims from reporting predators to police, because they’ll surely feel “What’s the use? These pedophiles always get breaks and special treatment and light sentences.”
This move by Fr. Shook should prod others who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to call law enforcement right away. We can’t be complacent. It’s our civic and moral duty to share what we know or suspect about child sex crimes or cover ups with police and prosecutors. It’s possible that Fr. Shook could be charged with and convicted of more child sex crimes. And that would keep him locked up longer, which would make kids safer.
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