Bishops in DC, VA & MD must act re admitted predator

UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, Aug. 24

Statement by Becky Ianni of Burke VA, DC area director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703 801 6044, SNAPvirginia@cox.net)

We doubt Fr. Espinoza was ever on the Arlington bishop’s payroll. But we know seven things.

First, he admitted raping a teenager.

Second, he was around kids in the DC area (including in the Arlington diocese).

Third, Catholic officials recruited, educated, ordained, trained, and hired him.

Fourth, one year ago, every US bishop was told that Fr. Espinoza’s archbishop suspected he was in Maryland, but apparently no church official warned police, prosecutors, parents or the public.

Fifth, he says two Catholic officials told him to flee overseas.

Sixth, so Catholic officials helped conceal his crimes.

Seventh, if more victims, witnesses and whistleblowers speak up, the chances of prosecuting him and protecting kids increases.

So we believe that Catholic officials – in DC, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Ecuador – have a moral and a civic duty to aggressively reach out to anyone who

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