NEW MEXICO
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)
A child molesting teacher was given another decade around kids because Catholic officials claim they “couldn’t substantiate” a child sex abuse report against him. Parents, police, prosecutors and parishioners who think that church officials are “doing better” with abuse should think again.
[KRQE]
Aaron Chavez has finally been arrested. He’s accused of molesting five kids at Santo Nino Catholic School. One of them was six years old.
But the first abuse report against Chavez was made to Catholic officials in 2007. Because bishops insist on dealing with abuse reports in secrecy, they can later claim “gee, we found no proof so we kept the accused predator on the job.” If they would be open about these allegations, more evidence and other victims would likely emerge. Instead, church officials keep quiet, protecting their careers and reputations while endangering boys and girls.
Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester should visit this school immediately. He should urge anyone who saw, suspected or suffered Chavez’ crimes – or cover ups by his colleagues – to call police.
We hope every single person who has information or suspicions about Chavez, or other child molesting Catholic staff, will find the strength to call law enforcement now. That’s the only real way to protect kids, expose wrongdoers, deter cover ups and start healing.
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