PENNSYLVANIA
WGAL
PENNSYLVANIA —Attorney General Kathleen Kane has charged three religious leaders in the Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
Kane says the men took part in an alleged conspiracy that allowed more than 80 victims to be sexually abused by Stephen Baker, a proven child predator, and put hundreds of other children in danger.
The charges are against Giles A. Schinelli, 73, Robert J. D’Aversa, 69, and Anthony Criscitelli, 61. The men are a part of the Franciscan Friars in Hollidaysburg, Blair County. They are each charged with one count each of endangering the welfare of children and criminal conspiracy.
According to the attorney general’s office, “these men knew there was a child predator in their organization,” Stephen Baker. Baker has passed away.
The announcement comes after a report that alleged sex abuse within the diocese.
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