PENNSYLVANIA
CBS Pittsburgh
March 31, 2016 By Andy Sheehan
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The grand jury report sent shockwaves through the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese with revelations that 50 priests and religious leaders allegedly sexually abused hundreds of child victims.
But because of the statute of limitations, no criminal charges were filed.
“It leaves people with a hollow sense that there is justice that has not been dispensed or justice denied,” said U.S. Attorney David Hickton.
But now, Hickton says a federal investigation may go further than state prosecutors in seeking justice.
He tells KDKA that his office may address the findings in the grand jury report with a law that usually applies to criminal organizations, known as RICO, the Racketeering Influence and Corruption Organization Act.
“It would be appropriate in this instance if the evidence supported it,” Hickton said.
Because of a similar statute of limitations, it’s too late to prosecute anyone criminally under RICO, but Hickton says there is also a civil RICO statute with no time limit, which would carry civil penalties.
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