UNITED STATES
CBS NEWS
October 18, 2018
By Nikki Battiste
For the first time ever, the Justice Department has opened an investigation into child sex abuse within the Catholic Church. Seven of the eight Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania said Thursday they had received subpoenas. CBS News has learned the U.S. attorney in Buffalo, New York, has also served the diocese there. The focus involves alleged trafficking of minors across state lines for the purpose of sex abuse.
The news of the first federal probe into sex abuse in the church comes the day after an “Eye on America” report on the “CBS Evening News” in which two victims confronted the priest they say abused them when they were children. In the 24 hours since the story of a confrontation with Rev. George Koharchik aired, messages of support flooded Shaun Dougherty’s phone.
Dougherty said he heard from other alleged victims and countless supporters from around the world.
“Overwhelming show of support,” he said.
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