TALLAHASSEE (FL)
Capitol News Service via WJHG-TV, Channel 7
October 6, 2018
Victims are already coming forward just 24 hours after Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the state’s investigation into sexual abuse of children by the Catholic church.
A Pennsylvania grand jury report released in August identified 301 Catholic priests, including at least 14 with ties to Florida, who sexually abused what is believed to be more than 1,000 children spanning decades.
“I couldn’t sleep that night,” said Bondi in a press conference Thursday.
Now, Attorney General Bondi says the state is investigating Florida’s seven dioceses.
“We have reason to believe there are similar stories in Florida,” said Bondi.
More than 15 victims had come forward before the investigation was announced.
The state says more have come forward since, but aren’t releasing specific numbers.
“We cannot comment on the specifics of our ongoing criminal investigation, but I am pleased with the response from the public so far, and the growing number of reports from victims,” Bondi said in a statement. “Based on these confidential reports, I believe the tip site is providing us the information we need to conduct a successful investigation and protect children.”
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