FORT WAYNE (IN)
WANE [Fort Wayne IN]
September 27, 2021
A Fort Wayne Catholic priest has resigned from his duties following an allegation he sexually abused a minor.
According to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, on Sept. 19, the diocese was made aware of an allegation that Father David Huneck was engaging in “sexual and other misconduct, including that with a minor.” No specific details about the alleged abuse were released.
Huneck had served as pastor of Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City, and as chaplain of Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne.
According to a post on the Diocese of Fort Wayne South Bend website Huneck is a Fort Wayne native.
The post went on to say that Huneck’s call to the priesthood began with the positive example of other priests including a priest at Bishop Dwenger High School. He has his master’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and was then ordained in Fort Wayne in June 2018.
After it received the report, the diocese said it notified the Department of Child Services of the allegations and forwarded the information to local police. Columbia City Police said it was told about the matter on Sept. 23.
Huneck has resigned from his posts, the diocese said. The diocese said it also suspended him from all public priestly ministry “as a precautionary measure.”
Huneck has not been charged with any crimes as of Monday.
The Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed there is an open investigation into the matter, but would not offer any additional information.
The diocese said it was “ready to cooperate” with investigators.
“The diocese is following the Church’s required protocols from the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for responding effectively, appropriately, and compassionately to all allegations of sexual abuse of minors,” the diocese said in a statement. “We are committed to providing a safe environment for all people, especially the young and vulnerable.
“The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend extends our heartfelt prayers to all who are affected by this news and stands firm in its commitment to investigate any allegation of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy and to listen to and support anyone who has been abused.”
The diocese said it would be “inappropriate” to make any further comments on the matter at this time.
Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City has several signs post on its doors stating that masses and confession have been canceled this week.