ST. LOUIS (MO)
Riverfront Times
By Sam Levin Fri., May 10 2013
Another day, another dispute with the St. Louis Archdiocese regarding allegations of child sex abuse. The case of Father LeRoy Valentine, however, involves a long and complicated history of accusations that span several decades and allegations of repeated inaction by those in charge. And victims’ advocates say the archdiocese today is still trying to downplay Valentine’s proven abuse.
“This is disturbing,” David Clohessy, executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, tells Daily RFT. “Rather than err on the side of being open and transparent, [St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson] chooses to be vague and deceptive.”
The support group for clergy abuse victims — in response to a recent announcement that Valentine has been permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry — is alleging that officials with the archdiocese failed to supervise Valentine over the last eleven years and is trying to cover up some of the past cases of sex abuse today.
Archdiocese officials, however, say in a statement that they investigated all accusations and properly responded to allegations they found to be “credible.” Valentine, they say, “will continue to live in a monitored, secure environment.”
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