Statement Regarding New Allegation

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis
April 18, 2014

http://archstl.org/commoffice/press-release/2014/statement-regarding-new-allegation

The Archdiocese of St. Louis was made aware of a new allegation of misconduct with a minor against Fr. Joseph Jiang. The allegation was reported through the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline by a family who over the past year has been pursuing a claim against the archdiocese related to their child being bullied by other students. The family had never claimed that their child was abused by a priest until this week. Fr. Jiang voluntarily surrendered yesterday at the request of police pending a decision whether charges are going to be brought.

Per the protocol of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Fr. Jiang’s canonical privileges have been fully revoked while this allegation is being considered. The Archdiocese of St. Louis will cooperate fully with law enforcement during their investigation of this matter. Prayers are requested for everyone involved.

Criminal charges against Fr. Jiang involving a separate allegation of inappropriate contact with a high school aged minor were dismissed in November 2013. In the dismissal order the Court noted that the evidence established Fr. Jiang had never been alone with the child.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis encourages all persons with reports of misconduct with a minor involving a member of the clergy or other church personnel to contact Deacon Phil Hengen, Director of Child and Youth Protection, at 314.792.7704, the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800.392.3738, or law enforcement officials.