Former Richmond priest accused of child sex abuse

WTVR CBS 6
February 14, 2020

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/another-richmond-diocese-clergyman-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-a-minor

They say the representative of a deceased victim has shared allegations of sexual abuse by reverend Raymond Barton.

The Richmond Catholic Diocese has added another clergyman's name to their list of priests accused of sexually abusing a minor.

Diocese officials said Friday the representative of a deceased victim has shared allegations of sexual abuse by Rev. Msgr. Raymond Barton.

A representative of the victim came forward with a report detailing allegations of child sex abuse by Barton.

The report claims the abuse happened back in the early 1970s when the victim was a minor.

Church officials say Barton has been a pastor at six catholic churches across Central Virginia and Hampton Roads since 1966.

• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond: associate pastor
• St. John Vianney Seminary in Goochland: faculty member
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk: pastor
• Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach: pastor
• Holy Comforter Catholic Church in Charlottesville: pastor
• Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach: co-pastor

Barton retired in 2011.

"Bishop Knestout remains committed to transparency and accountability when allegations of child sexual abuse are reported,"
Catholic Diocese of Richmond officials said in a news release Friday. "He encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of a cleric or representative of the diocese to report it."

The allegations have been turned over to police, and Barton will not be allowed to serve in ministry until the investigation is complete.

Church officials said anyone sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese should report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.
Individuals can also contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603