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April 2, 2021A brief protest of about 20 persons took place on Monday, March 29th, in front of the Diocese of Tucson Chancery. At that time a woman stated that she had recently reported a childhood molestation by a priest from approximately 50 years ago to the Diocese of Tucson and that her case was not properly managed. The alleged victim also stated that she is joining a lawsuit filed some time ago against the Diocese of Tucson. Because of the pending litigation, information that can be provided to the public is limited.
The Diocese of Tucson received an allegation of misconduct claiming sexual abuse of a minor by a priest of the Diocese of Tucson in the mid-1970s. The priest currently is retired and in good standing. In accord with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and under Tucson Diocesan norms, law enforcement was immediately notified and Bishop Weisenburger also immediately withdrew the priest from public ministry for the duration of the investigation. The priest was fully compliant with this process and the Diocese of Tucson has received no other complaints of criminal activity against him.
The Diocese of Tucson was informed by law enforcement that due to the passing of almost 50 years following the alleged incident they declined to investigate the matter, thus allowing the Diocese of Tucson to proceed with an internal investigation. At that time the Diocese of Tucson employed an investigator, a retired police officer with professional experience in investigations. The investigator interviewed the alleged victim, the priest, and sixteen other potential witnesses. The priest denied the accusation and none of the witnesses corroborated the complainant’s allegation.
The results of the investigation were presented to the Diocese of Tucson Lay Review Board, whose membership includes law enforcement officers, attorneys, a canon lawyer, and those with professional experience in education and social work. They found the misconduct allegation against the priest to be inconclusive and recommended that Bishop Weisenburger restore the accused priest to public ministry. Bishop Weisenburger accepted their recommendation. Bishop Weisenburger also met in person with the alleged victim and in accord with the U.S.C.C.B. Charter and Diocesan policy offered her professional counseling.
All aspects of the U.S.C.C.B. Charter and Diocesan policy were followed carefully. While there is no open investigation related to this case at the present time, a case of this nature can always be reopened when new allegations or proofs are presented to the Church.
Bishop Weisenburger joins with bishops, clergy, and the lay faithful, who deeply regret the abuse of children and remain committed to healing those who have been harmed. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse is strongly encouraged to call the police. If the abuse involves church personnel then the Diocese of Tucson also should be alerted.