Priest accused of sexual abuse claims innocence

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

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Father Ron Joseph has denied accusations that he acted inappropriately with a 16-year-old boy.

MANATEE COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Manatee County priest accused of sexually abusing a minor says he has been falsely accused.

Father Ron Joseph says the Diocese of Venice informed him in August of the allegations that he touched a minor inappropriately. He says he was asked to remove himself from active ministry immediately.

"I felt very disappointed, and I felt like -- betrayed." Joseph said.

Joseph says he's accused of sexual misconduct on a then-16-year-old boy, who he knew very well.

He says the accuser told the diocese that the abuse happened 15 years ago while the teen spent the night with him. Joseph says the sleepover and allegation never happened.

"I didn't do it," Joseph said. "If I did, I'd admit it."

Joseph and his attorney addressed the situation publicly for the first time when speaking to his former congregation and friends at a public forum at Holmes Beach Wednesday. Dozens showed up to show their support.

But Barbara Dorris, with the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, says the large turnout worries her.

"Whether it's intentional or not, you're sending a message to any child being abused now, no will believe you," Dorris said. "Everyone will side with the predator."

More Information

Joseph's attorney, John Fleck, says what's more concerning is that his client is being treated like a criminal when he's never had a fair investigation.

"No criminal charges have been filed against him," Fleck said.

The Diocese of Venice is still handling the investigation and law enforcement is not involved. The only way that will happen is if his accuser comes forward and files a report. So far Bay News 9 is told that hasn't happened.

Joseph says he welcomes the investigation, and that he'll continue to fight the allegations so he can go back to being a priest.

Fleck says he recently received a letter from the Diocese of Venice stating that the investigation is still going on. He says the diocese says the allegations are credible.

Joseph also says that the diocese asked him to take psychological exams at St. Luke's in Maryland. He says he refused and wanted to take the test elsewhere, but the diocese would not allow it.

Response from the Diocese of Venice

Father Joseph has alleged that he has been treated like he was guilty from the start. He questions whether the Diocese of Venice followed Church policy in identifying him as a target of the investigation.

Response: We are very sorry that Fr. Joseph feels that way. The Diocese made very clear in its announcement to the parishes and the subsequent statement to the press that Father Joseph denies the allegation and strenuously maintains his innocence. Although he has been removed from public ministry while the investigation is conducted, Father Joseph should continue his prayer life. In addition he continues to receive his salary and benefits.

The Diocese takes such accusations of abuse extremely seriously and there is a process in place to deal with this. In cases of child sexual abuse, the Diocese does not and will not enter into confidentiality agreements. We must be open and transparent when an allegation is made to inform the parish communities directly affected by this. Our concern is whether or not there are other victims who need help. The alleged victim had the courage to come forward, so the Diocese has an obligation to pursue this with utmost concern and respect for the individual's privacy.

When will the investigation be completed?

Response: The diocesan review process is not finished, it takes time. This is a very serious matter and the Diocese is not rushing to a conclusion. We are concerned about the well-being of both parties involved - the person making the accusation and Father Joseph. It is our responsibility to get to the bottom of this.

And when will it be forward to law enforcement?

Response: It has not been determined that a crime has been committed.

During today's forum the attorney for Fr. Joseph brought up a recent letter received with the quote "the allegation is credible." Can you address this?

Response: Diocesan policy requires that the results of an investigation and recommendations made by the Diocesan Review Board be made known to the person being accused. This is standard procedure when an allegation of sexual abuse is brought forward. If you have been informed that such a letter has been received, then it is so.

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