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LAPD Reviewing Newly-Released Priest Abuse Files
Photo by Elnur via Shutterstock
In the wake of the recent release of a set of files held by the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese detailing child abuse at the hands of clergy comes word the Los Angeles Police Department will be giving the material a look to see if there are any cases to be prosecuted.
Detectives are in the process of reviewing the files to ascertain what's contained therein and if there are any possible violations of laws, and if those instances fall within the statute of limitations, according to L.A. Now.
The likelihood, however, of any cases stemming from this material is slim, because the law "only allows the prosecution of incidents since 1988," and "many of the files appear to pre-date that year."
The LAPD will be taking a look exclusively at priests mentioned in the files who are or were based in Los Angeles. The files detail allegations made against 122 priests, as well as the measures the Archdiocese went to in order to keep the accusations within the church and skirt prosecution.
Following the release of the files, Cardinal Roger Mahony was relieved of his public duties.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is also taking a look at the files.
Additionally, last week the Los Angeles Unified School District came under criticism for knowingly employing a disgraced ex-priest who had admitted being in a sexual relationship with a minor. The LAUSD was repeatedly warned about the man, however that ex-priest remained employed for over a decade.
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