Mar 3, 2006 12:33 pm US/Central
More Sex Abuse Suits Filed Against Joliet Diocese
JOLIET, Ill. (STNG) ―
The Diocese of Joliet was hit with three more lawsuits Thursday, all filed by men alleging they were sexually abused by priests when they were altar boys and students at the Cathedral of St. Raymond. Two of the men allege they were molested by the Rev. Larry Mullins, and the third cites sexual abuse by the Rev. Anthony J. Ross.
The claims bring the number of lawsuits pending against the diocese to at least nine, including one class-action. Each of the new lawsuits seeks more than $50,000 in damages.
One of the new plaintiffs, George Fehrenbacher, alleges Mullins' abuse included an incident at his family's home. The lawsuit stated the parents had asked Mullins there to talk to another son, Christopher, who has also filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by Mullins.
Fehrenbacher and another man identified only as Benedict Doe also allege that Mullins molested them on several occasions at the school, in the sacristy of the church and most frequently in Mullins' private quarters in the rectory at St. Raymond's.
The third new plaintiff says he was abused by Mullins, reported the incident to Ross and ended up being abused by Ross at a parish in Itasca after the priest served alcohol to the boy.
The man is identified as Adam Doe in the lawsuit. He told his story to the Herald News of Joliet in 2002, and Ross publicly admitted to the abuse and apologized to the man and his family.
Both of the accused clerics remain priests, though they may not wear the Roman Catholic collar, celebrate Mass in public or identify themselves with titles such as "reverend" or "father." At last word, Ross had appealed to the Vatican to be removed from administrative leave and reinstated as a priest in good standing.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
