Pinnacle News, and other news media, have reported that a member of the Salinas’ Madonna Del Sasso Parish choir has accused Reverend Edward Fitz-Henry of sexual abuse.
The victim was 14 at the time of the alleged abuse, she is now 21.
The abuse took place in 2005 while Fitz-Henry worked at the San Juan Bautista Mission. It began with inappropriate conversations between Fitz-Henry and the young girl, and then escalated to sexual touching.
A civil lawsuit has been filed against the priest, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Monterey and the Madonna Del Sasso Parish.
The Salinas Police Department is investigating the allegation and no criminal charges have been made.
Fitz-Henry was temporarily suspended by the Monterey Diocese on January 7. Per Fitz-Henry’s attorney, Charlie Keeley, that was when the Roman Catholic Church received information of the sexual abuse charges.
Keeley stated that Fitz-Henry has denied all charges lodged against him. He also said that the Reverend is distraught over what this might do to his fifteen-year long-standing reputation with the Mission
Diocese spokesman, Tom Riordan, said that during the course of their investigation it has been discovered that Fitz-Henry had another inappropriate relationship – 20 years before this one – and that the diocese has moved to suspend Fitz-Henry indefinitely.
Keeley said, “It does not reflect a belief that it happened, it's part of the process - they have to do it.”
The new information, discovered on February 11, was reported to the Salinas Police Department immediately. Riordan said, “We determined that the allegations were credible and we moved to suspend him.”
The diocese had known of the relationship before, but contends that they were not aware that it was sexual in nature.
The attorney for the victim, Vince Finaldi, said, “Why was he allowed to work at a church? The church needs to fully disclose the first allegations against him. They can pull him out of the ministry, but that doesn't solve the problem.”
Keeley said, “He is not running away, he wants to show that the allegations are a complete lie.”
Fitz-Henry worked as a pastor from 1994 to 2005, and again in 2007, at the San Juan Bautista Mission. In between those years, from 2005 to 2007, he worked at Madonna Del Sasso.
Joelle Casteix, the western regional director for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP, held a press conference outside of the diocese office in Monterey and said, “I’m glad they suspended him indefinitely, but I wish it was sooner.”
Four other members of SNAP held signs that read, “Will not be silent.”
Tom Riordan, also speaking at the press conference, and showing support for SNAP, said, “Anything that could help a victim in cases like these, I think it's a good thing.”
Riordan also said that the diocese uses a review board of six people to examine allegations and decide whether or not they are credible. The diocese only releases accusations if they find them warranted.
If you, or someone you care about, has been abused by a member of the clergy contact a personal injury lawyer from our directory today to discuss your case.