A former Catholic priest has been accused of molesting a young boy, while he was actively serving as a priest for the St. Andrews Catholic Church, when the boy was ten years old, as reported by the Calaveras Enterprise News Service.
The victim, now 36, claims that he has only recently recalled the memories of the abuse, which occurred during the mid-1980s and ended during his 11th year.
The plaintiff is listed as John TZ Doe and the priest is Father M.K., now 61.
Doe has alleged that M.K. sodomized him in the church rectory, office and empty church. Reporters, in attempting to contact M.K., discovered that he is currently traveling with parishioners in Italy.
Former priest, monk, and now lawyer, Patrick J. Wall, is representing Doe. Of his client's response to the formerly repressed memories, Wall said, "He tried to commit suicide. In the process of dealing with the suicide attempt, that's when he finally came to grips with it. Father (M.K.) denies the charges."
Among the list of alleged sexual offenses against the priest are such items as talking about sex and genitalia, professing his love for the boy and walking naked in front of him. Further allegations of a more a physical nature include rubbing the boy's back, shoulder and chest, bathing him, kissing, caressing, groping and grabbing.
The complaint suggests that a child such as Doe was unable to give his consent for sex, and that M.K. used his position as a priest to coerce the boy into giving in to him.
M.K. was removed from the ministry in 2007, for six months, as an investigation by the bishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Stockton had been ordered. The investigation by the church's team exonerated M.K. and all allegations of sexual abuse.
M.K. was then reinstated and resumed his service at Lockeford's St. Joachim's Catholic Church.
Attorneys for the Catholic Church have asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit - alleging that the church should not be held responsible for the priest's actions, as they had no reason to think that he was a threat to children.
The complaint states that M.K. acted with a conscious disregard to Doe's right to be free from oppressive or malicious behavior.
Because of the years of abuse, Doe contends in the suit that he has suffered pain, shock, distress, embarrassment, disgrace, and humiliations. Other claims include his failure to perform daily duties or enjoy his life fully. Due to all of these issues the plaintiff states that he is unable to gain, or maintain, employment - thereby causing a loss of past, current and future earnings. And, finally, as he has issues with trust, Doe has yet to gain and maintain normal intimacy with a partner.
Wall is requesting a trial by jury.
Priest abuse has far reaching results. If you have recently recalled memories of abuse, or if you are ready to share memories that you have kept to yourself, contact a personal injury lawyer for help today!