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Fugitives from justice: Roman Catholic priests
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of Chicago Tribune
Posted: March 27th, 2012
http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/fugitives/priests.html
Few clergy who fled the U.S. after being accused of sexual abuse of minors have been returned to face the charges. Since 1985, at least 32 Roman Catholic priests have left the United States for foreign countries while facing criminal charges or a police investigation over allegations that they sexually assaulted or abused minors, according to federal warrants, news reports and law enforcement sources. Only five have been returned to the U.S. to face trial; some died abroad. The number of fugitive priests grows by more than two dozen if it includes those who left the country while facing internal church probes or civil allegations of child sex misconduct, instead of a criminal investigation, and those who were transferred to foreign countries by church authorities before or after allegations surfaced. Many have maintained their innocence. Authorities also have pursued religious leaders from other faith traditions who fled the U.S. amid abuse allegations.
Note: This extensive, multi-part report includes detailed stories on individual priests who have fled justice, and photos of many such fugitives, as well as other types of fugitive criminals. For key reports from reliable sources on sexual abuse scandals, click here.
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