First and foremost, Due to the type of accusation levelled, there is no DNA or other means of verifying the alleged victim’s claims. I am all for protecting minors, and have been a victim of someone who tried to force himself on to me. Thankfully, I was big enough (I was fifteen then)to get myself off the situation. While I was bitter, confused, etc and did not share the info with my parents for the next 10 years and moved out of that state, I think it would be unfair for me to accuse this individual all of a sudden. even while legitimate 10 years later (While I harbour no bitterness – The person in question died of natural causes a few years back I heard)

Secondly, whatever happned to innocent until proved guilty? Till date no concrete proof seems to have been furnished. Why not allow him to get back until there is evidence to the contrary. I am not a lawyer, but this should be simple. The victims are no longer there, so why not bring a semblance of normalcy to his life, just in the case that he happens to be innocent which is very likely.

Thirdly, I am very offended as a Hindu living in the US, that the Bail amount for him leaving the country was set so high ($10 MM). This may be totally misplaced, but has any journalist reviewed similar cases and seen if the bail amounts set, etc were comparable, or is there some level of discrimination here? Tremendous damage has already been caused to his name – Why add to it, especially considering he may be innocent?

If he is guilty, may god and/or our courts punish him – there is no question of me defending him in this case. But my only question is, is justice being doled out correclty, or do most journalists believe that he is guily before being proven innocent already and report accordingly?

David Clohessy
National Director, SNAP
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
7234 Arsenal Street
St. Louis MO 63143
314 566 9790 cell
SNAPclohessy@aol.com
SNAPnetwork.org