Sexual Abuse Attorney: Three Lexington Men Claim Abuse by Priest
According to WLEX, three Lexington men have accused a priest of sexual abuse that occurred between 1984 and 1986. The alleged abuser is currently the pastor of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lexington.
According to the tv station, the Lexington Catholic Diocese said last week a Louisville attorney alerted them of the allegations against Father Joseph Muench. The lawyer said his clients, three men, accuse Father Muench of sexual misconduct during his time as associate pastor at Good Shepherd Parish in Frankfort between 1984 and 1986.
The Diocese said it has launched it's own investigation and determined the allegations possessed what they called a "semblance of truth."
Father Muench has been suspended and placed on administrative leave. During the suspension, Father Muench cannot live in any church housing and is prohibited from all public ministry. The Diocese said it's standard protocol until the investigation is complete.
The Diocese said mass will continue at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary with other priests filling in.
Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones sexual abuse lawyer Larry Jones, who is a member of the National Crime Victims Bar Association, says "Sexual abuse of children is an unforgivable crime. We place our pastors, teachers, counselors and coaches in a great position of trust with our children. When they violate this trust, they should be held both criminally and civilly accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
For more information about the rights of those sexually abused by a pastor, teacher, coach or other person in a position of trust, visit http://www.kentuckyinjurylaw.com/
