CA - Unusual Trial vs. Priest Set for Stockton, CA
- Accused Cleric Still In Active Ministry Despite Lawsuit
- First Such Case In Stockton In Years
A rare civil sexual molestation trial against a Catholic priest is expected to begin next month in Stockton.
Father Francis Arakal, a priest from India, was sued in San Joaquin County Superior Court for allegedly abusing a young girl in July of 2001.
Arakal, now the associate pastor at St. Josephs Parish has denied the allegation.
"Clergy sex abuse cases almost never go to trial, because church officials settle fearing what juries might do if they learn the facts," said David Clohessy of SNAP. "We are appalled at how this devout family has suffered but thankful they have the strength and wisdom to try and warn others about this dangerous man and protect innocent children in the process."
Church officials suspended Arakal in April of 2002 because the girl's family reported the abuse. In July of 2002, however, Stockton Bishop Blaire reinstated Arakal to active ministry, claiming the report could not be "substantiated."
Stanislaus County law enforcement was contacted, but the District Attorney declined to prosecute in July 2002.
"That's not unusual. Prosecutors know that child molestation cases are tough, especially against the church,' said Barbara Dorris of SNAP. "Still, we're grateful this brave family is persisting in their quest for justice, healing, and prevention. We hope this will encourage other victims to keep pressing to expose the truth, even if they win settlements from church officials."
"Hopefully, this young victim will see her perpetrator and those who shielded that perpetrator finally have to testify in open court," said David Clohessy of SNAP. "That can be very healing. It may also prod other victims of Arakal to call law enforcement, so he can be locked up and kids can be safe."
The victim's attorneys are George MacKoul of Sabbah & MacKoul P.C. with offices in Patterson, California and Falmouth, Massachusetts (508-495-4955) and Anthony Boskovich of the Law Offices of Anthony Boskovich San Jose, California 408-286-5150
Diocesan attorneys involved are Vladimir F. Kosina of Mayall, Hurley, Knutsen, Smith & Green of Stockton California (209-477-3833) and Paul Balestracci of Neumiller & Beardslee of Stockton, California (209-948-8200). The Diocese has declined to represent Fr. Arakal, who is represented by Michael Coughlin of Stockton, California (209) 952-3878.
For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis SNAP National Dir. 314 566-9790 cell, 314 645 5915 Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President 312 399 4747
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director 314 862 7688
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director