ME - SNAP blasts sheriff who warned predator about investigation
Penobscot County Sheriff Glen Ross put his friendship with Fr. Robert Carlson, an admitted child predator, over the needs of victims by warning him of an ongoing investigation.
“I did it not to warn him, but to prevent his access into the jail," Ross said. "You cannot fault somebody for trying to make sure they've protected their inmates and their agencies. That's my job as a sheriff."
“It boggles the mind that Ross would try to claim he was putting the safety of adult prisoners over the safety of innocent children” said Robert Gossart, SNAP Maine leader. After getting the sheriff's warning, who knows how many victims Carlson may have intimidated, how many witnesses he might have threatened, how many whistleblowers he may have discredited, how much evidence he may have destroyed?
Carlson took his own life after being warned by Ross. SNAP hopes that Bishop Richard Malone will use his considerable resources, diocesan newspaper, website, church bulletins and pulpits, to reach out to anyone who may have been hurt by Carlson.
SNAP believes Ross should resign for the using his position to warn a predator about an ongoing investigation. “No victim of child sexual abuse will feel safe reporting crimes to this man” said David Clohessy, Executive Director of SNAP. “he has destroyed his credibility and can no longer function as a law enforcement officer.”
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
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