MO - Supreme Court Says No Time Limits in MO Sodomy Cases
For immediate release:
Tuesday, Dec. 21
For more information:
David Clohessy 566 9790
Barbara Dorris 862 7688
Child Molesters From Years Ago Can Be Prosecuted, MO Supreme Court Says
Sexual Abuse Victims Applaud New Decision
"Missouri Kids Will Be Safer," SNAP Says
The Missouri Supreme Court decided today to not hear an appeal by an allegedly abusive priest facing criminal molestation charges stemming from the 1970s. The decision opens the door to perhaps dozens of cases against child molesters.
"We applaud the high court's wisdom in keeping kids safer," said David Clohessy of SNAP. "."
The case involved a St. Lous priest, Father Thomas Graham. He molested a local boy in the 1970s, but defense lawyers have claimed the victim came forward too late to press charges. St. Louis city prosecutors, however, point out that until 1979, Missouri had no statute of limitations on sodomy, so despite the passage of years, Graham could indeed be pursued criminally.
"Every parent and child in Missouri owes an enormous debt to this very determined and courageous young man who for years has struggled to protect kids from Father Graham," said Clohessy."Against all odds, his perseverence has paid off for Missouri families."
"Now more than ever, others who have been molested should contact law enforcement, so that innocent youngsters can be spared lifetimes of suffering," he said.
Graham is represented by St. Louis attorneys Art Margolis and Chet Goeke.
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