Another victim of just-ousted priest comes forward

For immediate release: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

For more information:
Judy Block Jones, SNAP director southeastern Ohio,636-433-2511
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director: 314-566-9790, 314-645-5915

Another victim of just-ousted priest comes forward

Man contacts confidential support group called SNAP

He begs that the cleric ‘never be allowed near children’

Abuse started in late 1960's St. Louis church in Louisville, Ohio

SNAP urges him, and other victims and witnesses, to call police

A confidential support group for clergy molestation victims is reporting that another victim of Fr. Thomas Crum has come forward.

Yesterday afternoon, a leader in SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, was called by an Ohio man who says that as a child, he was sexually violated by Crum.

“He specifically said that he wants us to let the public know that this priest did NOT just sexually abuse one child,” said Judy Jones, SNAP’s southeastern Ohio director. “This brave person came forward because he worries that more victims are still silent and that Crum has likely molested a number of kids.”

The victim reports that the crimes started in the late 1960s, before Crum was ordained a priest, and continued after he was ordained. Crum was known to make friends with families, and therefore had easy access to kids.

Jones says she fears there could be recent abuse by this priest.

“Rarely do pedophiles ever stop assaulting children,” Jones stressed. “It usually takes decades before victims realize they’re not alone, they’ve been deeply hurt, they have options, and have a duty to try and protect others. Then, victims have to find the strength to speak up. It just takes time.”

"If Bishop Murry did actually ask Fr. Crum whether he abused others children, then someone is not telling the truth," said SNAP director David Clohessy.

SNAP encouraged this new victim to contact law enforcement, as they do everyone who reports having been victimized.

“No one should ever assume it’s ‘too late’ to call law enforcement,” said Jones. “Police and prosecutors are getting increasingly savvy and determined to pursue even older sex crimes, and laws are changing to make that more possible.”

Civil lawsuits are sometimes possible even decades after the crimes happened.

“Anyone who was hurt by Crum owes it to themselves and their families to explore all their legal options,” Jones said.

Crum has worked at churches in Massillon, Warren, Campbell, Ravenna, Orwell, Canton, Boardman, Rootstown and Youngstown.