Statement Regarding Shanley Sentencing

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago (312 399 4747)

Founder and President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

"Vulnerable adults and innocent children will be safer because of this judge's wisdom and caution.

We fervently hope that corrections officials will take great care to make sure no more violence occurs either by or against Shanley when he's behind bars.

We also hope that Shanley will now search his conscience and disclose to the police, prosecutors and the public what he knows about cover ups of sex crimes by church officials.

Sadly, some view jailing molesters as vengeance. Most see it as prudent. We see it as crucial, if more pain is to be avoided. It's the only way to ensure that predators don't rape others.

There is no magic age at which child molesters suddenly become "cured.' So despite Shanley's age, the only safe assumption is that he's still a danger, especially given his long history of serial crimes.

He may seem elderly, frail or even contrite. But his physical prowess doesn't what matters. The well-being of innocent people matters. For their sake, Shanley needs to be behind bars.

CONTACT:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director (314) 566-9790 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP Founder and President (312) 399 4747 cell
Mark Serrano of Leasburg VA, SNAP Board Member (703) 727 4940 cell
Mary Grant of Long Beach CA, SNAP Board Member (626) 419 2930
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP Board Member (414) 429 7259 cell, (414) 963 8617