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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Statement

Statement Regarding Conviction in 1980 Murder of Nun

 

May 11, 2006

Statement by Claudia Vercellotti of Toledo 419-810-5375

Ohio is a safer state today because of this verdict. We hope it brings long overdue comfort to the loved ones of Sister Margaret Ann and the Toledo community.

The important lesson here, is that older crimes can be and are being criminally pursued. More than ever, police and prosecutors have the tools and the will to go after horrific crimes, even when the defendants are seemingly powerful individuals or institutions.

The murder of Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl and the guilty verdict of Fr. Robinson, further underscores the need for aggressive child protection laws. It was the courage of abuse victim Jane Doe that helped re-open this 24 year old case. Were it not for an expired statute of limitations, Jane Doe's case might have helped law enforcement sooner in the case of Sr. Margaret Ann. Ohio's archaic laws regarding clergy sexual abuse aided in the cover-up of a murder.

When victims & witnesses stay silent, nothing changes. When victims and witnesses speak up, at least sometimes a child is protected, the truth is exposed, and justice is done

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

Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP National Outreach Director (314) 862 7688


 

 

 


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org