Criminal charges against Fr. Leo Riley dismissed; SNAP Responds

For immediate release: July 15, 2024

The criminal case against an ex-Dubuque priest accused of multiple counts of child sexual abuse was dismissed today. There was no ruling on the accusations, just a decision that the case was beyond the criminal statute of limitations. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is disappointed that once again an accused clergyman was able to avoid facing his accusers in court.

 Although Fr. Leo P. Riley had denied the charges and pleaded not guilty, we know that false accusations of child sexual abuse are rare, multiple false accusations are even rarer. We believe and stand with the brave survivors who came forward to accuse this cleric. Despite Fr. Riley’s attorney's claiming that there was “no evidence” that the clergyman committed these crimes, the truth is that the testimony of these courageous victims would have been evidence.

 Many secular reports and individual investigations across the globe have shown that the Catholic Church protected perpetrators over children. Far too many stories highlight how this religious institution knew of child sexual abuse by clergymen, but did not report the crimes to law enforcement or remove the offenders from ministry. Effectively, this allowed accused abusers to continue to work for years. Instead, Church officials moved accused offenders to other parishes, dioceses, and states, or even out of the country.

The case against Fr. Riley is a prime example of this practice. The first public accusation against the priest was made in December of 2014. Despite a review board “investigation” into the claim, Fr. Riley continued to work in parishes in Iowa until 2009. However, his 16 assignments in the state over a 27-year period send up a red flag to us that the Church may have had knowledge of additional complaints or concerns. Moreover, a further accusation out of Fr. Riley’s assignment in Florida is to us further evidence of a serious problem.

 We stand with each and every victim who steps forward to share their truth. They alone carried the pain and liability of their abuse. While we are disappointed in the court decision today, we will continue to fight to seek justice and accountability and support each and every survivor who speaks out.

 CONTACT: Paul A. Koeniguer, SNAP Iowa ([email protected], 515-865-9673), John S. Chambers, SNAP Iowa ([email protected], 515-277-8436), Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Director ([email protected], 267-261-0578), Shaun Dougherty, SNAP Interim Executive Director ([email protected], 814- 341-8386)