New details revealed in Florida civil case against former Dubuque Priest
February 19, 2025
By Terra Konieczny
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWWL) -- New details are coming to light in three civil lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Dubuque and former priest Leo Riley.
The plaintiffs, who filed these lawsuits in Charlotte County, Florida, where Riley now lives, allege the abuse happened in Dubuque in the 1980s.
The Florida Chapter of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is sharing insight on why these victims are coming forward decades later.
Florida SNAP leader Sally Zakhari said, "Maybe you don't even see the trauma, but decades later, it hits you."
The updated complaint withdrew a claim for punitive damages but still accuses Riley of three counts relating to the sexual abuse of altar boys at Resurrection Parish in Dubuque. It also alleges five counts against the Archdiocese of Dubuque, claiming they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to disclose it.
Zakhari elaborated, "Its a shame that the reputation of the church and the reputation of priesthood is put above the safety of protecting children. I mean it's really scary how churches and religious institutions are handling sexual abuse cases."
Zakhari, who was abused by a clergy member in the late 1990s, joined SNAP to help other survivors. She says the "Me Too" movement gave more survivors the courage to speak out.
She added, "Since 2002, SNAP has been in the media raising awareness about clergy sexual abuse. When the 'Me Too' movement started I think it just boosted that and encouraged even more people to speak up with the power of social media. I think it really encouraged a lot of survivors to come forward and say, 'Me Too.'"
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