Statement Regarding
Lifting of Nevada Priest's Probation

For Immediate Release
August 26, 2004

Sex Abuse Victims Dismayed Over Lifting of Formal Probation

Statement by Tom Bara of Las Vegas,
SNAP Nevada Director (702) 461-3513

We're terribly upset by this decision and the secretive way it was
made, with no consulting or even notifying the victims or their families.
It is hurtful to these already wounded people and to all victims of sex
crimes.

Father Mark Roberts is a sex offender and a serial child molester. He
belongs in prison.

Short of that, he should be in a locked facility, supervised by
independent, trained prison professionals in Nevada, not at a "country
club" supervised by priests in Missouri.

One of his victims is a college student very near the so-called
"treatment center" where he now lives. Where's the compassion for the
victim? Picture the victim at a bowling alley with his friends.
Suddenly, the perpetrator (out on a "pass" or a recreational release)
shows up at the same bowling alley. The victim will be revictimized and
retraumatized, even though he may never actually come in contact with
the perpetrator.

The Judge had the whole United States to send Fr. Roberts to for
treatment. By making this risky and insensitive move, the Judge has sentenced
Roberts' victim to psychological imprisonment.

We call upon Nevada officials to investigate how this decision was made
and, for the sake of public safety and justice, to reverse it.

(SNAP, a support group, was founded in 1988 in Chicago. It now has more
than 4,600 members in virtually every state, and monthly support group
meetings in 54 cities.)

For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director (314) 566-9790 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President (312) 399-4747 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator (314) 862-7688