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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Statement

Statement Regarding Decision Not to Proecute Former Baltimore Priest

 

Saturday, July 2, 2005

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis,
National Director of SNAP (314 566 9790)

ON THE DECISION TO NOT PROSECUTE FORMER PRIEST MAURICE BLACKWELL FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Blackwell molested several children because Baltimore Catholic officials did little to stop him. Now, sadly, he may molest more kids because Baltimore prosecutors are doing little to stop him.

Prosecutors have no crystal balls. They can never predict what a judge or jury may do. They are supposed to try and protect the vulnerable and the innocent, not to let criminals go free because they might receive light sentences.

Even if Blackwell might not spend a day behind bars, convicting him would help heal past Blackwell's victims and safeguard future Blackwell victims.

A courageous, "can do" prosecutor would issue a strong public plea urging other victims and witnesses to come forward. Who knows what other evidence might have surfaced?

Instead, Jessamy offers up weak excuses.

For one impulsive act against one adult criminal, Dontee served 18 month sentence. For years of calculated, serial attacks on perhaps dozens of innocent children, Blackwell serves no sentence.

Our hearts ache for Dontee, his family, other Blackwell victims, and Baltimore citizens who will be less safe because of Jessamy's spinelessness.

See Related News Story

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Frank Dingle 410-744-2398 home, 443-996-8994, cell
Bob Russell 717 873 8193 cell, 717 235 0427 home
Joe Radko, Home (301) 607-4374, Work (703) 796-7158, Cell (301) 514-2902
Jerry Hammell at 410-675-2513


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