Another male has come forward to tell of the horrific sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a man of God.
CNN “Headline News” anchor Thomas Roberts came forward after 20 years to publicly admit he was sexually abused as teenager by Father Jeff Toohey. The abuse lasted for two years while Roberts attended an all-boys Catholic school in Baltimore.
After Roberts and another victim told their stories, Toohey was charged with 10 criminal counts of child sexual abuse in relation to Roberts’ case.
To add salt to the wound, Toohey pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in jail, but only served 10 months. He was released early to serve eight months in home detention.What is going on?
How is it that a child molester can only serve 10 months of a five-year sentence, but there are people still sitting in jail for selling marijuana? That just doesn’t add up.
Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church became a national issue in the United States in 1985 when a Louisiana priest, Gilbert Gauthe, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of molestation of boys in the 1992 U.S. Bishops meeting.
Back then Catholic leaders admitted attempts to hide abuse, and the problem is still happening. It seems that the issue is still trying to be pushed under the rug.
It is a good thing that Roberts, and all other victims, are coming forward to let the world know the problem is still happening.
Katrelle Simmons for the Editorial Board.