In Charlotte, NC, a judge has ruled that some of the sex abuse claims in a civil suit against a priest and the diocese can move forward, reports the Charlotte Observer. The priest in question, a Reverend Robert Yurgel, has already pleaded guilty to sex abuse in an earlier abuse case and was sentenced to 7 years in prison. The charges in the civil suit claim that there was a cover-up by the diocese, and that it had been discovered that e-mail from Rev. Yurgel to the boy professing his love had been deleted by diocesan officials and the Rev. Yurgel was then re-assigned to New Jersey. This is unfortunately not the first time that an unethical priest was simply moved elsewhere where he could possibly damage and humiliate other children.
Some of the civil suit claims in the suit were not permitted to go forward by the judge, but he did allow the claims of fraud, civil conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty. The civil lawsuit, which also names Yurgel and his religious order as defendants, seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Many victims of clergy abuse have been treated with such a complete lack of compassion in these cases that one can only hope that the situation will resolve in the future and protect the rights of children and others who have been taken advantage of by individuals who do not belong in near children, much less in a position of authority in a Church. Unfortunately many children and adults have suffered priest abuse in the past and in many cases it has damaged their lives almost beyond repair.
If you or a loved one has suffered from clergy abuse you could use the assistance of a Clergy Abuse Attorney to provide you with respectful, caring legal counsel. The Zalkin Law Firm has helped many individuals with this difficult and heartbreaking problem.
