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For immediate release: Monday, Aug. 29
A St. Louis archdiocesan Catholic priest who allegedly molested a local boy is going to court today and facing criminal sodomy charges.
In 2002, Father Thomas Graham was arrested for repeatedly molested a 13 year old boy at the old St. Louis Cathedral downtown in the 1970s and 1980s. The cleric was also sued civilly for child sexual abuse in 1996 and again in 1991. Still, church officials kept Graham in active ministry until 2002.
Defense lawyers have claimed the victim came forward too late to press either civil or criminal charges. St. Louis city prosecutors, however, noted that until 1979, Missouri had no statute of limitations on sodomy, so despite the passage of years, Graham could indeed be pursued criminally.
In December, the Missouri Supreme Court turned down Graham's appeal, which set the stage for today's trial. Jury selection is set for the morning. Opening statements could begin in the afternoon. Ed Powstacko of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office is handling the prosecution.
"This brave victim has suffered immeasurably and persevered admirably," said David Clohessy of St. Louis, national director of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). "Like the rest of us, he just wants to make sure Graham doesn't molest other kids."
Clohessy added that he hopes anyone else Graham may have hurt comes forward. "When victims speak up, there's a chance other kids can be protected. When victims stay silent, the horrific crimes and damage continues," he said.
"We've known this courageous man for more than a decade, and supported him as he met time and time again with church officials, including Archbishop Rigali, hoping to safeguard others," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director. "We are grateful he has been so strong and so patient throughout this ordeal."
Graham's most recent assignment, according to new reports, was in the 1990s to "Nazareth Living Center, a retirement center and nursing home in the Mehlville area." It is run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, according to Sister Mary Kay Liston.
Also, according to a church web site, "In recent years Father Thomas Graham and the men of St. Mary's Parish have rehabilitated the old burial ground" at St. Mary's Cemetery in Bridgeton."
Graham has been represented by Ian P. Cooper, Chet Goeke, Martin Hadican, and Art Margulis. He is believed to be 73 years old.
Graham was ordained in 1960. He worked at Good Shepherd Church in Ferguson, St. Mary Church in Bridgeton, St. Pius V Church in the city, St. Alban Roe in Glencoe and St. Bernadette in Lemay.
The only other area priest to actually undergo a criminal trial was Father Bryan Kuchar in St. Louis County. After an initial hung jury, Kuchar was convicted and is still in the county jail.
CONTACT:
David Clohessy 566 9790 cell, 645 5915,
Barbara Dorris 862 7688 |
