Bishop Faces Felony Charges
When you think of a Bishop you really don’t think of sexual abuse. However, sometimes it happens. You just never know now days, it can happen anytime and any where.
There were a few charges that have been dropped against the Arizona Roman Catholic bishop. However, the former church officials still face the sexual misconduct charges for the allegations that he molested a young boy thirty-five years ago.
According to reports, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge actually dismissed counts of public nuisance, fraud, fiduciary fraud and even negligent infliction of emotional distress. That still leaves eight of the original fourteen counts.
The retired bishop, Thomas O’Brien was accused of sexually abusing a little boy on several occasions. This happened at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear. This was in 1977 to 1982. However, O’Brien still denies the allegations.
O’Brien led the diocese in Phoenix then it became a global scandal. The allegations rocked the Catholic church, now rumors spread about pedophiles priests going unpunished.
Bishop Sexual Assault
The Bishop said that in 2003 in an immunity deal that he would let the church employees who were accused of the sex abuse would continue to have contact with the children. How sick is that? Just weeks after the immunity deal, O’Brien resigned as the Bishop and was later arrested for a hit and run death of a pedestrian.
O’Brien had been a bishop in Phoenix for at least 21 years. The bishop resigned in 2003. This was after being accused of hit and killing, 43 year old Jim Reed with his vehicle.
The bishop didn’t even stop to help Reed or even report the accident to the authorities. Later, he did tell the investigators that he didn’t even realize that he had hit a person.
He also said that he thought he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had even threw a rock at his car. The prosecutors said O’Brien tried to have his windshield fixed. So there’s a pretty good clue that something was wrong. If he didn’t know for sure why wouldn’t you report it or even stop to be sure.
The man was sentenced to probation as well as 1,000 hours of community service this was after he was convicted of leaving the scene.
Phoenix Assault Lawyer
Criminal Defense Cases
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Types of Assault Cases
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Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Assault Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Assault, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.
Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
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