Bishop, prosecutor sign abuse investigation agreement

Published: 2004-11-04

DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) -- The day after Bishop William E. Franklin of Davenport reached a $9 million settlement with clergy sex abuse victims, he and Scott County Attorney William Davis announced an agreement on future criminal investigations of clergy sexual abuse. They released a "Memorandum of Understanding" Oct. 29 saying that any future complaint of sexual abuse of a minor by Catholic clergy in Scott County will be turned over immediately to the county attorney's office for investigation without comment or prior examination by the diocese. The agreement was not a part of the diocese's $9 million settlement Oct. 28 with 37 alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse. But Robert Van Vooren, a member of the diocesan corporate board, said it was done partly at the urging of those individuals. Victims of clergy sexual abuse "wanted to ensure more independence and credibility" in the investigation process, Van Vooren said. "This is a wonderful initiative and we're glad to be a part of it," he added.

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