Grand jury clears diocese of allegations it violates abuse laws

Published: 2005-06-30

DALLAS (CNS) -- A special grand jury impaneled to examine the child abuse reporting practices of the Diocese of Dallas said clearly it "has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of the diocese or its officials." The five-month investigation, which ended June 27, was initiated by Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill to look into public allegations that the diocese was failing to report all child abuse allegations. Dallas Bishop Charles V. Grahmann said of the announcement, "I am pleased that the investigation has been concluded and the findings confirm our position that there has been no wrongdoing by the Diocese of Dallas or its officials in reporting cases of child abuse." The bishop in early January said he "welcomed with open arms" the announced investigation and pledged his support for it.

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