Independent investigator looks into handling of Chicago abuse cases

Published: 2006-02-16

CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Chicago has hired an investigator to conduct an independent overview of its handling of recent abuse cases and asked for a complete review of its policies and procedures for monitoring clergy accused of sexually abusing children. Both moves came as Cardinal Francis E. George named Jimmy Lago, chancellor, as the person responsible for overseeing the efforts of all employees and offices to make sure children are protected. The initiatives came in the wake of the January arrest of Father Daniel McCormack, then pastor of St. Agatha Parish, on charges that he had sexually abused two boys. Since then, he has been charged with abusing a third boy, who came forward after the first two cases were reported in the media. The archdiocese and Cardinal George personally were widely criticized for not removing Father McCormack from ministry sooner. The priest had been questioned by Chicago police at the end of August 2005 after one of the boys reported being molested three years ago; he was released without charge because the state's attorney did not believe there was enough evidence to prosecute him.

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