Lawsuit filed against Archdiocese of Miami in sexual assault case | News - Home

I am all for going after scumbag priests, but I am a bit confused on this one,,,

A lawsuit was filed against the Archdiocese of Miami Tuesday by a man who claims he was sexually assaulted by a priest in 1989.

The alleged victim is seeking damages in excess of $5 million.

The complaint alleges that the archdiocese allowed Father Harry Ringenberger, now 82, to continue serving as a priest despite being told that he had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy.

It's unclear whether any criminal charges were ever filed against Ringenberger.

According to the complaint, the Archdiocese "sent Father Ringenberger away for approximately one year, (and) then assigned him to a new parish within the Archdiocese of Miami."

At the time, Ringenberger was working at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Pembroke Pines, and most recently was working at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale.

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The archdiocese released a statement saying in part, "In 1989, upon learning of an accusation of sexual misbehavior by Fr. Ringenberger, the Archdiocese of Miami reported it to the City of Pembroke Pines Police Department who in turn submitted it the Broward County State Attorney's Office. In addition it was reported to the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) which is now State of Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).  At the time the Archdiocese of Miami fully cooperated with all investigating agencies."

"Archbishop Edward McCarthy received a letter from Pembroke Pines Mayor Charles W. Flanagan dated September 29, 1989 which stated, "The City of Pembroke Pines Police Department has been investigating these accusations. Our Police Chief, John Lombardo, has informed me that the police department's investigation has been completed with no evidence of criminal wrongdoings.  Our report was submitted to the Broward County State Attorney's Office.  Chief Lombardo was informed on Wednesday, September 27, 1989 by Barbara Mitchell, an assistant state attorney, that there was insufficient information to constitute any criminal activity on behalf of the subject, Father Harry Ringenberger."

Lawsuit filed against Archdiocese of Miami in sexual assault case | News - Home