Man Accuses Priest Of Abuse, Files Lawsuit Against Catholic Church
Posted: 5:24 pm EDT October 15, 2008Updated: 8:26 pm EDT October 15, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A man who said a Charlotte Catholic priest molested him is filing a civil suit.The suit is 50 pages long and full of explicit details. It was filed Wednesday in superior court. The lawsuit accused Father Robert Yurgel of sexually molesting the then 14-year-old boy. It also accused the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and the religious order that sent Yurgel to St. Matthews church of collaborating and conspiring to conceal the abuse.The lawsuit said the abuse started in 1999 when Yurgel befriended the boy and his family. It alleged the first incident happened when Yurgel volunteered to take the boy home from youth group. Instead of going straight home, the lawsuit said Yurgel brought the boy into the church office and fondled him.Even when Yurgel was moved to another church, the lawsuit said, the sexual abuse continued. As part of the conspiracy, the lawsuit included an e-mail that the teen sent to Yurgel. It was accidentally sent to a diocese employee.The lawsuit alleged the language in the email was a red flag. The employee passed it on to her superiors and instead of reporting it to police, the diocese transferred Yurgel to New Jersey, the lawsuit said.Wednesday, victims of sexual abuse by other priests said the abuse has to stop.“You don't get over it. You don't put behind. What you do is you deal with it. That's why I'm you so proud of that still suffering young man he's dealing with it,” said David Fortwengler.Eyewitness News contacted the Diocese of Charlotte, and was told the only person who could comment won't be in until Friday.Eyewitness News also contacted Yurgel's attorney. He said he's only representing Yurgel in the criminal case.Yurgel's next criminal court appearance is in November.RELATED STORY: Former Charlotte Priest Accused Of Sex Abuse Out Of Jail RELATED STORY: Former Priest Booked In Mecklenburg County Jail Sunday RELATED STORY: Charlotte Church Leaders Talk To Members Following Priest Arrest RELATED STORY: Alleged Sex Victim's Attorney Talks About Charges Against Former Charlotte Priest RELATED STORY: Former South Charlotte Priest Faces Sex Charges
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