SNAP wonders about delay in assault case

On Nov. 17, the Steubenville diocese removed Father Gary Zalenski from his parish in Neffs because of credible allegations of sexual assault of a minor in 1991.

Also, on Jan. 7, 2008, Beth Rocker reported that abuse by Zalenski to the Guernsey county sheriff.

Since then, the Guernsey County prosecutor has subpoenaed the Zalenski documents from the Steubenville diocese and he has ask Zalenski to be interviewed.

Also, there is at least one other previous victim of Zalenski who filed her report to the prosecutor and the diocese in early 1990’s.

SNAP, “Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests” has learned that the previous victim passed a polygraph, yet Zalenski refused to take one.

We at SNAP are very concerned about the delay in charging Zalenski. We are wondering if the delay is because the diocese has yet to turn over the Zalenski documents to the Guernsey County prosecutor.

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon does not have a credible history when it comes to dealing with victims of priest abuse within the Cincinnati diocese, where he was working before he was made bishop of Steubenville.

This is very concerning to us and to the victims of this accused priest. Could it be that somebody is not taking these allegations serious or is somebody stonewalling? If this is the case, we would like to know why?

Judy Jones, SNAP director Southeastern Ohio

Marthasville, Mo.