New charge against Gary priest

Michigan City, Indiana —

A second credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a Catholic priest already removed from public ministry has led the Diocese of Gary to notify his former northwest Indiana parishes where there could be other victims.

The new allegation against the Rev. Richard Emerson was found to be credible, so the parishes where he has served were notified last week, as have been law enforcement authorities, said diocesan spokesman the Rev. Brian Chadwick.

“It’s not a finding of guilt,” he said.

The alleged victim was a minor, Chadwick told the Herald-Argus of LaPorte for a story published Monday. Chadwick would not say whether the alleged incident occurred in Indiana or Florida.

Emerson’s whereabouts could not be determined today, and he could not be located for comment.

Emerson was suspended last December while pastor of Notre Dame Parish in Michigan City.

The diocese sent letters discussing the new case last week to that parish and to three others in the diocese where Emerson has been posted: LaPorte’s St. Joseph, Munster’s St. Thomas More, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Hammond.

“If it reaches just one victim that is still trapped in shame and self-blame, it’s a worthwhile effort,” said David Clohessy, executive director of the victim advocacy group Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP.

Read the article at indystar.com Dated August 8, 2005