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  No Further Allegations against Priest Emerge
No Other Victims Come Forward in Paul Deyo Case

Press-Citizen [Iowa City]
September 9, 2004

Catholic Church officials said no more allegations have been reported since local parishes learned nearly two weeks ago of an alleged sex abuse incident involving a boy and former Johnson County priest.

However, Davenport Diocese attorney Rand Wonio said the inquiry into accused priest Paul Deyo is ongoing and likely will not be closed any time soon.

"The policies relating to sexuality and personal behavior don't contain a statute of limitations," Wonio said Thursday. "Any report will be investigated and handled in accordance with the policies."

No criminal charges have been filed against Deyo, who lived in Iowa City from 1991 to 2000. The diocese released Deyo’s name Aug. 28 in an attempt to urge others who may have been abused by him to come forward.

Deyo is accused of committing sex abuse in 1998 against a minor in Johnson County. The alleged victim reported the incident to the diocese in July 2003 and has opted not press charges to protect his identity, church officials have said.

Described by parishioners as a "great man" who "gave a great homily" and "loved to teach," Deyo served at St. Patrick’s in Iowa City from 1991 to 1992, St. Peter in Cosgrove from 1996 to 1997 and at St. Wenceslaus from 1998 to 2000. He also taught at Regina High School from 1991 to 2000.

He has been restricted from active duty since last year and is currently caring for his father in Keokuk, dioceses officials said.

The statute of limitations has not yet expired on the alleged incident.

Johnson County Attorney J. Patrick White said he started an informal information gathering process into the matter since learning of it three weeks ago.

The alleged abuse was reported to Assistant Johnson County Attorney Anne Lahey in July 2003.

White declined to elaborate on the investigation or the likelihood of criminal charges filed against Deyo. If charges were filed, it would be the first prosecution of a priest in Johnson County in 15 years.

"I have nothing to add to what I've already said," White said Thursday.

In 1989, the Rev. James Leu was arrested for sexual abuse of minors while assigned to St. Mary Church in Lone Tree. He pleaded guilty and received a two-year prison sentence. Leu has had no assignment since his release. The Diocesan Review Board recently reviewed his case and, in a recommendation sent to Rome, suggested that his status be maintained, diocese records show.

 
 

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