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  Lawsuits Accuses Joliet Diocese of Harboring Pedophile Priests

WQAD
May 24, 2006

http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=4946161&nav=1sW7

CHICAGO Two brothers have filed lawsuits in DuPage County accusing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet of harboring two priests who allegedly molested them during the 1980s.

An attorney for Dan and Tim Shanahan says the two brothers allegedly were abused at Saint Mary's Parish in Mokena.

Dan Shanahan's lawsuit names the Joliet Diocese, its bishop and the Reverend James Burnett -- who he claims molested him. Tim Shanahan's lawsuit names the diocese, its bishop and the Reverend William Virtue -- who Tim Shanahan alleges sexually abused him.

Burnett was placed on administrative leave last year, and diocese officials say Virtue -- who says he's innocent -- has agreed to no longer function as a priest.

A diocese spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit.

 
 

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