Sexual Abuse News

St. Petersburg Diocese Pays $1 Million to Settle Sex Abuse Suits

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October 1, 2004

St. Petersburg - The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg will pay more than 1 million dollars to settle lawsuits filed by a dozen men who said a former priest sexually abused them. The diocese agreed to settle the claims against former priest Robert Schaeufele.

Joseph Saunders is the attorney representing the 12 victims.

JOSEPH SAUNDERS:
“I’m not sure I can say anyone is satisfied, money can’t cure this, but further litigation isn’t going to cure this either.”

BISHIP ROBERT LYNCH:
“My prayer is that this settlement will help to bind up the wounds of those who have been harmed and help heal the pain of the Church of St. Petersburg.”

Schaeufele is currently serving a 30-year sentence after pleading guilty last year to attempted sexual battery.

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