PHOENIX — Bishop Thomas Olmstead addressed parishioner's concerns at a
Saturday mass in the wake of allegations that a St. Timothy's priest
molested a 14-year-old 20 years ago.
The alleged victim said that he recovered a repressed memory of sexual
molestation by former priest John Layman. The accuser, who was 14 at the
time, claims Monsignor Dale Fuschek knew about the abuse, but did
nothing to stop it.
"This was very unexpected. I can't imagine that it's true, but at the
same time I don't want to prejudice the investigation moving forward,"
Olmstead said.
Fuschek has been placed on administrative leave as church officials
investigate the allegations.
Parishioners were surprised by the allegations against Fuschek.
"I was rather surprised," said parishioner Louis Besser. "[But] we can't
make judgment yet."
Olmstead asked parishioners to be patient until the investigation is
complete.
"This is not a time to choose sides," he said. "There are those who will
have to responsibility to weight what is presented and make decisions."
Fuschek has not been charged with any crime. He will remain on paid
leave pending the outcome of the county attorney's investigation.
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