“Credible allegations” added after initial publication of diocese name in 2018

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) – Three years after the publication of a list of 18 priests and deacons who faced “credible allegations” of sexual misconduct with children, updated data from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend shows inclusion of additional findings of alleged misconduct.

Our investigations followed the revelation that a priest who was a chaplain at Bishop Dwenger High School resigned this month and was referred to state authorities over a complaint alleging “sexual and other misconduct, including the one with a minor “.

David huneck

David Huneck was ordained in June 2018, just months before the publication in September 2018 of the identities of local priests and deacons suspected of child sexual abuse.

He was not charged, but police told ABC21 they were investigating the issues.

ABC21 interviewed Catholic Church officials about the initial list – and the addition of three more names that followed.

We wanted to know if the Diocese was aware of any charges filed since its publication or if the Diocese has faced any disputes regarding any of these individuals since the publication of the list.

A spokesperson referred ABC21 to the diocese’s website, which has a page titled “Clergy Credibly Accused of Child Sexual Abuse.”

The page – which appears to have been last updated in December 2020 – contains no information on criminal or civil actions. However, that includes what Director of the Communications Secretariat Nichole Hahn said is up-to-date information.

ABC21 compared this information with that published by the diocese in 2018.

It shows that five previously named had new “credible allegations” against them.

Four in five have died. They are:

Eldon Miller – 2 initial allegations; 4 now listedWilliam Gieranowski – 3 initials; 5 now listed John Gillig – 9 initials; 12 now listed Edward Krason – 2 initials; 3 now listed

The fifth person with updated information is James Seculoff, who in the 1960s was principal of the old Huntington Catholic School and in the 1970s superintendent of local Catholic schools.

The 2018 list noted five concerns about Seculoff. Current page shows credible sixth allegation added

The Diocese page does not provide any details regarding the date of the alleged event or when it was found to be credible.

A file search revealed no indication of charges against Seculoff, who was dismissed from his public prosecution in 2015.

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend said it “remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate any allegation of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy and to listen and support anyone experiencing abuse.”

A Victim Assistance Coordinator can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at 260-399-1458. As with any case of sexual abuse, reports can be made directly to local law enforcement.

James seculoff

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