BOSTON (AP) - A dozen alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse are asking federal prosecutors to consider bringing federal charges against church leaders in the Boston Archdiocese for covering up child sexual abuse and failing to remove abusive priests.
At a news conference Monday outside the office of U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan, the victims said they were frustrated and angry that Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas Reilly declined to bring indictments on state charges. In a report issued last week, Reilly said the weakness of laws on the books at the time of the abuse prevented him from charging church officials with breaking state law.
The alleged victims are asking Sullivan to consider filing federal racketeering or conspiracy charges against Church supervisors.
"The ball has been dropped by just about every state agency you can imagine," said William Oberle. "Not one moment of healing can take place until something is done."
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office was not immediately available to respond to a request for comment.