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Former Catholic priest Michael Kelly denies repeated allegations of sexual abuse

Proclaims innocence in an email despite past allegations

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, September 15, 2012, 11:10 AM

Updated Saturday, September 15, 2012, 11:10 AM

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Former priest Michael Kelly

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Michael Kelly, an Irish priest who formerly ministered in Lockeford, California says that he did not sexually abuse a 12-year-old former altar boy in about 2000.

'I am completely and totally innocent of these allegations; they are utterly untrue,' Kelly said in an email to the News-Sentinel. 'Never, ever, did I do anything of the sort to the plaintiff, or to anyone else, for that matter.'

According to the News-Sentinel, Kelly was responding to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday by a now 24-year-old man who was an altar boy in San Andreas when Kelly was the lead priest there.

The suit alleges that Kelly, who has now returned to his native Ireland, sexually abused the plaintiff more than a decade ago.

In addition to Kelly, Saint Andrew Parish in San Andreas, Stockton Diocese Bishop Stephen Blaire and Monsignor Richard Ryan are all reportedly named in the lawsuit.

According to the suit, both Bishop's Blaire and Ryan conspired to allow Kelly to remain in his ministry despite knowledge of several past allegations against Kelly.

Nster.com

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SingleDonald | Sep 17, 2012, 01:25 PM EDT

Mercyneal, I agree that it is a positive thing that a 24-year old is coming forward. Also, something that allegedly occurred in 2000 is not part of "ancient history". Yet, a dozen years can still present problems, unlike 2-5 years. That is why statutes of limitations are justified. Witnesses, or observers fade from the scene. Some memories may not be so sharp. Also, the plaintive may have another grudge against the accused, and feels that this is his/her opportunity to strike back! This is quite prevalent, I believe, with women alleging abuse against guys at work, or those they have dated. If something truly occurs, speak up right away! Also, give the facts sensibly; don't embellish them to "demonize" the accused. After all, accused people have rights too, in the U.S.A.!

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Mercyneal | Sep 17, 2012, 09:05 AM EDT

To Irishpjk: There is a parallel criminal investigation into Kelly. The number of victims who have gone to the Calaveras County Sheriff's office about Kelly will NOT be receiving any money to testify in a criminal case. What part of this don't you understand?

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Mercyneal | Sep 17, 2012, 09:04 AM EDT

Um, hello, SingleDonald? The newest victim is only 24. The abuse happened just ten years ago. If you'd done your homework you'd see that over 90 per cent of male sexual abuse victims never come forward- because of attitudes like yours. The average age for a man to come forward is between the age of 35-40. It's quite extraordinary that the newest victim has come forward at a young age. You also don't know all the facts of the new case. You also don't seem to understand that Kelly has been under intensive investigation by the police because a number of new victims have come forward.

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SingleDonald | Sep 16, 2012, 10:49 PM EDT

I agree with the comments below. As I always say, how can an accused defend himself against allegations made some time ago? This kind of abuse was indeed horrendous, if it occured. The best thing to do is to vigilantly persue recent claims of abuse, and to punish those found guilty severely!

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irishpjk | Sep 16, 2012, 05:39 PM EDT

wtf See a lawyer make the allegations sue, you and the lawyer might get the money. What do you have to lose? I think a lot of these claims are bogus people just see their chance for a quick buck. I know that some of the priests were bad and should have gone to jail but I think the media made whipping boys out of all priests.

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oldboreen | Sep 16, 2012, 01:27 PM EDT

'Allegations'equals'guilt'-An interesting concept!

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