March 29, 2005
Trial Begins In Oakland Priest Abuse Case
Priest Accused Of Molesting Two BoysHAYWARD, Calif. -- A lawyer for two former altar boys at an Antioch church said Monday that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland gave "opportunity and a green light" to a priest who molested boys. In his opening statement in the first of what could be many priest sex-abuse cases against the Oakland diocese, attorney Richard Simons said the diocese sent the Rev. Robert Ponciroli to St. Ignatius Parish in Antioch in 1979 even though officials knew his conduct at other churches "was not unblemished." Posted by Editor at March 29, 2005 09:23 AM