Local

Accusations against youth minister, priest

Diocesan Statement

Notice regarding Mr. Kenneth Cassity

The Diocese of Arlington was advised recently of an allegation of
sexual abuse of a minor by Kenneth J. Cassity, who was employed as a teacher
and youth minister at Holy Spirit Church and School in Annandale in
1990-92.  The Diocese also learned that Mr. Cassity, who reportedly died
in 2006, was convicted in 2003 of abusing two male teens in Georgia.

Pursuant to the child protection policy, the Diocese notified Fairfax
County Police when it received the allegation. The Diocese will cooperate
fully with any law enforcement investigation.

Notice regarding Fr. James McLucas:

In reviewing information recently published in a Pennsylvania
grand jury report regarding clergy of several dioceses in that state who are
the subject of allegations of sexual abuse of children, the Diocese of
Arlington has learned that one of the priests named — Father James McLucas — was
a chaplain and instructor at Christendom College in Front Royal from
approximately 1991 to 1995.  In a response to the grand jury report, Father
McLucas strongly denied the allegations. 

Father McLucas has not engaged in any priestly ministry in the
Diocese of Arlington since 1995, and Christendom College reports that no
complaints have been received regarding Father McLucas’ conduct during his time
there. The incidents referred to in the Pennsylvania report are alleged to have
occurred a number of years after he left Christendom.

The Diocese of Arlington encourages anyone who knows of any
information related to this case, or of any misconduct or abuse on the part of
any cleric or employee of the diocese, to notify civil authorities, as well as
to reach out to the diocesan Victim Assistance coordinator, Dr. Frank Moncher,
at 703/841-2530. The diocesan child protection policy is online at arlingtondiocese.org.

 

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