A Catholic priest is accused of sexually abusing two people, one of whom is a minor.
That priest is Father David Huneck. He has served as a pastor in Columbia City and a chaplain at Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne. In order to protect the identity of the victims, both the diocese and law enforcement have not given specific details about the investigation.
“We informed, as is our policy, the Indiana Department of Child Services, who at our request, contacted the Whitley County Police Department,” said Kevin Rhoades, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Tuesday afternoon. “There was a call received late Sunday night, a week ago. On Monday, the preliminary investigation was done. That takes a little time. Once they learned there was a minor involved, my staff informed DCS.”
Huneck has resigned from his positions and been removed from public ministry.
“We have also placed Father Hunek on our public list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor,” said Rhoades. That list was first created in 2018.
Rhoades said his diocese and other Catholic dioceses across the country have heard complaints about this kind of behavior and continue to take them seriously.
“Back in 2002, the Bishops of the United States approved a charter for the protection of children and young people from sexual abuse. We diligently follow the charter. Through the years, especially the past 20 years, there have been great improvements in this. That’s why this case (Hunek) is so shocking after all we’ve tried to do,” said Rhoades.
The Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the investigation. No criminal charges have been filed yet.
Credit: Source link
