Politics & Government
Lake Zurich Pastor Steps Down Amid Child Sex Abuse Probe
Father David Ryan at Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich has been asked to step away while the investigation is underway.
By Sam Borcia | November 29, 2020 12:47 pm
A pastor at Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich has been asked to step away while an investigation is conducted into child sexual abuse allegations.
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Cardinal Blase Cupich, who is the Archbishop of Chicago, wrote in a letter to the St. Francis community announcing the investigation into Father David Ryan.
Ryan is accused of sexually abusing minors approximately 25 years ago while he was assigned to the Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.
Find out what's happening in Lake Zurichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed. Father Ryan has been directed to live away from the parish while the matter is investigated, and he is fully cooperating with this direction,” Cupich said.
Ryan was a pastor at Saint Francis de Sales Parish and School in Lake Zurich. Father Jerome Jacob, pastor of Saint Mary of the Annunciation in Mundelein, will serve as temporary administrator of Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich.
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The allegations were reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The victims making the allegations have been offered the services of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Victim Assistance Ministry and the archdiocese has begun its own investigation as well.
“It is crucial that you know nothing is more important than the welfare of the children entrusted to our care. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward,” Cupich said.
Neither the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) nor the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office released any information.
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