For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2004

For More Infomation:
Landa Mauriello-Vernon, Director, SNAP CT, cell: 203-687-8072
Mark Serrano, SNAP Board Member, Mid-Atlantic Director, cell: 703-727-4940
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director, cell: 314-566-9790

Sex Abuse Group Worries About Plea Deal
Accused Polish Priest Gets Offer from DA

SNAP to Prosecutor: Hang Tough

Leaders of the nation’s largest support group for clergy molestation victims are urging a New Britain State Attorney to “be firm” in negotiating any plea deal with a priest accused of sexually abusing a young New Britain girl.

They are worried that the priest will move and sexually assault kids in his native Poland once the case against him is resolved.

Two officials with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abued by Priests, are writing the New Britain State's Attorney, Scott J. Murphy urging him to push for an admission of guilt by the priest or pursue a full trial.

It was signed by Mark Serrano of Washington DC, a SNAP National Board member, and SNAP’s Connecticut director, Landa Mauriello-Vernon of Hamden.

According to media reports, New Britain State's Attorney Scott J. Murphy made a plea offer recently to Father Roman Kramek. Kramek faces a criminal trial in New Britain Superior Court. The Hartford Courant reports that “Kramek will be back in court on Nov. 3 to accept or reject the offer. Rejection means the case goes to trial.”

SNAP leaders expressed sympathy for Kramek’s accuser, and are urging anyone else who witnessed, suspected or experienced abuse by the priest to contact law enforcement.

“A recent Dallas Morning News year-long investigation found at least 200 known or suspected abusive priests who have quietly fled to other countries, sometimes to escape criminal prosecution,” said Landa Mauriello-Vernon. “But a change of scenery doesn’t cure a child molester. We fear he will only abuse again elsewhere.”