Fr. Michael Pfleger accused of sexually abusing child at Saint Sabina Catholic Church: lawyer

CHICAGO (WLS) — A brand new individual is accusing Saint Sabina’s Father Michael Pfleger of sexual abuse.

Chicago legal professional Eugene Hollander mentioned his consumer, a person in his late 40s, has filed a declare with the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The video within the participant above is from a earlier report

In an announcement launched Saturday, Cardinal Blasé Cupich mentioned Fr. Pfleger has been requested to step apart from ministry whereas an investigation is underway, and Pfleger agreed.

The person claims the abuse occurred when he was a member of the Soul Youngsters of Chicago choir within the Nineteen Eighties.

Within the declare, the person mentioned he was sexually abused by Pfleger on two separate events within the parish rectory.

Hollander mentioned the person is just not talking publicly concerning the investigation at the moment.

He’s the third man to file a declare with the Archdiocese of Chicago accusing Father Pfleger of sexual abuse.

In January 2021, two brothers filed a declare accusing Pfleger of sexual abuse. Months later, one other man submitted an affidavit alleging Pfleger touched him sexually and gave him medication and liquor within the Seventies. On the time, the three males have been additionally represented by Hollander.

Pfleger returned to St. Sabina in June 2021 after a five-month investigation by the Archdiocese and DCFS based mostly on allegations from two brothers. These allegations have been decided to be unfounded.

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“Let me clear – I’m fully harmless of this accusation,” mentioned Pfleger in an announcement launched Saturday.

“Whereas I’m assured that the brand new allegation will even be decided to be unfounded, this course of is so unfair and painful to me and the neighborhood I serve.”

Cardinal Blase Cupich despatched a letter to the members of Saint Sabina informing them of the allegations towards Pfleger.

Cardinal Cupich additionally mentioned the individual making the allegation has been supplied the providers of the archdiocese’s Sufferer Help Ministry.

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St. Sabina’s pastor, Father Thulani Magwaza will function administrator when he returns from his go to with household in early November, Cupich wrote. Till then, Father David Jones will function a brief administrator.

“The welfare of the kids entrusted to our care stays our precedence. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct severely and encourages anybody who has been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, spiritual or lay worker to return ahead,” Cupich wrote.

An legal professional for The Soul Youngsters of Chicago and their long-time director, Dr. Walter Whitman issued a launch in response to the allegations.

“The Soul Youngsters of Chicago have a 40-year historical past of excellence and a disciplined deal with educating and empowering the lives of our youth. Throughout the rehearsals at St. Sabina, the choir at all times had chaperones and dad or mum attendants watching over the kids. Dr. Walter Whitman and the Soul Youngsters denounce the current allegations and assist Father Pfleger as a person of integrity.”

Father Pfleger’s Full Assertion:

Full letter from the Archdiocese of Chicago to St. Sabina Parish