The grand jury report on sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania was released Tuesday afternoon.

In presenting the findings of the report, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro was highly critical of retired Erie Bishop Donald Trautman; there was no holding back.  Shapiro revealing the severity of the grand jury report, Shapiro detailed two cases with strong criticism aimed at Trautman.  

Shapiro says multiple accusations against Father William Presley, now deceased, went back to the 1980’s.  While Trautman eventually notified the Vatican and removed Presley from ministry, the Diocese allegedly misled the media and law enforcement. 

Shapiro says, “Trautman and the Diocese of Erie intentionally waited out the statute of limitations and curbed their own investigation to avoid finding additional victims.”

Also saying, “Predators in every diocese weaponized the Catholic faith and used it as a tool of their abuse.”

Shapiro also pointed to the case against David Poulson, former priest awaiting trial, accused of abusing two boys; one for eight years. 

Trautman has responded with his own statement, saying in part, “I maintain before God and the people whom I served for 22 years that I faithfully fulfilled the charter for the protection of children and young people…  and faithfully fulfilled all the laws of the Commonwealth on sex abuse.”