COUPLE FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - PRIEST COMMITTED SEXUAL CRIMES

Subject:	COUPLE FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - PRIEST COMMITTED SEXUAL CRIMES
Date:	Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:43:11 GMT

Allegheny couple alleges sexual misconduct by priest

By Rich Cholodofsky
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Saturday, January 30, 2010

An Allegheny County woman and her husband have filed a lawsuit
against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, claiming their
parish priest took advantage of an emotionally vulnerable woman.

In the suit, Wendy Benaquista, 37, of Plum, accused the diocese of
negligence for installing a priest at Mother of Sorrows Church in
Murrysville, despite knowledge of past allegations against him for
"sexual indiscretions with female congregants."

In the 16-count lawsuit, Benaquista and her husband, Daniel, contend
that Monsignor Richard Curci, 64, took advantage of her when she
sought marital advice from the church. There are no specific
allegations in the lawsuit against Curci detailing previous sexual
misconduct.

In a statement e-mailed to the Tribune-Review Friday, spokesman Jerry
Zufelt said the diocese was aware of the lawsuit filed in
Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court.

"However, since the diocese has not been served with the complaint,
it does not have the specific allegations. The diocese is not able to
comment on this litigation at this time," he said.

The lawsuit claims that in 2008 Curci made sexual advances to Wendy
Benaquista during confession and counseling sessions.

Several of the meetings occurred in Curci's residence, according to
the lawsuit.

The suit described one meeting when Curci allegedly invited
Benaquista into his living room and closed the door.

"He then came over to her and hugged her in a prolonged, full-body
embrace prior to the start of their discussions," it said.

Curci initiated contact at a second session, the couple allege.

"Before leaving he hugged Wendy in a close full-body embrace, pressed
his hands on her back, kissed her on the lips and neck, moved his
hand down to the back of her leg directly below her buttocks. This
physical embrace lasted for an extended period of time with Curci
expressing his wish she could spend the night," the lawsuit said.

The Benaquistas' lawyer, Richard Serbin of Altoona, declined to
elaborate on the lawsuit. It names the diocese, Curci, Bishop
Lawrence Brandt and Mother of Sorrows Church as defendants.

The suit contends the diocese knew about Benaquista's allegations.

"In September 2008, after receiving complaints about Curci's
exploitation of Wendy from seven members of the Mother of Sorrows
Women's Bible Study Group, church defendants publicly announced that
Curci resigned from (the church) due to health concerns," according
to the lawsuit.

The Benaquistas are seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory and
punitive damages.

More at:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_664782.html

Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti

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