Credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor and an adult victim have been made against the late Father William Malone of Sacred Heart Parish, according to the Diocese.
In a statement released Thursday, March 21, the Diocese says the abuses occurred in the early 1980s at Sacred Heart Parish in Jacksonville.
The statement says an independent investigator reviewed the allegations and the Diocesan Review Board found the allegations to be credible after a letter surfaced in October of last year.
We have since learned that there is another adult victim in this case. Little details are known about that individual.
Father Malone was the associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Jacksonville from 1982 to 1991. He died in 2003.
Bishop Felipe Esteves has met with the victim to express "his deep sorrow for the pain the victim has suffered," and apologized on behalf of the church.
The Diocese of St. Augustine reminds you that if you or someone you know has been harmed by someone representing the Catholic Church, to call to the police. You can also report abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families by calling 1-800-962-2873.