Catholic church reacts to decision not to prosecute priests

Alleged victims of sexual abuse by area priests are out of time, that's according to Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris. <br><br>He announced Tuesday he believes the statute of limitations

Wednesday, September 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Alleged victims of sexual abuse by area priests are out of time, that's according to Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris.

He announced Tuesday he believes the statute of limitations was up in the late 1990s, so he will not file charges. News on Six reporter Tami Marler says two local priests have been accused of sexual misconduct with children. One priest stepped down, the other filed suit against his accusers. Still, law enforcement and church officials want victims to come forward.

It's a huge sacrifice, giving up your personal life, traditional thoughts of marriage, having children and acquiring wealth, to serve others. About 40,000 men in the US are Roman Catholic priests. 3,400 are studying to enter the priesthood. Ken Lewis said in July, it was all he ever wanted to do. "I have never done anything to be considered sexual contact or molestation.â€

Lewis and his attorney, Clark Brewster have said his affection toward his young parishioners was not sexual. "This is a prototypical case that was tried in the press, leaving him scarred and abused as a person, without any real closure."

No closure, Brewster says, because Harris' decision not to prosecute was based on a technicality, not the facts. "We looked at the facts very early on in the case and felt very comfortable that none of his conduct was in any way criminal in nature."

"Ultimately, my legal decision is that the statute of limitations under Oklahoma law is that it's a complete bar, which means prohibited from filing any criminal case here in Tulsa County.â€ District Attorney Tim Harris says law enforcement's role is to protect children, and Bishop Slattery agrees, that should also be the role of the church."

In this written statement, Bishop Edward Slattery says he is "heartened by the professionalism of both the Tulsa Police Department and the District Attorney's Office." And he adds, "The Diocese of Tulsa will cooperate in this responsibility in a spirit of cooperation and candor." Since allegations began to surface in July, the Diocese appointed a local review board to look into cases of abuse.

Church and law officials say protecting children is everyone's responsibility. "So I hope that this is a protection for the most vulnerable citizens in our society that being our children, and that all residents in Tulsa County realize that they have an ongoing duty under the law to report child abuse so that our kids can be protected.â€

Ken Lewis stepped down from the priesthood after allegations of misconduct with a number of boys at the Parish of Saint Mary. His attorney did not return our phone calls, and then refused a request for an interview.

Father Paul Eichhoff is accused of misconduct in the 1970s. He is on administrative leave. He has sued his accusers for slander.