Watch Live

Watch Live
Weekend newscasts online

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Police: Man Confessed Sex Crimes To Bishop Weeks Before His Arrest

POSTED: 8:30 p.m. EDT July 28, 2003

Authorities in the Florida State Attorney's office are investigating whether a Mormon bishop broke the law by failing to report the possible sex crimes of a Clay County church mentor accused of molesting boys in his congregation.

Rodney Staley (pictured left) faces 12 counts of lewd battery involving six children. Detectives said Staley confessed his sexual abuse to the Bishop of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Orange Park. Police said that confession was made weeks ago, but they did not know about the crimes until last Thursday.

Rodney Staley Police said Staley's bishop did not follow a new statute that went into effect last June. The statue says that anyone, including church leaders, must report cases of child sexual abuse. This has raised many questions about confidentiality between religious leaders and their congregation.

The State Attorney's office said child abuse must be reported even if that breaks confidentiality.

"These privileges, including the privileges between a clergy and a church member, are not valid in the case of child abuse," Shauan Wright, from the State Attorney's Office, told Channel 4's Jennifer Waugh.

Channel 4 contacted the Mormon Church and officials there said they agree with following the laws in each state.

"For 20 years, our policy has been to follow the reporting law in each state. What's most important is to get immediate help for the suspect and the victim, including calling law enforcement," said Mike Otterson, a spokesman from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

A local Catholic priest had differing views. He said his interpretation of the state statue is that confessions are sacred.

"You are never, ever allowed to reveal anything that is said to you in confession, and if you do follow that (law), you are excommunicated from the Catholic church," said Father Ralph Besendorfer, from the Catholic Diocese.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

    • Army: Shooting Suspect Taken Off Ventilator

      A U.S. Army spokesman says the man authorities say went on a shooting spree at Fort Hood has been taken off a ventilator while an officer hailed as a hero is in good condition.

    • 11-Year-Old Girl Helps Deliver Baby

      Gainesville baby with mom and sisterAn 11-year-old Gainesville girl called 911 and helped her mom deliver her newborn baby sister when the big moment came before they could get to the hospital.

    • Robbery Suspect Shot By Police

      Family Dollar police-involved shootingThe Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating after they say a robbery suspect was shot by one of their officers on the Northside Saturday night.

    • Landmark Health Bill Passes House On Close Vote

      Health InsuranceThe Democratic-controlled House has narrowly passed landmark health care reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard won victory on his signature domestic priority.

    • Usher's Divorce From Wife Final

      R&B singer Usher's divorce from his wife is final, according to court documents.

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Your Photos Of Sea & Air Spectacular

      Air show pix: Blue Angels jet with flagSEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT: Thousands of eyes and nearly as many cameras are pointed toward the sky over Jacksonville's beaches this weekend for the Sea & Air Spectacular.

    • Quinn Gray Evidence Photos

      Quinn Gray shows injuries she says were a result of her kidnappingQuinn Gray showed investigators marks on her arms and legs she said were the result of her kidnapping. Slideshow