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St. Louis Priest Faces Civil Suit

By Matt Sepic, KWMU

St. Louis – A St. Louis priest already removed from active service for alleged sex abuse now faces a civil suit.

The suit accuses Father Robert Johnston of abusing two boys while he served in the Sacred Heart parish in Valley Park in the late 1970s.

One of the men who brought the suit, Timothy Dempsey, says the Archdiocese of St. Louis hasn't done enough.

But Monsignor Richard Stika says the Archdiocese removed Father Johnston from service immediately after charges came to light two years ago.

"The proper process was followed," Stika said. "We offered assistance as we always do to the victims and once again we reached out to the community and basically invited anyone who has an allegation against any member of the archdiocese, whether it's clergy or someone affiliated with the archdiocese, to please come forward."

Yet the plaintiffs say Johnston is still a threat to children, although he no longer is active in the ministry.

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