Clergy abuse victims say Monterey County “credibly accused clerics” list needs expansion

Individuals claiming to be victims of sexual abuse at the hands of clerics are speaking out about the list of “credibly accused” Monterey County clerics that was released in January. They say the list doesn’t dig deep enough.

The lawyer representing those individuals says Bishop Daniel Garcia of the Catholic Diocese of Monterey should expand the list based on the three names the lawyer found of priests who are also facing abuse allegations.

Some of the names of the newly accused priests have ties to Salinas and Seaside.

Alleged Victims and the lawyer representing them say they want those individuals held accountable and placed on that list of credibly accused clerics.

They also say Bishop Daniel Garcia of the Monterey Catholic Diocese should hold off on any potential plans to have a “victim pay out program” as other bishops have done.

The initial list released earlier this year had about 30 people on it.

At the time Bishop Daniel Garcia said it was important of any church to remain transparent, especially when it comes to topics such as this.

“We invite people who have ever had those experiences,” Bishop Garcia says, “That for whatever reason have held onto those feelings to please step forward.”

Whether Bishop Garcia will respond to these new claims remains to be seen.

A press conference is expected to be held by the lawyer making these new claims along with the victims on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

It will take place at the site of the Catholic Diocese of Monterey at 425 Church Street in Monterey.