KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

O’Dea principal accused of sexual abuse

Nov 1, 2012, 11:30 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 1:01 pm

O’Dea High School’s principal has resigned after accusations of sexual abuse.

Brother Karl Walczak is accused of sexual abuse of a minor in another diocese in the 1970s.

Advocate group, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), says O’Dea and the Archdiocese are trying to cover up the alleged abuse.

John Shuster, Seattle co-director of SNAP, explains that Brother Walczak, although he answers to Archbishop Sartain, is not a priest of the Archdiocese. He belongs to a religious order.

“We don’t have a very high estimation of Archbishop Sartain’s judgment and actions in these types of situations,” Shuster tells KIRO Radio’s Ross and Burbank Show.

“One of the reasons we’re so concerned about this is because when men cross a line and attack kids and don’t stop, there are usually more victims out there.”

Shuster is worried Walczak could have hurt a child at O’Dea.

“And you know how strict and containing a church culture can be. There can be a child at O’Dea right now who was hurt by Brother Walczak, sexually assaulted, and he’s caught in this cage of silence and he doesn’t know how to deal with it,” Shuster says. “Many teenagers contemplate suicide in this situation.”

SNAP wants to make sure that if a boy at O’Dea is dealing with this situation,that he has a safe place to go to get help.

Shuster says they’ll be handing out information to parents listing signs of sexual abuse and where to get help. He recommends the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault.

Brother Walczak has only been at the school for a year and Shuster says he’s not trying to scare families, but he says a lot can happen in a year and it’s better to be active than keep quiet and trust an older person.

“We air on the side of safety for children.”

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

2 days ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

2 days ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

3 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

3 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

3 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

4 days ago

O’Dea principal accused of sexual abuse