https://www.wptv.com/news/region-s-palm-beach-county/boca-raton/local-priest-named-in-sex-abuse-scandal
BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Diocese of Palm Beach is reacting to that sweeping grand jury report accusing hundreds of priests of sexually abusing scores of children for decades in Pennsylvania.
On Thursday, WPTV spoke with one of his alleged victims.
"I feel validated, finally feel validated," said Judith Collins, who is now 66-years-old.
After decades of pain and agony, Collins said she finally feels like she's receiving justice. She still lives in Pennsylvania and claims she was sexually abused for years by MONSIGNOR THOMAS J. BENESTAD, who currently lives in Boca Raton. Collins claims the abuse started when she was nine-years-old and lasted for decades.
"Myself, my former husband and my daughter will never step foot in a Catholic Church ever again," Collins said.
BENESTAD is one of some 300 priests named in the grand jury report.
For years, Collins said she blamed herself, but in 2005 she said she reported the alleged abuse to law enforcement. She said she filed a police report, reached out to abuse advocates and spoke with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.
BENESTAD and his attorney have denied any wrongdoing.
"I think Charles Manson probably said the same thing, I didn't expect him to say anything else," Collins said.
BENESTAD relocated to Boca Raton in 2007 after a medical leave and assisted at Ascension Catholic Church on Federal Highway in Boca for two years. On Thursday, the Diocese of Palm Beach said he passed background checks, and it wasn't until 2011 they received word of the allegations and he was ordered to refrain from all forms of Catholic ministry.
"The man belongs in prison, and I understand they are getting a lot of calls in Harrisburg of people just coming forward, it might happen," Collins said.
Judith, known to many as @StcharlesSeminary Names Her Rapist In Her Own Voice. Listen to Her as she likens him to Charles Manson
when he and his lawyer say He has done No Wrong. For those who have not read Her Story -
https://voat.co/v/pizzagate/2397920 St. Charles Seminary Tunnels I Am So Proud of Her
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carmencita ago
Let it be known, that supporters of the vatican and jorge bergoglio have already down voated this post. As expected.
new4now ago
I dont understand why more Catholics are not demanding charges be made to Police
when people put themselves above mans law, and religious leaders interprets Gods law to suit themselves, how is it that people can even look up to them
How many priests have been able to abuse more children after getting busted abusing before?
and the amount of these Priests are quite alarming
now the Vatican is trying to pull away from the responsibility of these priests
Judith and others like her are hero's in my book
to continually fight this injustice, so others do not suffer should be applauded
and yet the good ones let them get away with it
bad times are upon us, never realized just how bad the brainwashing has taken over everything
cried yesterday and crying again today
Think its time Gods people rise up for God's laws
had 3 yrs with the Bible has a class
never thought God's word could get so lost
carmencita ago
I too have cried. Cried for sorrow and Cried for happiness for Judith. I wrote in one of my comments that the day The Report was released God had tears rolling down his face. Well, he also had Tears of Joy for Judith yesterday. He was happy for her too. As far as people not coming out to the police and pressing charges. First of all they have to overcome the shame and then they have to know that the police many times protect the priests. It comes from High Level Orders. This news has been passed from one Victim to another. There almost has to be a Class Action Lawsuit against the priest. That is very hard to achieve. The Church knows this. But i believe that things are turning and will keep turning. We have to keep posting and spreading this to our friends and relatives. I have sent The Report and articles to many. I only received one answer but I know the others will read it. Remember how painful it will be for others to read it. It's hard for us and we read it everyday.
Yes, Judith is A Hero. She is My Inspiration.
new4now ago
these priest need to pay for their crimes, not sent off to abuse more kids
carmencita ago
I agree. I think Charles Manson and Benestad are cult leaders. Benestad was abusing the children of cult families. He was the alleged leader of all of them, ino. See my DM.
new4now ago
back in those days are basically same as now
only the names have been changed and the game upped
carmencita ago
I agree the game has been upped. So many more Children Missing now than 30 - 50 yrs. ago.