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
view the rest of the comments →
Pizzalawyer ago
Joy for those victims whose painful stories of abuse have been vindicated. Sorrow, too, as we come to the realization that we have fewer and fewer spiritual institutions to combat Islamic terrorism and the growing epidemic of Satanists.
Evil not only took over the Vatican and its priests and bishops, it celebrated with the serpentine/reptilian design of the Grand Audience Hall at the Vatican constructed in the 1970s. There are many videos available describing this evil monstrosity. The only thing lacking in that building is a placard proclaiming "Hail to Satan" . Should you have Catholic friends or family that persist in defending the Church, show them a video and ask them to justify this House of Horror.
carmencita ago
Oh it is only the older ones and I will not disturb their thoughts. They are late 80 & 90. There is no point to upset their last years. It is the younger ones that worry me for I am in their corner on staying away from church, but not away from God. They are doing both. Very sad. I hear talk from friends about their kids and they are upset. They will win if we cast God aside.