Parents, parishioners informed of pornography charge |
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Written by ANGELA KESSLER, Chronicle Editor
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Friday, 19 December 2008 15:08 |
TOLEDO—Letters were sent to members of Rosary Cathedral and parents of the school regarding a former employee who has pleaded guilty of receipt of child pornography.
Former maintenance worker Daniel Szymanski pleaded guilty of one count of the charge in November, but resigned his position at the cathedral once he came under investigation in May, according to the letters. The pornography was found on a personal computer at home. Sentencing in the case has not yet taken place.
The letters were mailed Dec. 18 to parishioners by Father Charles Singler, cathedral rector, and to parents by Paul Conrad, principal, and Notre Dame Sister Mary Carol Gregory, director of Central City Ministry of Toledo School (CCMT). Rosary Cathedral School is one of two campuses of CCMT.
“This has been a deeply saddening situation,” Fr. Singler wrote in the letter to parishioners. “We remain vigilant in our effort as a parish and school community to provide a safe environment for all who study and pray on our campus.”
A similar sentiment was included in the parent letter: “This has been a deeply disheartening situation, but we assure you that we as a school community remain vigilant in our efforts to provide your children with a safe place in which to learn and pray.”
According to the letters all school and parish computers were investigated for inappropriate materials and were found to be clear, showing he did not receive or download any pornography at the cathedral or school.
The letters also indicate Mr. Szymanski did not have one-on-one contact with the school children and maintenance work in the school was done outside of school hours. Additional information provided by Sally Oberski, diocesan communications director, indicates he worked solely at the parish from 2005 until his resignation May 19.
Mr. Szymanski had worked at Rosary Cathedral for more than seven years when he resigned. In accordance with diocesan policy, Mr. Szymanski was fingerprinted at the beginning of his employment and a Bureau of Criminal Identification report indicated no criminal activity had taken place at that time.
The letters also reiterate the diocese’s commitment to the safety and protection of all youth and encourage anyone to report any suspected or actual abuse of a minor by diocesan personnel. In such cases, immediate contact should be made with local civil authorities and with Frank DiLallo, diocesan case manager. Mr. DiLallo may be reached on a private line, 419-243-2150, or 419-244-6711, ext. 632.
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Last Updated on Friday, 06 February 2009 09:38 |
