United Group Insurance

Western IA man accuses Omaha priest of sexual abuse

News

December 16th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha says an Iowa man claims he was molested by a priest. The archdiocese on Friday announced a Carter Lake, Iowa, man has accused the Rev. Al Salanitro of sexually abusing him in between 1991 and 1994. Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor of the archdiocese, says the 52-year-old Salanitro denies the allegations. McNeil says Salanitro, pastor of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Bellevue, has taken a voluntary leave of absence while the allegations are investigated. McNeil says the allegations have been reported to law enforcement and the Archdiocesan Review Board. A letter was mailed Thursday to parishioners and school parents.

Salanitro was ordained in 1989. He has served as pastor in parishes in Blair, Laurel and Omaha.