We have read several stories this year about investigations into the activities of various church officials in the United States. There have been charges of sexual assault of minors by both priests and other church officials. The allegations in these cases are tragic and hard to comprehend. The charges against Rev. Kenneth Bernard Pius Hendricks in Naval, Philippines is just the latest in a string of cases of sexual misconduct by a priest.
On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Rev. Hendricks was arrested by police in the Philippines after at least ten (10) people came forward with allegations of sexual abuse. Five of these victims had come forward as far back as November 2018.
There had been suspicions of sexual abuse of young boys in the Philippines decades. The charges against Rev. Hendricks is the culmination of an investigation that has been going on for several months.
After the first victim came forward, he spoke with Hendricks about what he told the police. Hendricks tried to threaten the boy even after he approached the authorities, stating that his actions would land him in prison. He begged the boy to have his parents recant his accusations. Thankfully, the boy persisted and has continued to seek justice for his injuries.
The personal injury attorneys at McDonald Worley have been protecting the rights of sexual abuse victims for years. And they’re here to assist the victims of Rev. Hendricks in any way they can.
Rev. Kenneth Bernard Pius Hendricks Charged in the U.S.
Even though the allegations of sexual abuse took place in the Philippines, Rev. Hendricks has been charged in his home state of Ohio.
Hendricks studied in the seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio back in the 1960s but was never actually ordained there. He asked to leave the Church there many years ago and departed for the Philippines shortly thereafter.
Hendricks was later ordained as a priest in the Philippines and was a member of the church there for over thirty years. He was arrested in the city of Naval, Philippines last week after several victims came forward with allegations of illegal sexual conduct.
The United States law criminalizes illegal sexual conduct by Americans abroad. Since Hendricks is still a legal citizen of the U.S., he is subject to jurisdiction here. He has also been charged in federal court in Cincinnati for illegal sexual conduct in a foreign place.
A spokesperson for Hendricks has stated that the allegations are false and that the priest is ready to defend any accusations.
How Can McDonald Worley Help?
The alleged victims of Rev. Kenneth Bernard Pius Hendricks range from seven years old and up. And, while Hendricks was never actually ordained in Cincinnati, Ohio, authorities still fear he may have had victims here in the United States.
Hendricks would befriend young boys interested in becoming involved with the church. He would then lure them to his apartment where he would gradually progress from spending time with the boys to fondling them. His behavior allegedly culminated in oral sex and other sexual activity.
The Naval, Philippines Diocese is currently conducting their own investigation into the activities of Hendricks. U.S. authorities are also conducting their ongoing investigation. They ask that any possible victims in the United States come forward with their stories.
The compassionate attorneys at McDonald Worley are here to assist any potential victims of Rev. Hendricks. If you or your child have been the victim of illegal sexual conduct at the hands of a priest of a church official, they can help..
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at McDonald Worley Today
If you or your child have been the victim of Rev. Hendricks, please contact the offices of McDonald Worley today. You can schedule a confidential consultation with one of their caring and compassionate personal injury attorneys. They are ready to help 24 hours a day.
If you’ve been a victim of any kind of illegal sexual conduct, you may be entitled to compensation. Nobody has the right to take sexual advantage of a child or young person. It’s important that the people responsible are held accountable for their actions. This is the only way we can prevent this type of behavior from happening in the future.
The story of Rev. Kenneth Bernard Pius Hendricks in Naval, Philippines is tragic. It is disturbing to learn that an American priest is engaging in illegal sexual conduct abroad. Let the experienced staff at McDonald Worley help you and your family get justice. Call to schedule your free confidential consultation today.