St. Albert priest placed on leave

 

A Catholic priest has been placed on leave from his duties with St.Albert Schools and the diocese after allegations of sexual abuse of aformer St. Albert student were made.

BishopJoseph Charron of the Diocese of Des Moines announced the actionagainst the Rev. Phillip Hobt Friday. Both men were in attendanceduring a Mass on Thursday at the high school that was part of CatholicSchools Week. A news release from the diocese did not indicate if amale or female student made the allegation.

"The victim had askedfor confidentiality and we don't want to do anything in any way toidentify the person who filed the report," said Anne Cox, a spokeswomanfor the Diocese of Des Moines. She would only say that the claim wasmade "recently."

Cox said she doesn't know where Hobt is staying.

Theallegation currently rests with the Diocesan Allegation ReviewCommittee, composed primarily of lay volunteers who investigate thecredibility of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.Pottawattamie County Associate District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoskichairs the committee, which also includes a child psychologist, policedetective and an attorney.

"They'll take the time that's neededto do a thorough job," Cox said. She emphasized that the actions of thediocese have not determined if Hobt is guilty or innocent, but follow aprocess designed with the primary concern of protecting children. Hobtis not allowed to function as a priest while on leave.

St. AlbertPresident Brian Osborne said he doesn't know anything specific aboutthe accusations, but said law enforcement has been informed perdiocesan policy. No charges have been issued, but a decision was madeto put Hobt on leave.

Hobt has been with the school since the fall of 1995, Osborne said. Osborne said there had been no prior complaints.

"No other complaints whatsoever," he said.

Hobt,42, taught religion and said Mass for the junior high and high school,Osborne said. Hobt also said some weekend Masses at St. Patrick's andSt. Peter's Catholic churches in Council Bluffs.

St. Albertstudents have been told of the situation and counselors were madeavailable and many are using them, Osborne said. Parents were informedthrough e-mail and a letter.

Osborne said some of the staff also could be in need of some help after hearing the news about their co-worker.

TheRev. David Fleming of St. Patrick's Catholic Church said he was shockedand saddened by the news, but he didn't know any details.

"I knowthe process is under way to investigate things," he said. "It's kind ofsad and shocking. My prayers are with everyone involved."

Theparish will provide opportunities for parents and children to askquestions, and Bishop Charron has asked that a press release be read atweekend Masses, Fleming said.

A telephone message seeking commentwas left on the voicemail of the Rev. Charles Kottas at St. Peter'sCatholic Church, but was not immediately returned.

PottawattamieCounty Attorney Matt Wilber said the alleged incident did not occur inPottawattamie County and therefore is not in his jurisdiction toinvestigate.

A phone message left at the number of a Phillip Hobtin the Council Bluffs phone directory wasn't returned. Hobt wasordained in 1992 and served for three years at St. Augustin parish inDes Moines before moving to St. Albert.

Cox said the dioceseencourages people who think they may have been abused by clergy tocontact law enforcement and Jo Mulvihill, who is the victim assistanceadvocate for the diocese at (515) 286-2031.