Statement Regarding State Attorney General Investigation

Contact: Sharmane Adams, Director of Communications, (850) 435-3528

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will continue to cooperate with the statewide prosecutor in an investigation into the policies and procedures that have long been in place to provide a safe environment and to investigate allegations of misconduct with children. The diocese continues to work with local and state law enforcement and recognizes the necessity of this statewide investigation.

Since the establishment of the Bishops’ Charter the Diocese has been proactive in its efforts to protect children, young people, and vulnerable persons who are part of parish ministries. The Diocese has been fully engaged in the annual Charter audit process and has been found compliant in implementing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People since its inception in 2002.

In 2018, The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee screened and conducted safe environment training to the following people:

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee upholds a strict, safe environment policy. The Diocese has an internal review board in place to review and assist with all matters pertaining to violations with the Charter.

The Diocese recognizes and thanks victims and survivors who have come forward over the years to share their stories and seek assistance and help. It is because of these courageous and wounded individuals that the Diocesan protection program is committed to outreach and healing of those who have been harmed by ministers and/or employees of the Church.

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is grateful for the numerous people on the diocesan and parish level who have made the Church a safer place for worship, education, fellowship and community activities. The Diocese continues to work toward strengthening outreach to victims, survivors, and vulnerable adults. It is indeed one of the Diocese top priorities to provide resources that will allow parishes and the Catholic community to be a powerful witness to Jesus who proclaimed good news and offered healing to the sick, broken, outcasts and disenfranchised. The Diocese is committed as disciples to do the same.

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee encourages anyone who may have been abused, or who is aware of abuse, to report it so that we may help individuals in the healing process and better ensure safety to all. Report any concerns or allegations to the authorities by calling local law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96ABUSE). The Diocese has established Victim’s Assistance Coordinators, experienced and trained counselors available to help persons who have been sexually abused. The Coordinator for the Pensacola/Ft. Walton area is Louis Makarowski, PhD., PA at 850-477-7181; the Tallahassee/Panama City area Coordinator is Dr. James Gagnon, Ph. D., MSW, LCSW at 850-877-0205; and the Hispanic contact is Santiago Molino at 850- 627-2350. The statewide prosecutor’s stated practice discourages comments while an investigation is underway.

The statewide prosecutor’s stated practice discourages comments while an investigation is underway. Out of respect for this practice, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will not comment further while the investigation is taking place.

SEE OFFICIAL RELEASE HERE.