Quinte News
Tue, Jan 17th, ’12 – 9:14 am
A former Belleville priest is being taken to Civil Court on claims involving sexual and physical abuse.
The Catholic priest, who has been on administrative leave for a number of years has been accused of sexually abusing a former Belleville man, while at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Belleville a number of years ago.
The claim alleges Paul Hamilton sexually assaulted Joseph Hanoski for a number of years, starting when Hanoski was 16.
A second priest, Michael Reed, has been accused of knowing of the relationship and not reporting it to the proper authorities.
The alleged incidents, outlined in the court documents, include taking Hanoski on trips out of country between 1997 and 2002, during which time Hamilton is accused of sexually assaulting Hanoski.
The Archdiocese of Kingston, the local Catholic jurisdiction, has also been named in the Statement of Claim, which says the Archdiocese failed to protect the victim in a situation where he was vulnerable.
Court files show the Archdiocese is denying any fault in the civil trial.
Court documents also show Hamilton and Reed deny all of the Hanoski allegations.
Meantime, Hamilton has not been serving as a parish priest in the Archdiocese for seven years, and recently it is believed Reed was placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese.
These claims have not yet been proven in court.
Joseph Hanoski who is now in his thirties, is seeking a total of $3,500,000 in financial compensation in the case.
Claims in the case include physical and sexual assault and battery, mental suffering and negligence.
It is not known when the case will be heard, but sources close to the case tell the newsroom it will be in front of a judge in March.
COMMENTS
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Mike Medina says:January 17, 2012 at 1:34 pm
This sounds like a sad case. It does not mention any criminal proceedings or charges. If there haven’t been any claims brought forth to the authorities, that does beg the question of whether this is just for financial gain, or actual restitution. If these allegations are all true, I would hope that the responsible parties are held accountable in a court of law as well. This can’t continue.
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U4emityalp says:January 17, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Why has this man not been charged with sexual assault?
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Justin says:January 17, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I just love how people want to sue people for ‘feelings’ and money makes all the mental issues okay. Its not right what people do to other people, but getting money for your pain and suffering is selfish. What about people who need money for medical reasons or because their house burnt down?
I sure wish someone would hurt my feelings so I could get a couple million dollars out of them.
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Adam says:January 17, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@Justin – Maybe you should think about what you’re saying. People are not suing for “feelings”. Think about how many years of therapy (which is by no means cheap), possible medical costs due to mental anguish and depression, and possibly work time lost due to the same issues, that this person may have had. The events mentioned could completely change someone’s life. Not to mention, I’m pretty sure you would feel differently if it was you, or your child, that this happened to.
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U4emityalp says:January 17, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Well Justin in a civilized society we sue to right wrongs.
Cops violate us, we sue.
Priests violate us, we sue.
Govt breaks the rules, we sue.Would you rather we lock, load and just go hunt down those who wrong us?
We can do that too…..
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Deacon Paul Soucie says:January 17, 2012 at 6:33 pm
I was a member of Holy Rosary. A beautiful loving caring community.
My heart goes out to Joseph. My hope is that Joseph my find peace in the midst of his long suffering.My prayer. My God bring this darkness into the light, truth where there is distortion and justice where ever necessary. May we always protect the innocent no matter what the cost. Peace be with you
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Senga Richards says:January 17, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Why has this taken so long to reach the courts?
Why was this not noticed in the comunity or by the alleged victims friends and family? Something not right here! 2 + 2 is not adding up to 4. -
gram says:January 17, 2012 at 11:07 pm
Justin you better do some research about the impact this has on ones life. Before you speak. You must be a friend or or a church member….
My thought are with all the victims of sexually assault… -
Will Samuel says:January 17, 2012 at 11:31 pm
I almost died in Belleville. The city took a lot away from me in my teen years. People I loved lost their lives and I lost my soul. Joe, however, was one of the few guys I had the distinct pleasure of knowing and calling a friend.
I met Joe through a mutual friend in high school. We all went to the same one… They managed to finish, I didn’t. But every time I saw Joe he was always lively, reminded me how lucky we are to be alive and how fortunate I was to have him in our circle. My favourite memory of him still remains one of my most favourite memories of all time. One of those ones linked to a specific song and it always takes me back to when I thought my world was collapsing around me …
… little did I know, despite all the things I went through, Joe had it worse.
People who post, like Justin, who ignorantly and arrogantly post about how someone’s “feelings” were hurt simply do not get it. What happened to Joe was not about feelings, at least not in the immature and fluid sense of the word. Joe suffered through what none of us want to think of or imagine. Not to our selves, not to our children and likely not even our worse enemies.
I am proud of Joe. Very proud. He has struggled with this for half of his life and more so. In a time when many of our friends lost themselves, Joe kept going. I know he hurts. I know he wants release and finally to feel complete… and above all I know he wants his childhood back. He wants to move on in life.
I wish him luck and regardless of the outcome, I wish him peace throughout this whole ordeal.
Will Samuel
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Kevin Fisher says:January 17, 2012 at 11:48 pm
To all the people defending the church/priests: I was best friends with Joseph Hanoski since I was in grade 10 and he was in grade 9. He was a great student, a fun loving person. He had an excellent sense of humor. I was suspicious of the church/Paul Hamilton when Joe was unable to leave the church suddenly.He was always there. He was never allowed to hang out with ANY of his friends,besides me. I knew something was not right. In 2011 I was able to locate Joe and his wife. We became close again. They were caught by a member of Holy Rosary Church,! Why do you think both priests aren’t serving there anymore?!? The very least we could do is put those men behind bars so that other children are safe! It’s not always about money people. Be suspicious of those who try to take some of your children’s time. You may find yourselves unable to look in the mirror when you know that you stood by and did nothing, while a kid is being abused by someone in power we are ALL supposed to TRUST.
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Kevin Fisher says:January 17, 2012 at 11:55 pm
To Justin I say: be careful of what you wish for… this isn’t a joke! Joe is my friend! The very least we can do is put those pedophiles away. If they are such good people, why were they stealing from the church? Why are they gone now? Hiding like cowards? They hurt my friend and justice must be served.
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Kevin Fisher says:January 18, 2012 at 12:03 am
Also: His whole faith and beliefs have been destroyed. His faith in mankind. His faith in God. That he believed so strongly in the Lord only to have the God own people destroy him. Anyone else have anything negative to say about my friend? Idiots….
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Kerry says:January 18, 2012 at 9:20 am
I want to let Joe know that I love and support him through this difficult time. Also, that I am extremely proud of his bravery to stand up against the ones who hurt him so badly. I wish I could have half the strength you have, Joe. You are not alone in your pain, even when at times it may feel like it. I have tried to reach out to you, but have been unsuccessful…hopefully, you might read this. Lots of love from your cousin.
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A former server of holy rosary says:January 18, 2012 at 10:49 am
@Kevin Fisher did you know that your not protected by freedom of speech when you accuse someone of breaking the law. Unless you have proof they were stealing that money your claim is false and nothing more than slander, something you could be charged for in a civil court.
I’m curious of one thing though, and I will be surprised if this same question isn’t brought up during trial. Joes mother was the house keeper for Holy Rosary at that time. Provided she did her job accurately she would be at the rectory on a daily basis. How is it that she was completely unaware this was going on, however Michael Reed did know. She was in the same little click and followed Paul Hamilton everywhere like a lost little puppy dog. I can’t help but wonder how someone in her position didn’t know this was going on. I also am curious why it has taken so long come to trial, and why its Joes parents that filed the lawsuit and not himself.
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Kevin Fisher says:January 18, 2012 at 10:56 am
To Sergio I say: It has taken so long because the lawyers have had to prepare to battle the biggest organization/business in the world.The Catholic Church! Joe has had to attend therapy every week for years. He has struggled to cope everyday since it happened. It takes time for the legal system to work, it is not an immediate process. Especially when one man is facing an army! He is almost alone, besides his wife and siblings and a hand full of friends that are reaching out to him NOW that they know. Joe has been going through this process for a long time! He has been dwelling in the shadows for years now.I think it’s time he felt the warmth of the sun.It’s time for the blind to see the light…
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concerned_mom says:January 18, 2012 at 11:20 am
Well said Kevin! I personally do not know Joe, however Paul was the priest when I attended Holy Rosery…
To attack Joseph for doing what most men are to scared to do is very ignorant. You (referring to most of the above comments) have no clue what Joseph would be or is going through! I feel that anyone that comes forth about sexual offenders are those we could look up to and learn from.
Maybe if you did a little bit of research on the topic you would know that most cases do not proceed to civil suits or law suits for years due to the fear in coming forward, then making sure all the ducks are in a row before paper work can even be filed. I can only wish that others will feel strong enough to face what they had went through.
As for the attack on his mother… quite uncalled for if I do say so my self. I’m sure she is hurting greatly. Whose one person that we should be able to trust?
get a grip…be supportive.. your negative comments are monotonous and hope that this does not hinder those in the future to come forth. -
Anna Fox says:January 18, 2012 at 2:02 pm
A former server of holy rosary says:
January 18, 2012 at 10:49 am(comment removed)
You know members of the KKK hid their identities so no one would know who they are. Hmm…
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Adam says:January 18, 2012 at 2:07 pm
@ any of you asking how this is taking so long to come to light, and saying that person A or person B should have known – Sit back a moment and think to yourself. Imagine you’re the one going through this, you’re the one that this is happening to, this is you that is going through this hell. Now, imagine that the person putting you through this hell, is one of the people you should be able to trust. This person is someone that is grooming you for what you are supposed to be doing for the rest of your life. Now imagine the swell of emotions, fears, confusion, depression, questions, and more, that would be going through your own head; at the ripe old age of 16!
(comments removed)
@ “A former server of holy rosary” – You were obviously very involved with the church, and you bring across the impression that you rolled in the same circles. Didn’t you know? Why didn’t you say anything to bring this to the attention of the proper authorities? Don’t try to point the finger of blame at this man’s family, point it at yourself for your own inaction.
@ Will Samuel – I’ve seen a few blog postings and such from you since this went public. I do thank you for being a supportive voice, it sounds like you had a pretty rough go of things in Belleville as well.
The only thing that I know for sure is going to happen, is that the people who are his friends, will continue to be here and see this thing through.
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Pamela says:January 18, 2012 at 3:10 pm
This is really fishy to me!!! (comments removed) I think someone is hurting for money! Give it up suing for 3.5 million.
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Lisa Anne says:January 18, 2012 at 3:16 pm
(comments removed)
I encourage anyone, and everyone, to not cast stones. There are people who are bearing a terrible burden right now. I have studied the psychology of pedophilia – I have studied the effects it has on children, on teens, and young adults. There is such a great deal of shame, and a very real assumption that they could have/should have stopped what was happening to themselves, by themselves. That’s a pretty HUGE expectation – that society may think you liked it, since you said nothing the very first time, perhaps due to fear of consequence.