Ex-Cardinal McCarrick, 93, Deemed Unfit for Trial on Teen Sex Abuse Charges
Theodore McCarrick’s Sexual Assault Case Dismissed Due to Dementia
In a stunning turn of events, the case against former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been dismissed. The 93-year-old was accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy decades ago, but both prosecutors and defense attorneys agree that his dementia prevents him from standing trial.
Once a powerful figure in the Catholic Church, McCarrick was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 after an investigation revealed that he had sexually molested both adults and children. The scandal rocked the church, as it became clear that Vatican and U.S. church leaders had known about his misconduct but had turned a blind eye.
During the hearing, psychologist Dr. Kerry Nelligan testified that she found significant memory deficits in McCarrick during her interviews with him. He struggled to recall previous conversations and showed no signs of improvement, as dementia has no known cure. These cognitive impairments made it impossible for him to actively participate in his defense.
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McCarrick, appearing via video link, sat slumped in his chair, wearing a light green shirt and a sweater vest or sweater around his shoulders. He remained silent throughout the proceedings.
The allegations against McCarrick involved the abuse of a teenage boy at a wedding reception in 1974. Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, he was also charged with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old man in Wisconsin over 45 years ago.
In February, McCarrick’s attorneys presented evidence from a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science, who diagnosed him with dementia, likely Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnosis highlighted his limited understanding of the criminal proceedings against him.
Living in Dittmer, Missouri, McCarrick faced three counts of indecent assault and battery. The statute of limitations did not exempt him from facing charges for abuse allegations that dated back decades, as the clock was paused once he left Massachusetts.
Mitchell Garabedian, a prominent lawyer representing the man accusing McCarrick, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. He stated, ”Many clergy sexual abuse victims feel as though former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is and will always be the permanent personification of evil within the Catholic Church.”
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