Parker Waichman LLP

Alabama Priest On Leave As Women’s Claims Reviewed

A Roman Catholic priest was placed on leave while the church investigates a claim that he inappropriately touched a woman more than 25 years ago. The action was taken at the request of the Rev. Kevin Cooke, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church. A woman now in her 40s has claimed Cooke had inappropriate contact […]

Alabama Priest Abuse Case

A Roman Catholic priest was placed on leave while the church investigates a claim that he inappropriately touched a woman more than 25 years ago.

The action was taken at the request of the Rev. Kevin Cooke, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

A woman now in her 40s has claimed Cooke had inappropriate contact with her when she was 14, according to a story published Wednesday in the TimesDaily, a Florence newspaper. The priest was in seminary at the time.

Bishop David Foley met with the woman Sept. 1.

“We don’t want to do anything to hurt the father’s reputation, but we still will do a thorough appraisal,” Foley said in a statement. “We’re not going to cover up anything, and we’re going to be as open as possible.

Cooke, who was assigned to the parish in July 2001, has denied hurting any child, according to Foley.

there were “some discrepancies that must be resolved

Foley said he hoped to conclude a review by Nov. 1, but added there were “some discrepancies that must be resolved as part of the inquiry process.”

Foley did not elaborate in a statement, and a secretary said he was out of the office Wednesday.

Derick Franck, co-chairman of parish counsel, said other members support Cooke and want him back.

“He is an excellent man and an excellent priest,” he said. “We all think very highly of father Kevin. We’re behind him 100 percent, and we remain hopeful he will be cleared soon and resume his duties.”

At least 300 U.S. priests have been removed from their ministries since reports of sexual abuse among clergy began rocking the American church in January.

In May, Foley suspended another Alabama priest accused of molesting at least four men when they were teenage boys about 40 years ago. The priest, Charles V. Cross, denied any wrongdoing and retired in June.

Need Legal Help Regarding Abuse from a Alabama Priest?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Further sex abuse resources:

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Gerard Ryan has been there with me from day 1. HE has helped me in every way.
Gerard Swanson
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank everyone at Parker waichman who worked so hard on my case especially Jerrod Ryan my wonderful attorney who was very professional knowledgeable and very patient. SINCERE THANKS GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
Betty Pershae
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman was extremely professional and helpful in handling our WTC case. Benita Rollis, in particular, was amazing in helping us complete all the necessary steps and paper work for our claim. She was always quick to return phone calls and reach out to keep us posted on how things were progressing. Not only was Benita efficient and professional, she was also very compassionate in helping us through the emotional side of this long process. Carolyn Corcoran & Family
Robert Harris
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038