« Couey's Trial Moved Back 4 ½ Months | Main | Ben Fawley says: "Accidental" »
October 15, 2005
Time Runs Out For Child Molestation Investigation
PUEBLO, Colo. Local authorities say their investigation into claims that a former Catholic high school teacher molested students is over because the statute of limitations for criminal charges has expired.
At least three men have accused William Mueller, a former band director at the now-closed Roncalli High School, of sexual assault or misconduct more than three decade ago.
Police Sgt. Troy Davenport on Wednesday said the criminal investigation is closed unless more recent allegations are brought forward.
"We have talked to everybody that we know of who has made the allegations (locally)," said Davenport. "So far, everything we have been able to discover is outside the statute of limitations."
The district attorney's office decided crimes of this nature can be prosecuted within 10 years of a juvenile victim's 18th birthday, said Terry Hart, the chief of staff.
Three lawsuits have been brought by former Roncalli students against the Pueblo Catholic Diocese and the Marianists, a religious order of which Mueller was a member. The Marianists have said Mueller spent time at a treatment center and left the order in 1986. Details of his treatment were not available.
The lawsuit accuse the diocese of knowing about allegations against Mueller, but allowing him to teach anyway and failing to warn schools where he taught later.
Similar lawsuits have been filed in Missouri and Texas, where Mueller also taught. He is believed to live in San Antonio.
Posted by Nealus at October 15, 2005 01:18 AM
