A Blair County Judge will decide if a civil case against the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese will move forward.

Sisters Renee Rice and Cheryl Haun filed a civil lawsuit months after last year’s grand jury report revealed the alleged abuse cover up inside the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

Leaving the courtroom Revered Charles Bodziak claimed he’s innocent and that he’s the victim. 

Rice and Haun said they were molested by Bodziak at St. Leo’s in Altoona in the 1970’s. The statute of limitations has run out, so this civil suit focuses on fraud and the alleged cover up. 

The women say Bishops in the diocese knew Bodziak was a child predator and was moved to different parishes when necessary. They also said previous Bishops ignored their concerns.

Bodziak was removed from the church in January 2016, just weeks before his name was mentioned in the grand jury report.

“If they knew that 50 predators were in the church or religious schools, I think that is information they would want to know. and that the diocese would have duty to reveal.” Rice and Haun’s Attorney Richard Serbin said.

Judge Jolene Kopriva did not make a ruling today, Serbin provided more documents that expose the alleged cover up. Bodziak remains on leave and is not serving any church.

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