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Allegations against former Belleville Priest
Posted 1 year ago
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.
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.
Why has this man not been charged with sexual assault?
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.
@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.
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…..
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
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
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….
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.
@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.
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…
To the former server of Holy Rosary: I am quite prepared to go to court if it means to help a friend.If this is one of the pedophile protectors, then it was mentioned that the occurrences happened, while away overseas in the holy land. Also,his mother did not stay overnight at the church as Joe did! She was at home with her husband!!! Why are both priests gone from that church now? If they aren’t guilty of abuse? If they aren’t guilty of How come? Why are they gone? Why are you bashing his mother? Do you have something else to add that you aren’t telling the public? Please enlighten us… ! Why are YOU a former server of the church? Why are the two not serving there anymore.Was the church not good enough for them? There must be a reason. Please explain.Why ? Why would you make fun of his mother? Sounds like envy or fear to me. I thought it was wrong to envy… isn’t that what Christ said?
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.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Joe. We stand with you. You are not alone! love and respect Veronica
I wonder what the Pope thinks of this? Oh wait, he’s too busy comdeming people for using condoms. The Catholic Church is a joke (and I was raised catholic, I know).
Here’s an idea, when the plate is being passed around on Sunday, don’t put a nickel on it. Boycott the chuch until the Pope decides he’s going to get tough on sinning,
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…
@ 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.
This is really fishy to me!!! (comments removed) I think someone is hurting for money! Give it up suing for 3.5 million.
(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.
(comments removed)
Why sue 3.5 million nearly 10 years after the fact? If what said is true then why not have this man ostracized from the community and the acting church? Besides, it is a sin to talk about a priest in an ill manner.
@ KC – Well, considering that when someone sues another person, they aren’t guaranteed to get the amount that they are going for; why not sure for as much as possible. Aim high, it’s the same thing if you were at work wanting a promotion. Obviously ideally you would want to be CEO, but aiming for that and getting upper management as a settlement, would be acceptable.
Last time I checked, talking about a priest in an ill manner, wasn’t the 11th commandment. Considering that I am Wicca, and know more than you do about your own religion, you should really get your facts straight. Also, last time I checked, speaking the truth about someone, wasn’t a sin. Although, if you take a look through the history of the Vatican, and the poor choices which they have made, they may argue that fact.
The point is, that just because a person is in a position of power within an organization, doesn’t automatically make them trustworthy, nor a good person. Try to be objective here, Bill Clinton, former “leader of the free world”, showed he had a human side. Everyone can err, to do so is human, and that’s all this guy is. Perhaps Joe’s lawsuit will help others to come forward that this has happened to if there are others. When you really think about it, you’re not just taking on, or suing, a single person; you’re taking on the entire organization.
A REAL Priest or follower of God does not hurt any person whatsoever, so I agree it is not right to speak poorly of them. And I am not pointing the finger at the church either.
@Kevin Fisher once again ‘ALL’ well said! You are very Blessed in this lifetime. Although I don’t know Joseph,I would like to say to him how so very proud I am of him, end of story. Joe you are a true leader in this lifetime. I do know Paul Hamilton & Mike Reed personally as they were there with me when I buried my brother in 1999 & my father in 2008. It is hoped that all parties involved (including their families & TRUE friends) in this extremely sad circumstance receive the true justice that they deserve. Obviously ‘THINGS’ aren’t always as they seem in this lifetime. It’s about time to have the TRUTH revealed.
I have not observed anyone talking ill about a “Priest” in this thread. I have seen many talking ill about an alleged and very real threat to children that may have changed the course of an entire family… To stay silent about anyone, priest, politician, officer of the law, anyone who holds power and authority when confronted with accusation is a dis-servive not only to the alleged victim, but the community, the vulnerable, and those who bear their cross in silence. Let truth be the judge of who to speak ill of.
I would also like to challenge the comments from my above statement that were removed. My statements were in no way accusatory or sensitive in nature and may cast further understanding for readers that may not know Joe as some of us have. @ Adam, Very well said.
KC: 3.5-million is fair. We’re talking about not only the alleged abuse itself, but the prolonged agony that stayed with him forever. If you have children, I would imagine if someone did wrong by them, you would want justice and recompense.
Also… Lust and Pride are mortal sins. Forcing someone out of their faith is equally a damnable sin. Speaking out against someone who allegedly abused you, regardless of the frock, is not.
KC you are everything that is so wrong with the world. How dare you spit vile words like that out into the world. You have no right to condemn someone for speak out, especially against a priest, a leader and guide for those in search of salvation. You hide behind your faith to shield yourself against something you choose not to believe. You point out to me and everyone else you shared your “wisdom” with where it says in the bible it’s OK to allegedly molest a child. Show me the passage where God tells me that I should condone someone steal the innocence of someone else, ruining a life and shattering a soul. Show me the place where Jesus says that is right and just. You make and people like you make me feel ill. Live without self and answer at the end of your life for your cruel thoughts against someone who was done so incredibly wrong by someone they loved and trusted.
I went to High School with Joe, we were by no means friends. More like passing acquaintances, someone whom I have not seen or even thought about in years. However, I recognized his name as soon as I heard it on the news and my heart broke for him. The fact that I remember him fondly as a genuinely nice guy, someone who seemed kind to everyone, should hopefully point out the type of person I have no doubt he is now. I am not close to him, I can’t speak to his character now, especially not like the people above have been able to. I just know he was not the type of person to make this allegation lightly and based on the statements above he still isn’t.
This priest was the person who did my confirmation, he was a part of my childhood, he came to my school and took my confession.
So now I’ll speak to Joe, even if he never reads this. Please realize that there are people, many people who you likely did not know, that hurt for you. That remember you fondly in a passing way, that felt such incredible sadness and grief for you when they heard about this. My hope for you is that by facing this head on it will allow you some peace. you are brave beyond words. Hopefully everyday gets a little easier.
Anyone who knew Joe in highschool i’m sure would attest to his character … an awesome guy that would always make you smile, compassionate and kind to everyone he interacted with. My thoughts are with you Joe as you go through this very difficult time … it’s an uphill battle for sure. Very proud of how brave you are to come forward. I wish you the very best in the future and hope you can experience some peace and healing :)
Shannon
@KC: As far as I’m concerned, if a priest decides to commit a crime and a sin as unforgivable as molesting a child, they have relinquished their rights to be respected as a priest. How can these men be ostracized from the community and the church if victims don’t speak up? Do you think the church would have much of a reaction if the victims sued for a smaller amount? Not likely.
I would like to thank Joe. You have my full support, and I hope that you are able to find peace.
I think what everyone needs to realize is at this point this is nothing more then Alligations.
You can have your assumptions and formulate plot A and plot B. Everyones deserves their day in court and everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Some of you are treating it as Guilty until proven inocent, and blogging about it all over the internet.
All I will say is this before you go around typing slander all accross the internet with NO FACTS hiding behind your computer screen remeber one thing…….Karma.
I agree with DC….well said!
I cannot imagine the grief Joe and his parents are dealing with. I know this family to be deeply devout in their faith and totally committed to the Church and to Holy Rosary in particular. To be faced with such an astounding breach of trust must be an agonizing conflict for them.
Someone asked why Joe’s Mum didn’t suspect. Why would she, when she and her husband had invested their total trust in the Church and their pastor? Good people naturally see the good in others, and believe me, Fr. Paul has done many good things for lots of people over the years. No one would suspect such a great guy. That said, it’s naive to not accept that every human has weaknesses, priests are not exempt.
There were a lot of people, myself among them, that felt the Church did wrong by Fr. Hamilton when they suddenly removed him from Holy Rosary with no explanation…and they were. They left people to jump to conclusions, invent their own rumours, etc. They didn’t come clean about what the trouble was in the parish and therefore did not address it.
I think the legacy of secrecy and protectionism in the Catholic Church will be its biggest obstacle to survival. It is utterly hypocritical to encourage members of the church to confess their sins, while the administration of the church hides theirs.
My deepest support for the Hanoskis
@DC: full marks for trying to keep it real, however… you don’t type slander, it’s libel. Is it libel if it is a statement of fact.? I understand that for the majority of uninvolved people these are only allegations, but for those living this as a daily reality, your comments are naive. Just because you don’t personally have all the facts doesn’t mean that they aren’t there, and plentiful, supporting many of these comments. What I would like to see are the other victims stepping forward. Let’s check the history of these situations, go ahead and do the research.
There is never just one ….
It takes a very brave person to come forward after (alleged) abuse. To come out and expose your (alleged) abuser takes more courage than most of us have. I have walked in these shoes and i can tell you it takes years of building up the courage to put yourself out there. Joseph stay strong . Truth will set u free and protect those not strong enough to stand up as you have. I have lived this same life and i too had to stand up and speak to protect others. Be proud you have had the strength to do this. Stand tall Joseph we are standing behind you.
I think if everyone had the strength to step forward and protect others like Joseph, the community would be a much safer place. I have helped many people through the same terrible experience, and it is not easy to stand up and say something about it. People should see him as the hero he is, because of his actions so many people can be saved from the same fate. and that is more than admirable, you have our support Joseph, stay strong.
I was asked by a dear friend to read these postings. I am not acquainted with anyone in this “case”. What I do know is that priests are not put on leave without a very good reason. I also have a very hard time thinking any man would make this up for monetary gain. People, it is NOT our job to judge anyone. That is up to our Lord God when we meet him. To all of you that are posting negative remarks; please take a moment and think about why anyone would make this up. Joseph, stay strong. God bless you and your family.
I feel that the abused has more strength than anyone can see, I think any that are berating him need to rethink things a bit! I applaud you for coming forward. If there were more like you, maybe there would be less children abused! Thank you for the strength you have and are showing the world!!
I knew Joe very well in high school and know his character to be fun loving and honest. My heart goes out to you and your family. Being Catholic does not change my feelings on how (alleged) pedophiles should be prosecuted for hurting other pople. If anything it should be worse for anyone held in a position of trust from communities and the Church who preaches compassion, truthfulness, and morality will hopefully step up and acknowledge and be there for Joe and the other (alleged) victims.
I also agree with DC…..well said and may the truth the real truth be known.
Shane Coates:
Precisely! That is as bang on as it’s going to get. Community ought to prop one another up; listen to our hurt; comfort those who require it; punish those who deserve it; but most of all, protect the interests of those who cannot protect themselves.
willsamuel.sa
I can’t begin to tell you how upset I was when I heard this. I literally felt sick to my stomach.
(comments removed)
Most of my comments were removed so just let me say to you Joe and family that I commend you for having the strength and courage to pursue this matter. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are doing the right thing.
joe i know what your saying is true,i was an alter boy years ago when i meet father paul and father mike,they use to take me every where also.i think father mike should also be sued for things he did to me along with father paul for years i endured,but turned to drugs and alchol to try and forget what happened,since this has been brought to my attention the night mares have begun again,they use to just give me money as i got older so i wouldn’t speak up cause they knew i had addictions,i feel for you.and also believe they should also go to jail.its hard for me know cause i have a wife and children of my ownand since i’ve heard of this i finnally, told my wife,i really hope they get punnished.
I knew Joe most of my life, from kindergarten through high school. I even bumped into him on several occasions afterwards, and had the pleasure of meeting his wife before they were married. We went to the same church, and shared the same values. When we were kids, Joe told me he wanted to be a priest when he grew up, and I wanted to be a nun. I still smile when I think of that day, and of the innocence of two children sitting under a reading table, talking about their futures.
To have heard of these allegations has upset me greatly. We thought it strange when Fr. Paul left the church so suddenly, and there were many rumors. However, this is worse than I could have imagined. Joe always was (and likely still is) one of the finest people I have ever known. In a town as small and conservative as Belleville, it can’t have been an easy decision to go public with this. Joe, his family and his friends have my full support through this terrible ordeal.
wow so many incidents of this coming to light after years and years, i think at the time everyone wwas afraid to speak up.
priests were always respected…….i was told once the catholic chirch was a great pleace to hide if you were a pedophile- not sure of your sexuality ect ect …truly disgusting
All that I am saying is why do dollar signs have to be involved?
(comment removed)
Don’t condemn the church for one bad apple.
@KC: You don’t honestly believe this has happened only once in the Catholic Church do you? There is much evidence to prove that the Pope himself provided direction in covering up and protecting many sex offenders within the church (I could provide links to documents but there is so much out there I don’t think its required). In my short years one thing I’ve learned is to always ask question when someone tells you something on authority, tradition or revelation, its why I don’t believe – I can’t find any evidence to. This is a sad story, I hope the truth comes out.
“R.D. Martin says:
January 19, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@DC: full marks for trying to keep it real, however… you don’t type slander, it’s libel. Is it libel if it is a statement of fact.? I understand that for the majority of uninvolved people these are only allegations, but for those living this as a daily reality, your comments are naive. Just because you don’t personally have all the facts doesn’t mean that they aren’t there, and plentiful, supporting many of these comments. What I would like to see are the other victims stepping forward. Let’s check the history of these situations, go ahead and do the research.
There is never just one ….”
What makes you think I dont have facts Sir? Are they Naive? or are you Naive for thinking I would just go ahead and type without knowing anything?
Its not about keeping it real. At this point it is what it is, and the second an allegation is made everyone is selling someout saying they could see it from a mile away. Because it is Guilty until proven inoccent, even though the system was built on innocent until proven guilty.
I will never come out and say my opinion on the matter, fact is its my opinion. and it doesnt matter. What matters is people need to slow down and stop slamming people on the internet. Once its out there you cant take it back.
Give this matter its day in court and leave it at that.