The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 11

TTie Des Moines Register ST AROUND IOW A Tuesday. October 26. 2004 Page3B Report: Accused priests' service widespread Diocese, plaintiffs discuss settlement On the Web Read an archive of stories about priest abuse scandals at DesMoinesRegister.com religion. Rand Wonio, Davenport diocese attorney, said the Web site contains some inaccurate information. "I saw the new material, and I think it is amazing," Wonio said.

They've added some assignments to James Janssen's record that are not in his personnel file." Janssen was removed from the priesthood for allegations of sexual abuse of children. Wonio also denied that Janssen was assigned to work at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport or at Our Lady of Victory parish in 1996. Janssen was discovered to be covering for a priest who had the hospital ministry. "Someone from Grand Mound blew the whistle that Janssen was helping the Rev. Daniel Manhardt at the hospital," Wonio said.

The bishop sanctioned Janssen again, told him to knock it off, and sent a Catholic Directory, newspaper reports and court documents. "It is an appalling list," McKiernan said. "We compiled detailed service records of the accused priests and have listed the towns, parishes, schools and hospitals where they served." McKiernan said the accounting is still only partial because the diocese hasnt released names of deceased priests about whom credible allegations of abuse exist. David Clohessy, director of Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, called BishopAccountability.org a credible research organization. "Everything they do is documented," Clohessy said.

They're a group with one simple agenda the truth. Unlike some sources, they have no intent to shade or doctor up the facts." A majority of Davenport-diocese parishes are said to have hosted such a cleric. By SHIRLEY RAGSDALE REGISTER RELIGION EDITOR More than half the parishes in the Davenport diocese have been served by priests accused of sexual abuse of children, according to BishopAccountability.org. The analysis is included in an extensive new posting of diocese documents and news accounts archived on the Web site. Terry McKiernan, the Web site's founder, discovered that accused priests served in 56 parishes over the past 50 years.

Davenport currently has 84 parishes. The information was assembled from diocesan records, listings in the Official letter to all priests telling them Janssen was to have no duties." BishopAccountability.org's efforts were enhanced because Davenport is the only U.S. diocese besides Boston where a judge has ordered a major release of files. These materials are of national importance and interest," McKiernan said. They are unique in offering multiple descriptions of the abuse and cover-up from the victims, diocesan officials and even the perpetrators themselves." She can lift her weight The Diocese of Davenport and attorneys representing victims of child sexual abuse by priests were in "intense" settlement negotiations Monday, diocesan attorneys said.

The diocese has said it might file for bankruptcy if it cant settle the lawsuits when the first civil lawsuit alleging clergy child abuse is scheduled to go to trial Nov. 1. Bishop William Franklin and his attorneys met with the diocesan corporate board and financial council Monday morning, but no decision was made on filing for bankruptcy, said Rand Wonio, Davenport av. xsml. i' I It I "I Thompson, Boswell crank up intensity in their rematch 1 I CANDIDATES, from Page 1B demonstrate a lack of experience and a greater willingness this year to attack him than in 2002.

"It's different this time," Boswell said. "I dont know if he thought he had to vilify me to get the job done. It's gotten very nasty." Boswell, elected in 1996, has attributed breaking the pledge to serve only eight years to a change of heart influenced in part by the terrorist attacks of 2001. He said he voted against the $87 billion military appropriation because the bill lacked adequate spending oversight. Boswell says his appointment to transportation, agriculture and intelligence committees reflects credibility.

He added that he commonly collaborates with other House members as bills' co-sponsor. He has estimated that through transportation appropriations' to the district, he has helped bring about 84,000 new jobs. "If you really want to get it done, don't worry about who gets credit for it," Boswell said. Thompson also has promoted a plan he said would bring 20,000 jobs j.o the district by increasing tax Credits for expanding companies, promoting energy and financial services, and increasing education credits and job training. Polls conducted for both Leonard Boswell PARTY: Democrat AGE: 70 RESIDENCE: Des Moines EDUCATION: Undergraduate degree, Graceland College, 1969 RESUME: Farmer, 1976-2002; lieutenant colonel, U.S.

Army, 1956-76; Iowa Senate, 1984-96; Iowa Senate president, 1992-1996; Iowa lieutenant governor nominee, 1994; elected to U.S. House, 1996 RELIGION: Christian (Community of Christ) FAMILY: Married, three children ON THE WEB: www.boswellforcongress.com Stan Thompson PARTY: Republican AGE: 44 RESIDENCE: Des Moines EDUCATION: Graduate, Iowa State University, political science; law degree, George Washington University, 1985 RESUME: Lawyer in private practice, second bid for public office FAMILY: Married; four children RELIGION: Christian (Presbyterian) ON THE WEB: www.stanthompson.org campaigns show Boswell ahead, although by different margins. Boswell has raised more than $1.4 million almost twice as much as Thompson. "Ml 4 I f- I if 1 I' -ft diocese attorney. Thirty -eight men who filed law suits or entered mediation have been negotiating with the diocese to settle their claims.

A bankruptcy filing would make Davenport the third U.S. diocese to seek Chapter 11 protection in the sexual abuse crisis. Also Monday, Catholics for Spiritual Healing, a group based ir Grand Mound, urged Franklin tc talk to laity before making a bankruptcy decision. Craig Levien, attorney for majority of those who have filec claims against the diocese, said he remained hopeful some agreement could be reached. Alleged con artist arrested in Iowa By TIM PALUCH REGISTER STAFF WRITER An alleged con artist who claimed he knew the Sept.

11 terrorist attacks were going to happen was arrested in Iowa last week, and law enforcement agencies from across the country are lining up to take him to court. Delmart Vreeland, 38, was arrested Wednesday along Interstate Highway 35 after trying to use a flagged credit card to buy gas. Franklin County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ken Lubkeman said Vreeland was wanted on 16 warrants from several states and Canada that dealt with everything from child prostitution charges and arson to identity theft and fraud. Vreeland gave officials several false names. Then he started talking.

"He told us he had information about 911, he said he worked with Naval intelligence, and he said he had information pertaining to terrorist cells in the United States," Lubkeman said. Sheriff's officials checked his claims with intelligence agencies, but "we honestly can't say whether any of it is true," Lubkeman said. "There's just too much there." Vreeland is somewhat of an Internet celebrity, and his name is common on message boards dedicated to government conspiracy theorists. News of his arrest sparked discussion last week. Lubkeman said Vreeland was convincing and very believable.

But other agencies warned that he's a phony. "He is an excellent con artist, one of the best I've ever seen," said Detective Bruce Lidgard of the sheriff's office in Oakland County, Mich. Vreeland has stolen credit cards, identities, cars and boats, Lidgard said. He's wanted in Michigan on charges including fraud, drug, arson, counterfeiting and larceny. Lidgard said Vreeland is a career criminal, not an intelligence operative embroiled in international conspiracy.

"All those things have been checked out," he said. "It's not true." Vreeland's stay in Iowa will be brief. At least three states have said they would extradite him. BILL NEIBERGALLflEGISTER FILE PHOTO In, Jl I h. 'it-' Coming up ii This is the third in a six-part series on the Iowa races for Congress.

TODAY: The spirited race for House District 3 in central and southeast Iowa is a rematch of the 2002 race between U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, a Democrat, and Republican Stan Thompson, a Des Moines lawyer. WEDNESDAY: Outspoken Republican freshman Rep. Steve King faces his first re-election race in the heavily Republican 5th District against Democrat Joyce Schulte of Creston, a community college official.

THURSDAY: Decorah Democrat Paul Johnson, a former legislator who's held state and federal environmental posts, is challenging Republican Rep. Tom Latham. FRIDAY: Rep. James Leach, a Republican running in the Democratic-leaning 2nd District, is facing a challenge from Democrat Dave Franker, a community college instructor and minister from North Liberty. This story was originally scheduled to run today but was rescheduled.

CATCHING UP: Read about the races for U.S. Senate and Iowa's 1st i Congressional District at DesMoinesRegisfer.com. SOCIATED PRESS Martinez, 6, JIM LEE, AS: Whether for pie or jack-o'-lantern, this heavy pumpkin is no match for Katheryn ft of Akron during her visit to the Pumpkin Patch In Sioux City Sunday afternoon. Nine appear in court to defend 'vicious' dog Attorney sworn in Iraq via video ASSOCIATED PRESS Council Bluffs, la. One of Iowa's newest lawyers was sworn in through video teleconferencing between Des Moines and Iraq.

Supreme Court Justice Michael Streit aclministered the oath to Melissa Head of Council Bluffs, stationed at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, via the Iowa Communications Network. 1 The first lawyer sworn in in battle fatigues a little different than a robe," Streit said during last month's ceremony. Head works for the Army Corps of Engineers, which requested the linusual swearing-in. If Justice Streit had not approved, Head would have had to wait until her return home in December. Streit told Head she should be proud of her accomplishments, and that her swearing-in ceremony was a first.

"It was an amazing experience and they did a great job of making it special," Head said of the video ceremony. i 4 1 Ducey is expected to issue a ruling sometime this week. Squirt is staying with friends in Webster County. Should the verdict go against him, he probably will stay there, relatives said. The most compelling argument at the hearing came from the Stavers' son, Jacob Young, 12.

"Mom and Dad got the dog for me, because I had certain problems," and they thought Squirt would be good for him, he said. Jacob promised that the young people who have teased Squirt in the past now know not to tease him. The mother of a 6-month-old infant, who also lives in the Staver household, said she was not worried that the dog would bite her child. Reporter Tom Alei can be reached at (515) 284-8088 or talexdmreg.com SQUIRT, from Page 1 license or shots, was quarantined until his paperwork and rabies vaccinations were taken care of. Officers were back Oct.

6 when Squirt bit his first victim's sister, Lindsey. Animal control officers said Lindsey had tried to feed Squirt a cracker when he nipped her on the nose. Neither child was seriously hurt, but both went to a local clinic for treatment, which made Squirt's temperament a public safety issue. Phyllis Disque of Forest City, a Chihuahua breeder, doesnt have a dog in the fight, but she called The Des Moines Register on Monday to weigh in on Squirt's legal trouble. "Nipping is part of a Chihuahua's nature," she said.

"You have to know how to handle the breed, no matter what kind of dog youVe got." Quarantined: Squirt, a Chihuahua, spent time at the Des Moines Animal Shelter last week after nipping two children. He's currently staying with friends while his legal troubles are resolved..