I live near the Spokane Diocese, and, actually, two priests who were accused occasionally substituted in our Parish when our pastor was away. One was, eventually, completely exhonorated, after being severely put through the wringer by the Diocese, and the other, who always maintained his innocence, was put into forced retirement and removed from active ministry (but not defrocked or criminally charged).
The problem with Spokane is, when the scandal broke, they reacted too far “the other way,” and pretty much started paying out money to anyone who said they were abused by a priest, with minimal screening of claims, which, in turn, led to many spurious claims, forcing the Diocese into bankruptcy. Hopefully, they have a handle on it, now, and it looks like they are beginning to fight some of the claims. Obviously, victims should be compensated, but, innocent priests also need to be protected as well.
