Beckley, WV - Retired St. Francis de Sales Church Priest, Perry Malacaman, Accused of Sexually Abusing Teen Boy

Retired PA Priest Accused of Sexually Abusing Teen Boy

According to Tribune-Review, a criminal complaint has been made against a priest who worked at St. Francis de Sales located at 626 S Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV 25801. 

According to the complaint, 84-year-old Perry Malacaman has been charged with sexually assaulting a boy when he was between 9 and 14 years. The victim alleges that the abuse occurred on as many as five different occasions but all at the same place. The victim is now 19 but filed a report on July 13, 2022. 

Malacaman was originally in the Archdiocese of Davao in the Philippines in 1972. He was assigned to many different Catholic parishes throughout West Virginia beginning in 1993. He last served at St. Francis de Sales Church part of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston from 2009 until his retirement. Malacaman is being charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a person younger than 16.

Can I Sue if Sexually Abused by a Catholic Priest?

Attorney contributor Paul Bucci represents church sex abuse victims and their families in civil lawsuits in West Virginia. Paul recently discussed the legal options available to victims sexually abused by a Catholic priest, including when they can sue. 

"Catholic churches and other religious organizations are legally responsible for the wellbeing and safety of their congregation. There have been widespread reports of priests abusing their position of power and trust to exploit their victims. It is important that the diocese conduct background checks on all members of the clergy in addition to monitoring and supervising their actions. Security cameras and proper reporting procedures can also help reduce the risk of preventable abuse." 

"A thorough investigation must be done when a priest is accused of sexual abuse. The church should also be investigated for possible negligence. Church negligence is too often the cause of sexual abuse by a priest. Abuse victims may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit if the church or diocese are found to be negligent."

"Church leadership should be held accountable for abuse due to negligence. It is possible that victims are not emotionally capable of reporting the abuse right away, and they may take years to come forward. To learn about the statutes of limitations pertaining to their potential case, victims and their family can consult with an experienced church sex abuse attorney."

Sources:

Tribune-Review