A single man nearly ten years ago accused a local priest in Charlotte County, Florida, of traumatic events.
In 2015, Jeff Buchheit recounted a childhood memory from fourth grade when he was serving as an altar boy. He mentioned that something significant took place during that time.
After being the first person to accuse Father Leo Riley of sexually abusing him, Buchheit has now become the first alleged victim to publicly respond to the dismissal of the case against Father Riley.
According to his attorney, Guy Cook, Father Riley is a devoted member of the Catholic Church and a genuinely good person. Cook defends his client against the allegations, stating that Father Riley was completely shocked and confounded by them.
Cook believes that even if the case had gone to trial, Riley would have been acquitted of the accusations against him.
According to Cook, if a jury were to hear all the evidence that the state might present, he is certain that they would find the state’s case to be lacking. “I’m confident,” he asserts.
However, the legal issues surrounding Riley are still ongoing, despite the ruling of the judge in Iowa.
According to one of the purported victims, their focus will now shift to pursuing a civil case against Riley.
In addition to the ongoing lawsuit against him on the Suncoast, he is also under investigation by the State Attorney’s Office in southwest Florida.
The Diocese of Venice has responded to the dismissal of the case, expressing its prayers for all those involved. They have decided to keep Riley on administrative leave until all civil investigations have been concluded.
