Victims of Abuse Discuss Punishment for Former Henderson Priest

Debbie Tullgren's son was among the children abused by Father Mark Roberts.

KVBC/May 4, 2003

He once had the trust of hundreds of local church members. But soon, former Catholic priest Mark Roberts will learn his sentence for abusing that trust. For many years, Father Roberts was a priest at Saint Peter of the Apostle Catholic Church in Henderson. He's since been relieved of duty -- and earlier this year -- pleaded guilty to abusing five boys at the church.

Today, some of the priest's victims plan on being on the steps of the Clark County courthouse to rally for a strong sentence against Father Mark Roberts. Last night, a flood of emotions poured out at a support group meeting of priest abuse victims and their family members. Debbie Tullgren's son was among the children abused by Father Mark Roberts. She says, he deserves to punished -- just like anyone else.

"I feel that he needs to go to jail -- to learn that what he did was wrong. I feel that if it was someone besides clergy -- if it was a lay person -- I believe they would go to jail. So I believe that he should go to jail. Just because he wears a white collar does not garner him any special treatment."

The sentencing of Mark Roberts is scheduled for May 9th. He could face a punishment ranging anywhere from probation -- to five years in prison.