Group calls for reopening of investigation into Norbertine priest

by Charlee Rubesky, FOX 11 News, Thursday, April 8th 2021

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- Nate's Mission is an organization working towards ending clergy abuse. Thursday, members gathered outside the Brown County district attorney's office to ask officials to investigate allegations against a Norbertine priest.

"Ed Smith is a serial, sexual predator. He was known to be a sexual predator by the Norbertines in Delaware and De Pere for decades," Nate's Mission program director Peter Isely said. 

The organization hopes Brown County district attorney David Lasee will reopen an investigation into Fr. Edward Smith, who is alleged to have assaulted at least two victims during his time at the St. Norbert Abbey.

While the case was reviewed by a former district attorney, Lasee says he would review new information if it's brought forward.

"Any time that there is an allegation of sexual abuse, that matter should be reported. We are happy to review those reports. And then if a prosecution or further investigation is warranted, we will pursue that," Lasee said.

In 2007, Smith was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in Delaware in the 80's.

He was also assigned to the St. Norbert Abbey from 1986 to 1989.

The St. Norbert Abbey said in a statement, "His role focused on fundraising for the three Catholic high schools in the Green Bay-De Pere area. Ed Smith was requested to return to the Delaware Norbertines at the request of his superiors. Ed Smith was included in the 2019 list of Norbertines with credible allegations and this list was released by the Abbey to the public."

Also on Thursday, the St. Norbert Abbey added two more priests to the list of those with substantiated claims they abused minors.

Fr. Smith is restricted from ministry, but is still a member of the Norbertine order.

"There are victims in the state of Wisconsin who were abused after he was transferred here who have a case against him that could still be opened and investigated," Nate's Mission associate program director Sarah Pearson said.

Nate's Mission is asking the district attorney to compel the order to turn over additional documents that could aid in the case.

"This is the problem. The relationship, historically, in very Catholic communities in particular around this country, between Catholic officials, and Catholic elites like abbots and bishops, and law enforcement," Isely said.

"If anyone has new or additional information about sexual abuse that occurred, we would encourage people to report that, report it to law enforcement, continue to share your story with those who can do something about it. Law enforcement can get those reports to our office and we're happy to review that," Lasee said.

Nate's Mission is also asking for Lasee's support in a statewide inquiry into sexual abuse and cover-up in faith-based organizations.