Allegations
against Catholic school official prompts arrest
By Lou Baldwin
Special to The CS&T
Scott J. Healey, 27, a former director of institutional advancement at
St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, has been arrested and charged
with endangering the welfare of a minor and corrupting the morals of a
minor, the Philadelphia Police announced on March 5.
On Feb. 8, a young woman, now 17, reported to school authorities a series
of inappropriate contacts of a sexual nature which took place with Healey
on school property after regular school hours between January 2007 and
August 2007, when she was 16.
The allegation was immediately reported to the Philadelphia Police by
the school, and after investigation a warrant was obtained for Healey’s
arrest on March 3. He surrendered to police at the Special Victims Unit
on March 4.
Healey, who lives in the Northern Liberties section of the city, was hired
by St. Hubert in October 2005. His position involved recruitment and fundraising.
He resigned in August 2007 to take a similar position with Northeast Catholic
High School for Boys. Healey was placed on administrative leave by Northeast
Catholic immediately after the allegation was made, and fired on the day
the warrant was issued.
“We had a letter sent home to the parents at both Northeast Catholic
and St. Hubert on the day the warrant was issued,” said Donna Farrell,
archdiocesan communications director. The letter outlined the allegations
made against Healey and emphasized the safety and well-being of the students
was the primary concern of the schools.
“It’s very hard for a young person to come forward on these
matters,” Farrell said. “We encourage parents to support their
children in this.”
“The District Attorney felt there was enough evidence to charge
in his case,” said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore, explaining
a date for a preliminary hearing was expected to be set in the near future.
Letters sent to the parents also provided information on victim assistance
services, which are available either through the archdiocesan Victims
Assistance Program (1-888-800-8780) or the Network of Victims Assistance
Services (1-800-675-6900).