In November, 2003, the first report of abuse was received. The report was referred to the Racine district attorney. In January, 2004, the archdiocese was notified that the DA declined to prosecute based on the Statute of Limitations.
In January, 2004, Benham was confronted with the allegation and admitted that it was true. He resigned immediately as pastor. He refused to file for voluntary laicization.
In April, 2004, his case was submitted to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith with the request for ex officio dismissal from the clerical state. Between 2004 and 2008 the case was resubmitted several times until November, 2008, when the decree of dismissal ex officio was received.
Benham died in January, 2012.
This narrative is based on facts contained in documents related to this Diocesan priest offender.
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