Austin American-Statesman

Metro & State Briefing

June 27, 2007, B2

Diocese reports new abuse claims

A former St. Stephen's Episcopal School chaplain accused of molesting students in the 1960s may have also sexually assaulted minors at a church and school he later served in Houston, according to a letter sent last week from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

The Rev. James L. Tucker, who retired in 1992, worked at St. Stephen's just west of Austin for a decade before becoming rector of St. James Church in Houston in 1970. The Rt. Rev. Don Wimberly, bishop of the Houston-based diocese, last month informed St. Stephen's alumni of the allegations.

Wimberly sent another letter last week to people affiliated with St. James Church and School saying he thought that the abuse claims had substance. Diocesan officials said they are investigating the matter and have alerted authorities in Austin and Houston.

Tucker has not been charged with a crime.

The bishop asked anyone with information about abuse to call the Rev. Canon Andrew Doyle, (713) 520-6444.

http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/06/27/0627roundup.html