Dallas Police Detective Dave Clark is a favorite of Lake Highlands High School teachers, parents and students alike. Though he now serves one day a week as SRO (school resource officer) at Liberty Junior High in Richardson ISD, for many years he was SRO on the LHHS/LH Freshman Center campus.
Clark was featured in a Dallas Morning News article Friday for his current work investigating Catholic sex abuse cases. He dove into the case in August after Edmundo Paredes, longtime priest at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Oak Cliff, was credibly accused of molesting three teenage boys more than ten years ago. Since the accusations were revealed, publicity has helped Clark bring new cases and develop information on old ones.
More accusers are anticipated, and Clark — with his welcoming manner and aw, shucks delivery — reassures victims with the same “I’m listening and I care” vibe he’s shared with teens in Lake Highlands for a decade. His DPD supervisor calls him “relentless” — a valuable trait since many allegations are decades-old and difficult to prove.
Clark invites victims of clergy abuse to call him directly at 214-671-4301.