UNITED STATES
Crosier Fathers & Brothers
Media Contact: Lisa Cassidy, 602-443-7106
(Phoenix, Ariz.) – As the season of Lent begins, the Crosier Province, headquartered in Phoenix, today released an updated list of names of Crosiers with one or more credible claims of sexual abuse of minors. The comprehensive list includes Crosiers previously disclosed in 2002 following a third-party investigation, as well as current, former and deceased Crosiers who have credible allegations against them. The release of this updated list reflects the commitment of the Crosier Order to be transparent and accountable.
“It is our hope that this will bring healing, peace and comfort to the victims and their families,” stated Crosier Prior Provincial Thomas Enneking, osc. “Even though the last occurrence of abuse took place more than 20 years ago, the stigma remains for all of us. We pray for forgiveness and the opportunity to strengthen our ministry and service to everyone in need.”
We are saddened and ashamed to acknowledge this part of our history. We apologize to all victims, families and communities who have been hurt by the actions of Crosiers who were supposed to be instruments of Christ’s love and healing mercy.
The Crosiers do not tolerate sexual abuse of any kind, and we report all claims to the appropriate authorities. We have stringent policies and practices in place to do what we can to prevent sexual abuse. We are very concerned for the well-being of those who have been hurt because of sexual abuse by a Crosier.
In 2002, the Crosier Province hired an independent firm to conduct an audit of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Crosiers. The following Crosiers were named publicly. Since then, three have died and one has left the Crosier Order.
•Neil Emon, osc
•Gabriel Guerrero, osc
•Gregory Madigan, osc
•Bruce Maxwell, osc
•James Moeglein, osc
•Thomas O’Brien
•Richard Ohlemacher, osc
•Justin Weger, osc
In addition to those named in 2002, the following are current, former and deceased Crosiers who have one or more credible claims of sexual abuse of a minor against them.
•Timothy Conlon, osc
•Cornelius DeVenster, osc
•Gerald Funcheon
•Eugene Hambrock, osc
•Joseph Lendacky, osc
•Ron Melancon
•Wendell Mohs
•Michael Paquet
•Anton Schik, osc
•Urban Schmitt, osc
•Roger Vaughn
There are two names not being disclosed at this time as the claims are under investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, those names will be added to this list on our website.
This information reflects what we know today. We have worked with our Review Committee to ensure that we are being as clear, accurate and transparent as we can. We share this information to help with the healing of those who have been hurt by the actions of members of the Crosier Order.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.