JOPLIN (MO)
Joplin Globe
April 1, 2019
By Andy Ostmeyer
The names of additional priests accused of sexually abusing minors while assigned to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau were released by the diocese today.
The latest list brings to 23 the total number of priests named in allegations that occurred in the diocese since it was founded in 1956. There are 11 other priests who were assigned to the diocese at some point, and who were accused of abuse while assigned elsewhere.
Since its founding, 424 priests — diocesan and religious order — have been assigned to the diocese, which covers 39 counties in southern Missouri and includes Joplin, Carthage, Webb City, Neosho, Lamar and many other area communities.
The oldest allegations of abuse date to the 1950s; the most recent were from 2006.
Diocesan priests are those assigned to a specific diocese; religious are those priests affiliated with specific orders, such as the Benedictines, who were assigned to the diocese at the time of the alleged incident. Many of the reports naming diocesan priests have previously been made public, but the names of those who were assigned to religious orders are new.
Several of the priests were assigned to parishes in Southwest Missouri, either before or after the alleged assault took place. Some were assigned to area parishes when the alleged abuse occurred.
The diocese also said it settled and paid eight claims for $355,000, using unrestricted cash reserves. There were three claims paid by the diocesan insurer at a cost of $92,500, bringing the total to $447,500. Additionally, the diocese offered victim assistance for prescription costs ($35,836), counseling ($28,425) and future funeral expenses ($7,011), for a total of $70,448. Legal fees so far have come to nearly $190,000, the diocese reported.
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