PARKERSBURG (WV)
News & Sentinel
June 6, 2019
By Jess Mancini
An investigation of the former bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has found the allegations of sexual harassment against him are credible, the apostolic administrator of the diocese said in a letter released on Wednesday.
Bishop William E. Lori, apostolic administrator, also said he has given $7,500 to the diocese, the value of gifts he received over the years from former Bishop Michael Bransfield, whose handling of finances for the diocese was also under investigation.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday said the letter from Lori underscores why the diocese must release the investigative report into alleged misconduct by Bransfield.
Bransfield retired last year, and Lori was appointed apostolic administrator with the instructions from Pope Francis that he commence an investigation into Bransfield.
“Regarding allegations of sexual harassment of adults by Bishop Bransfield, the investigative team determined that the accounts of those who accused Bishop Bransfield of sexual harassment are credible,” Lori said in the letter. “The team uncovered a consistent pattern of sexual innuendo and overt suggestive comments and actions toward those over whom the former bishop exercised authority.
“The investigation found no conclusive evidence of sexual misconduct with minors by the former bishop during its investigation,” he said. “It should be noted that due to privacy concerns and at the request of those who alleged harassment by Bishop Bransfield, the alleged victims and their personal accounts, which for them are a source of deeply felt pain and humiliation, will not be disclosed by the diocese.”
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