6 Accused in This Religious Order
Fr. Joseph Henry
Named publicly as accused on the Omaha archdiocese's list 11/30/18. Sexual abuse in 1961-62 reported to the archdiocese in 2012. Henry was an extern priest. Deceased. Per the NE A.G.'s 11/21 report, Henry's victim was a 9- or 10-year-old altar boy when Henry sexually abused him over several months in 1962-63. The boy's father reportedly told the parish pastor, who confronted Henry. Henry was kept in ministry at the parish.
Fr. Jose J. Mendez
Entered novitiate in Spain in 1978. Attended seminary in Mahwah, NJ. Made simple profession at St. Augustine's Monastery in Kansas City, KS in 1979 and solemn profession at Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, NY in 1982. Spent part of the summer of 1981 in the Prelate of Madera, Chihuahua, in an OAR Mission program. Superiors knew in 1982 of allegations he fathered a child, and the threat of a paternity suit. Ordained in Santa Ana CA in 1983. Accused of abuse of a girl in Los Angeles CA 1985-1987. Left L.A. in 1993 due to "indiscretions." Transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes in Mexico City in 8/1994. Admitted in 1995 to having a 6-year-old child with a "young lady" in L.A. Dismissed from the Order in 1996. At least one civil suit filed. Included in the L.A. archdiocese's 2004 report. Laicized, per the L.A. archdiocese's list in 12/2018.
Fr. Anthony D. Palmese
Accused of sexual abuse of a boy while at Holy Ghost Parish 1984-1985, beginning when the boy was age 12. The abuse ended when Palmese was transferred to FL. Archdiocese said it received the allegation 12/30/13 and informed law enforcement. Assignments included parishes in New York NY, Topeka KS, Omaha NE and Orlando FL. Retired in 2009. Palmese died 2/2/12. On Omaha archdiocese's list 11/30/18. Added to Kansas City KS archdiocese's list as of 3/6/20. Included in the NE A.G.'s 11/21 report.
Fr. John A. Pryor
Named publicly as accused by the Hartford archdiocese on its list 1/22/2019. Noted to have abused in the archdiocese. Was a visiting priest in 1967, helping out at St. Bernard in Tariffville.
Fr. Luis Eduardo Ramirez
Arrested in 1/2008 after taking a 17-year-old boy to a motel room to "counsel" him. His Order bailed him out. In 6/2008 he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and burglary; other misdemeanor charges were dismissed. Admitted to inappropriately touching the youth. His lawyer said it was "bad judgment." Sentenced to six months in jail in 8/2008 and three years probation. Released from jail in 3/2009. All privileges removed.
Fr. Gabriel Salinas
From Spain. First Augustinian Father to come to the U.S. Worked in Nebraska 1917-1948. Accused of the sexual abuse of a minor 1958-1960 at Cristo Rey in the Los Angeles archdiocese. Died 11/18/1972. Personnel file released 09/09/2013.