Fr. Mel W. Hermanns

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 01/24/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor of Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Chicago 3/18/2012. Removed in 9/2012; living under supervision. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. First incident in 1969 involved a St. Lawrence Seminary student. Reported in 1993. Order paid for student’s counseling. Hermanns sent to Paracletes. Also reported in 1990 for suspect conduct involving physical activities with minor males. Died in 1/2021. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese’s list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.