Fr. Michael Joseph Kelleher

From Ireland. Trappist monk in Ireland and New Zealand for many years prior to leaving the order. Took the name “Gregory” as a Trappist. Incardinated into Raleigh diocese in 1966, then to the Charlotte diocese when it was created in 1971. Retired in 7/1999. Removed in 7/2010 from his assignment as chaplain at Bishop McGuinness High School after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old boy in 1977 in Albemarle, NC. He was assigned there 4/1973 – 8/1977. Police were notified in 9/2009 and told the Diocese shortly thereafter. Charges were filed in 7/2010. Kelleher was arrested then released on bail 7/8/2010. A second accuser came forward a week later. No criminal charges were filed. Both men sued in 9/2011. Kelleher admitted to having abused in 1977. There are multiple other accusers. Two more men filed suit in 2012; dismissed on the statute of limitations on  6/20/2014. Criminal charges to abuse which Kelleher had confessed were dismissed 7/1/2014 due to his dementia. He died 8/20/2014. The Charlotte bishop was to preside at Kelleher’s memorial mass. Included on the Raleigh diocese’s list in 10/2018 and on the Charlotte diocese’s 12/29/2019 list of credibly accused. A lawsuit was filed 4/13/2020.