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Total Individuals: 318


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Fr. Roger K. Wooden

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1927
Status: Accused

Died: 11/18/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. A woman reported to the Archdiocese in 2002 that Wooden sexually assaulted her in the rectory of Blessed Sacrament in Baltimore when she was working there as a teenager in the 1970s. He had pinned her against a wall and rubbed his exposed penis against her. Two seminarians entered the room and helped her get out. In 1995 and 2000 anonymous ads appeared in the Baltimore Sun asking,"Were you ever disciplined by the Monsignor at Blessed Sacrament in Baltimore 1950s-70?" and "Were you ever in Monsignor Wooden's class at Blessed Sacrament during the 1950s-60s or 1970s?" Wooden died in 1976.


Fr. John H. Wadeson

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1969
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of abuse of two minors 1973-1977, per the 2004 Los Angeles Archdiocesan Report. Also worked in the New York and/or Brooklyn, Trenton NJ and Portland OR dioceses. Banned from working in the Los Angeles archdiocese; in 2014 was found working as as priest in Guam, apparently since at least 2000. Idenitified himself as an "Australian priest of the Archdiocese of Agana in Guam, Micronesia." The Guam Archdiocese Directory indicated he was incardinated there but assigned to Neocatechumenal Center in San Francisco, CA. Removed from active ministry 07/22/2014; the Archdiocese admitted it knew of past allegations in 2000 when he was incardinated. As of 7/23/2014, Wadeson had left Guam, possibly to San Francisco. He denied all allegations. The San Francisco Archdiocese withdrew his privileges as of 07/21/2014. His reinstatement to the Agana archdiocese was announced 4/15/2015, after the Los Angeles Archdiocese reviewed the case and said that, since there appeared to have been no settlement and Wadeson was not convicted, he was "a priest in good standing."

Fr. Alphonse W. Wagner

Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 12/2/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Included on the diocese's 7/2008 list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse. Accused of abuse of two male minors beginning in 1969. Died in 1974. On the Green Bay diocese's list 1/17/2019. Noted to have multiple substantiated allegations against him of abuse, occurring 1944-1965. Ordained for Green Bay. On sick leave with permission to serve in the Davenport diocese 1966-1974.

Fr. Dennis A. Wagner

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Grand Rapids MI

Pleaded guilty in 1983 to assault and battery of a 13-year-old boy during a tubing trip. Given two years probation and received counseling. Apparently admitted in 1983 that he had molested more than one boy. A man told the diocese in the early 1990 that Wagner raped him in a lake in 1985. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Diocese gave the man money for therapy. Wagner was allowed to work as a canon lawyer in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Suspended in 5/2002. Diocese received six substantiated allegations. Wagner agreed to ask for laicization.

Fr. Francis P. Wagner

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Ordained: 1940
Status: Settled

Died: 01/17/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. Report in 1995 to the Archdiocese that Wagner sexually abused a girl, age 11 or 12, in the late 1960s. The girl was a student at St. Joan of Arc Parish School in Aberdeen, where Wagner was pastor. The abuse allegedly occurred when the girl slept in the rectory on the night before a field trip. Wagner's accuser said he threatened her with eternal damnation if she told. She received a $37, 500 settlement in 2017. Wagner died in 1983.


Fr. Jerome A. Wagner

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Removed in 8/02. Was on Priest Placement Board and worked in a parish. Had been accused in 1985 of getting a 15-year-old boy drunk and molesting him. The boy's mother confronted Wagner and went to police. He stayed in his parish for eight months during the investigation before being transferred to another parish. Church said he would have no further contact with youths. Laicized after 11/26/07. Received $20K to seek laicization. Police were to receive personnel file in 2013 to investigate 2001 allegation. Went on to work as a licensed Funeral Director in Fond du Lac.

Fr. John C. Wagner

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. He is shown as "awaiting assignment" per 1993 Catholic Directory and "On leave" per the 2002 Directory. Remained fully restricted from ministry as of 3/3/12. Laicized in 12/12. Personnel files released 7/13.

Fr. Richard G. Wagner

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 07/13/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Removed in 1993 when a mandated reporter learned of alleged abuse of a high school girl in the late 1980s. Sent for treatment and placed in a restricted priory setting. Previously taught at a diocesan High School and had been named principal there by Bishop Dingman. No public allegations until Bishop Charron recommended laicization 9/19/2003. Laicized 10/13/2006. Died in 2012. Included on the diocese's list 4/4/2019.

Fr. Sam Wagner

Ordained: 2014
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of New Ulm MN

Placed on leave and investigation launched after allegations in 1/17 of "inappropriate conduct" were reported to New Ulm police. Per news in 8/17 Wagner was accused of an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl. No charges per police in 8/17 due to lack of evidence and the inability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Was still on leave pending Review Board investigation outcome. The girl's mother took out a restraining order in 8/17 against Wagner.

Fr. Gordon Patrick Wagoner

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 09/2/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. From Diocese of Lafayette IN. Assigned 1975 to Santa Fe as Director of Campus Ministry and Theology professor at University of Albuquerque. Per his obituary, Wagoner returned to Lafayette in 1983 "for reasons of health." Also did post-doctoral work at the University of Chicago 1966-1970, taught at St. John's College of Cleveland for a year, back to IN as History of Religions professor at Catholic Seminary in Indianapolis, while Director of Campus Ministry at Wabash College in Crawfordsville. After returning to IN in 1983 he did mostly hospital chaplaincy work. Died 9/2/2008.

Fr. Vincent Casimer Waiches

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Order: SVD
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 06/18/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Austin TX

Named publicly as accused by the Austin Diocese on its list 1/31/2019, which shows that Waiches was previously a Society of the Divine Word priest, and later a San Diego diocesan priest. On the Jackson Diocese's list 3/19/2019. No information as to when he was accused or where or when alleged abuse occurred. Included on the IL Attorney General's List 5/3/2023. Included on the Divine Word Missionaries Southern Province list; joined the Province in 1950, incardinated in 1964 to the San Diego diocese. Died in 1995.

Fr. Joseph Wajda

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Died: 04/29/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Abuse of boys allegedly began within two or three months of ordination. Two 1989 civil suits claim Wajda abused at least two boys. Both boys had sought counseling from Wajda. Both suits settled out of court in 1991, one for a "substantial" settlement. Wajda continued as a priest in administrative capacity (including on marriage tribunal) until placed on leave after the 6/02 Bishops' conference in Dallas. Permanently removed in 2003. Denied all abuse and appealed his case to review board. Included in 12/13 on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Personnel file from St. Paul Archdiocese released 07/9/14. Laicization announced by archdiocese 10/1/16. May have abused an altar boy while a transitional deacon in the early 1970s at St. John the Baptist in New Brighton. Died 4/29/21.

Br. Karl J. Walczak

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Principal of Damien High School in Honolulu for 10 years. President of Brother Rice High in Chicago for 12 years. Also worked in California. Appointed principal of O'Dea High School in Seattle in 2011. Took leave in 8/2012 to assist in resolving the Order's bankruptcy in New York. A man filed a claim in the bankruptcy case alleging that he was abused by Walczak in 1970-1971 when he was a freshman at Br. Rice in Chicago. Walczak resigned 10/31/2012. Denied abuse.

Br. John M. Walderman

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Assigned to Blessed Sacrament High School in NYC 1971-76, then Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester NY 1977-82. Principal of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, RI 1/1/86 when arrested and indicted for soliciting sex from a male minor. Charge dropped in 1987. Transferred to Cardinal Hayes High School in Bronx NY 1987-91, then to Rice High School in Harlem NY 1991-2001. Assigned to Edmund Rice Institute in Australia 2001-2005, then back to Rice High in Harlem. Was principal of Rice until Order received a letter about his 1986 arrest.

Fr. Raymond Waldruff

Order: TOR
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 03/25/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown PA

Named in Altoona-Johnstown 3/16 GJ report. Per report, abused boy 1964-67 in Altoona diocese and monastery in Hollidaysburg. Allegations 5/16 that Waldruff raped a teen boy in Altoona, bribing him with alcohol, money and cars, and making him dress as a woman. Sent to KY 1967. Suit filed 4/02 alleging abuse by Waldruff of boy, age 11, around 1968, in Owensboro. Accuser and his parents told bishop; sent for treatment, reassigned. Transferred to WV in 1972. Sent to MA for treatment 1976. May have abused in Worcester MA, where he was sent 1979. Living in NY 1980. Dismissed by Order 1983. Died 3/25/85. On Wheeling-Charleston diocese's list in late 2018. On Owensboro's list 4/12/19, noting five allegations, two substantiated.

Fr. Edward Albert Walenga

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 11/27/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Nashville TN

First named publicly as accused on the Nashville diocese's list 11/2/2018. Walenga died 11/27/1983. Included on the Nashville diocese's list as of 3/6/2020. (Knoxville was created from Nashville in 1988.)

Fr. Donald J. Walk

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Walk is named in a 7/2006 settlement with the Miami Archdiocese as having abused a teenage boy in the 1970s-1980s. He had no particular assignment at the time and was still "absent on leave," per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Chaplain of the Miami Dolphins at one point. Accused in a civil suit filed in summer 2007 of abusing a boy, ages 14-16, in the late 1970s. Another plaintiff filed suit in 12/2007 alleging abuse 1977-1982.

Fr. Edward J. Walker

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 02/28/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. First revealed on 3/20/2018 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Died in 2002; diocesan list includes deceased priests only if they have more than one allegation. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting a boy for a decade, beginning when the boy was age 12 in 1953 and Walker was assigned to St. Joseph's in Fredonia. One man said he reported his abuse in 1999 and the diocese "vehemently denied it" until a second person came forward.

Fr. Harry Dean Walker

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington DE and MD

Accused for the first time in 2010 in a claim filed in Bankruptcy Court. A man alleged abuse by Walker when he was a 15-year-old parishioner of St. Francis de Sales parish in Salisbury MD in the 1960s. Per victim advocates, other accusers known. Walker left the Catholic priesthood in 1972. He went on to work as a youth minister beginning 1972-73 at a Wilmington Presbyterian church, then hired as Director of the Youth Action Center in Newark and youth pastor at Faith City. Prominent leader in Wilmington's Irish-American community. Continued to be often called "Rev." and/or referred to as "former Roman Catholic priest." Fighting release of personnel files in 2/2012. A list in 2/2012 of accused priests shows he was laicized.

Fr. Donald L. Wallace

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Jefferson City MO

Parents of four boys accused Wallace in 1997 of "boundary violations" or inappropriate behavior. Wallace underwent treatment was assigned to hospital ministry in 1998, under supervision. He was reassigned to parish work in 2000. Retired in 2002 rather than undergo "further evaluation." On diocese's list 11/8/18. Noted to have been removed from ministry.

Fr. Murrough Wallace

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Sacramento CA

From Ireland. Ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento. Monsignor. Retired pastor of St. Theresa's in South Lake Tahoe when suspended in 12/2018 after a man alleged that, when he was age 17 in 1985, Wallace sexually abused him on a camp work trip. Wallace was the Director of Camp Pendola. Included on the Diocese's list 4/30/2019, which shows two allegations in 1995, each of the sexual abuse of young adult males, and the 2018 allegation. Investigation pending. Lawsuit filed in 12/2019. Accused along with two other priests in a lawsuit filed in 5/2022 of sexually abusing a boy, age 10, in 1965, at Holy Angels church and school in Yuba City, CA. Per the suit, a nun helped the boy and police were contacted. Murrough was reportedly deceased at the time of the filing. 


Fr. Kenneth T. Walleman

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Died: 09/15/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Rapid City SD

Accused in a 2003 civil suit of abuse of at least one student at St. Francis Mission, a Jesuit boarding school. Former administrator at the school. School's principal said Walleman had had a mental breakdown at another school and was sent to St. Francis, where he would have less stress. Walleman was at St. Francis Mission 1963-91 and 1992-97. Per the 2002 Official Catholic Directory, he was living in a Jesuit Community at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, WI (Milwaukee archdiocese). Remained there until his death 9/15/14. On Jesuits Midwest list 12/17/18. On Rapid City diocese's list in 3/19 (it erroneously shows ordination year as 1940.)

Fr. David E. Walls

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Accused of 1987-1988 abuse of an adolescent brother and sister and another individual. Placed on administrative leave in 1988. Administrative leave continued 2002 with restrictions and further restrictions added 2004. Laicized 7/19/06. Died 2/21/09.

Fr. Bryan O. Walsh

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 12/20/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 6/9/2006 complaint of the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 1964, including penetration and oral sex. The boy was a ward of Operation Pedro Pan, which Walsh founded and directed. Pedro Pan brought 14,048 Cuban children to the US in 1960-1962 and placed them in orphanages and foster care to remove them from Castro's educational system. Walsh was born and trained in Ireland and ordained for St. Augustine diocese. He became a Miami priest when the diocese was erected in 1958. Retired in 1996. Died 12/20/2001.

Fr. Gerard P. Walsh

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

In 3/2002 a man gave the Worcester County D.A. a written confession from Walsh regarding his abuse, which began in the late 1970s. Walsh had been serving as chaplain with the MA state police. Walsh admitted the abuse and was removed from police and parish duties in 3/2002. Resigned in 2003. The Diocese had known of the abuse since 1998 when Walsh's victim reported it in a letter. Walsh denied it at that time. In 2012 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced that he had settled a lawsuit(s) alleging abuse by Walsh.

Fr. Harold A. Walsh

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained in Ireland for the Redemptorists. Worked in Davenport, Detroit, Chicago and St. Paul. A woman told Detroit in 1994 (and in 2002 and 2011) that he had abused her in the mid-1960s when she was 15 and he was assigned Holy Redeemer parish. Walsh said he had proved he was still living in a monastery in Ireland at the time. Worked in St. Paul for many years. Accused of abusing a boy there; Walsh denied the allegation. The woman received a settlement in 1996. Walsh left active ministry in 2005. Laicized 8/12/2012. Taught sex education in St. Paul area until 1/31/2014. Name on the St. Paul and Minneapolis revised list 2/17/2014.

Fr. J. Patrick Walsh

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the U.S. Central and Southern Province Jesuits on its list in 12/2021, with one allegation. Abuse estimated to have occurred 1959-1960. Noted to have died in 1993. Included in 1/2022 on the Diocese of Lake Charles list, where the alleged abuse occurred. Also on the New Orleans archdiocese's list.


Fr. James E. Walsh

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 12/3/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Santa Rosa CA

Monsignor. Ordained for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Incardinated into the Santa Rosa diocese when it was established in 1962. Died 12/3/93. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 1/12/19. It noted that he was accused in 2005 of abuse in 1965. Assigned during the time in question to St. Helena's in St. Helena CA.

Fr. James P. Walsh

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 04/13/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes allegations received in 2002 and 2004 of the abuse of a minor 1984-1985. Assigned to Boston College High School during the time of the alleged abuse. "Impeded" in 2002. Died 4/13/2009. Included on the Fall River diocese's list 1/7/2021.

Fr. James T. Walsh

Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Died: 09/16/1970
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

A 3/05 civil suit alleges plaintiff was abused by Walsh. Same suit alleges that plaintiff was abused by his uncle (Msgr. Page), other priests and two separate bishops. Plaintiff was in a Texas prison for an unrelated murder when suit filed. Worcester diocese said allegations not credible. Walsh died in 1970.

Br. Jeremiah Walsh

Order: SVD
Status: Accused

Died: 07/19/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Professed vows in 1967. Assigned in Techny IL 1967-1988, CA 1989-1999. Died in IL in 2000. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its lis tin 5/2021. Abuse noted to have occurred in Chicago in 1977. Allegation received after Walsh's death. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Br. John D. Walsh

Order: CSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Holy Cross brother (mis-identified in at least one news report as a Franciscan). Vice-principal of Cardinal Mooney High School in Greece, NY in 9/85 when arrested and charged with kidnapping at gunpoint two boys, ages 11 and 12, and offering them money for sex. The boys got away without physical injury. Walsh was sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment in 9/85. Pled guilty in 1/86 and sentenced to six months in jail. Accused in a 1/20 lawsuit against the Order of sexually abusing a Mooney High School student 1966-69. The abuse allegedly began during counseling sessions, became sadistic, and occurred many times in the school's locker room, library and rectory and at hotels.

Fr. John E. Walsh

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Salina diocese on its list 3/29/2019, noting a single allegation of abuse occurring 1972-1978, reported to the diocese in 2002. Diocese investigated. Walsh retired in 2002. Died in 2009. On the Wichita diocese's list of clerics with substantiated allegations 9/20/2019. Worked in the diocese 1955-1958.

Fr. John J. Walsh

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Order: OMI
Ordained: 1940
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

On 12/18/03 a woman reported to the Boston archdiocese that Walsh sexually abused her twice in 1973 or 1974, when she was age 13 or 14, at Sacred Heart in Lowell, MA. The archdiocese submitted the report to the MA AG and county DA. On 7/22/07 the Oblates and the archdiocese agreed to pay $60K to resolve the claim and compensate for injury. Walsh was moved often during his career, working in many dioceses. He died 4/24/81. Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database. Added to Columbus diocese's list 5/23/19.

Fr. Joseph J. Walsh

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pueblo CO

Monsignor. Named publicly as credibly accused by the CO A.G. in its supplemental report released 12/1/20. Among assignments was Director of Catholic Charities. Allegedly sexually abused children, male and female, at Sacred Heart Orphanage in the 1950s. One victim told the bishop in 1969 and the next bishop in 1981. The second bishop told the victim that no one would believe him and that his allegation would hurt the church if it became public. This accuser said the abuse occurred when he was ages 4-8. The second accuser said Walsh abused her at ages 7-13 . She first came forward in 2019. Walsh died 4/29/60.

Fr. Leonard Thomas Walsh

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1926
Status: Settled

Died: 10/15/1954
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Died 10/15/1954. In 4/2012, attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced the recent settlement of at least one claim regarding Walsh. Walsh was accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old MA boy in 1953. He also worked in NY, NJ, DC and CT. Name included in 10/2021 on the Holy Name Province Franciscans' list of those against whom there are substantiated allegations.

Fr. Martin J. Walsh

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Died: 06/21/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Allegation in late 1997 of abuse of a 14-year-old boy and possibly others in about 1975. Walsh denied abuse but admitted to ongoing alcohol problems. Per an 11/2003 memo, Walsh was on permanent disability as of 2002 but had asked to return to ministry. File outlines his problems from 1981 through 2003. Cardinal Law told Walsh he was restricted in 11/2002, but didn't follow through, so Walsh was not really restricted. Per the 8/2011 Boston archdiocese list of accused, the Review Board found the allegations could not be substantiated. Died in 6/2007, age 58. Included on Attorney Garabedian's list 3/28/2016 of accused clerics named in civil claims resulting in settlements or arbitration awards. Settlement in 12/2004 with the archdiocese regarding alleged abuse in 1975 at a Waltham parish.

Sr. Mary Geraldine Walsh

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Order: RSM
Status: Sued

Died: 10/25/1973
Diocese: Diocese of Portland ME

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/21 of sexually abusing a second-grade boy at St. John's School in Bangor 1957-58, where Walsh was school principal and an 8th-grade teacher. Walsh's accuser said that she sexually abused him in the coatroom several times, after telling him that he had wet his pants and needed to take them off. The man also said he and his classmates were regularly spanked by teachers on their exposed buttocks in front of the class. Walsh died in 1973, age 86.


Br. Michael Walsh

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Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Deceased. A member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers (also called Irish Christian Brothers) Walsh was accused of taking nude and sexually explicit photos of boys during a camping trip around 1986. The boys were students at Catholic Memorial School in Boston. Walsh's name was included on a list of Christian Brothers identified in at least two sexual abuse claims. The list was a requirement of the Order's 2013 bankruptcy settlement agreement.

Fr. Michael Walsh

Ordained: 2002
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Native of Boston MA. Ordained for Diocese of Grand Rapids MI 6/02; placed on leave in 7/02, after diocese learned of allegations of sexual abuse of two children while a lay person 40 years previously at St. Francis de Sales in Charlestown MA. Walsh was 65 and a former Air Force Sergeant at time of ordination. He had retired to FL mid-1990s, then moved to MD for seminary. Charged in Boston 9/16 with rape and indecent assault and battery on a child, alleged to have occured late 1980s-early 1990s while altar boy coordinator at St. Brendan's in Dorchester MA. Pled not guilty. Accuser said he was abused from 4th to 6th grades. Trial date set for 9/2017.

Fr. Michael G. Walsh

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Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Sacramento CA

Placed on leave April 2002 after information surfaced that he abused two men in 1970s and 1980s. Diocese placed him on leave after the allections arose the first time. Walsh left the diocese for a time and worked in San Francisco. He returned in 1999. W

Fr. Milton T. Walsh

Ordained: 1978
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of San Francisco CA

Accused in 1984 of abuse of a 13-year-old boy. Reported immediately to Archbishop Quinn, who convinced the parents not to go to the police. Cardinal Levada learned of Walsh's abuse of the boy in 1995; he allowed Walsh to remain in active ministry until 8/2002. Criminal charges filed 10/2002; dropped in 7/2003 after U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the statute of limitations. Walsh had admitted his behavior and apologized to his victim during a phone call secretly taped by police. Victim filed suit; settled in 2003. Walsh was discovered by news outlet in 9/2019 at a a celebration officiated by the archbishop of the opening of a proposed Benedictine monastery on the grounds of a parish in Taos NM. Walsh reportedly had been planning to move into the monastery, which is across the street from a public elementary school.


Fr. Oliver T. Walsh

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 01/15/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Ireland. Died in 1975. Walsh's name appeared on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown on the list as "unresolved." Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Patrick J. Walsh

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Order: MSC
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of San Antonio TX

First named publicly as accused on Little Rock diocese's 9/10/2018 list. Worked in diocese 1976-1987. Suspended by Order in 2004. Died in 2011. One known victim. Per news in 2/2019, a 60-year-old man told the archdiocese on 2/1/2019 that Walsh abused him 50 years prior, when he was an altar boy at St. Anthony's in San Antonio TX. (The 1970 Official Catholic Directory, which reflects 1969-1970, confirms that Walsh was there.) He said Walsh would fondle him and give him money repeatedly over a two-year period. He said he confronted Walsh 30 years prior, and that the priest both denied the abuse and asked for forgiveness. On the Covington diocese's list 7/31/2020; assigned in 1971 to Christ the King in Lexington. On Lexington's list in 8/2020, noting he was at Lexington Catholic High 1971-1974 and that there are two, possibly three, known victims in Lexington. Walsh would take children to a lake house.

Fr. Peter M. Walsh

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1982
Status: Convicted

Died: 07/29/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark NJ

Arrested 1993 in NJ for exposing himself to five boys. Convicted in 1994 on five counts of child endangerment in Lyndhurst NJ. Sentenced to five years probation; ordered to have a chaperone whenever he was in a car. In 6/2004 a man reported to the Manchester NH diocese that Walsh fondled then masturbated him for 3-4 months between 1987-1988. Walsh was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry at the time. Walsh denied these allegations. Said to have died in Honduras 7/29/2008.

Fr. William J. Walsh

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Washington DC and MD

In 1996 five of Walsh's nieces told the Jesuits that Walsh sexually abused them hundreds of times as children in the 1940s-1960s, when they were ages 5-14. Walsh was teaching in China in 1996. He was recalled, assigned to the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, and sent to St. Luke institute for treatment. The women made their allegations public in 1998 because the Order had not removed their uncle. Placed on leave. Per the Order's MD Province, there were credible allegations against Walsh of abuse occurring in the 1950s -1980s. After his removal in 1998, he lived until 2010 at Ferdinand Wheeler House in Baltimore, then the Colombiere Jesuit Community until his death at age 95 in 12/2018. Included on the Province's list 12/17/2018 which notes reports of sexual abuse in PA, MD and DC. Added to the Baltimore Archdiocese's list in 2/2019. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. William M. Walsh

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

One case settled in 2007. Attorney Mitchell Garabedian stated that he represented a man who alleged he was abused a dozen times by Walsh at age 12 in 1985-1986, at St Joseph's in Hyde Park. Some abuse in St. Joseph's, and at Blessed Sacrament in Jamaica Plain and in New Hampshire. Documents in file also allege abuse at Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers. 'Third-hand' allegation investigated in 1980; deemed unsubstantiated. Second investigation in 1991. At least two letters sent to the archdiocese after 1/2001 contained allegations but no formal complaints. Review board found in 2003 that anonymous accusations were not cause to suspend. Personnel file released in 1/2004. In late 2003 or early 2004 a person came forward with specific allegations; placed on leave pending further investigation. Voluntary laicization announced 7/19/2011. Included on the archdiocese's list in 8/2011.

Fr. Charles W. Walter

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Included on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Last assignment was at St. Francis Cabrini Parish (West Bend) from 1987-93. Settlement paid to survivor in 1993. Was "on leave" 1993-94 and on "sick leave" 1994-99. Retired in 1999. Worked as supply priest. Privileges restricted in 2002. Remained fully restricted from ministry per 3/3/12 statement.

Fr. Raymond Frederick Walter

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Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 03/11/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Religious order priest who worked in the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese 1964-1978 and 1981-1989, at St. Alphonsus in Brooklyn Center. Name appears on list of priests with credible allegations of abuse of minors released by the Archdiocese 12/5/13. Permanently removed from ministry in 2003. Died 3/11/03.

Fr. Michael Walters

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark NJ

"Mitch." Allegations to archdiocese in 8/15 that Walters abused a boy and a girl in the early 1980s while assigned to St. Cassian in Montclair. Not suspended until 10/15. One accuser said Walters fondled and kissed him repeatedly as a 12-year-old altar boy in 1982; the other claimed Walters molested her at ages 13-14. Walters denied the accusations. Another woman publicly accused Walters of molesting her twice when she was age 13. Criminal investigation underway 7/16 of allegations he sexually abused a boy in the 1990s at St. John Nepomuce in Guttenberg. This accuser filed suit 8/17/16. His attorney said he was representing six Walters victims allegedly abused 1982-94, ages 8-14. Two more suits filed 10/16. Judge in 10/17 found probable cause to file charges. Five cases settled in 1/19. On archdiocese's list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children.

Fr. Bernard Waltos

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 12/16/1992
Diocese: Diocese of San Bernardino CA

First named publicly as accused on the San Bernardino diocese's list 10/9/2018. Assigned to Queen of Angels in Riverside 1981-1991. Abused alleged to have occurred 1984-1990. Waltos died 12/16/1992. Per the diocese, it was made aware of the allegations in 1994. Waltos was named in a 1992 lawsuit by a victim of Dennis Jost. (Jost was removed from a diaconate training program and later convicted of sexually abusing a boy.)


Fr. Ronald E. Wamsher

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Four brothers complained to the Diocese in 2002 that they were abused by five priests, including Wamsher, 1967-1983. Three of the four alleged abuse by Wamsher. They filed suit in 2003. Wamsher denied all allegations. Not placed on leave until 4/2004. Another suit filed in 8/2004. The Diocese announced in 5/2005 that the allegations were credible and Wamsher's privileges were removed in accordance with Dallas norms. Three claims were settled in 11/2008 as part of a $4.5M settlement. Canonical Trial ordered. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused. (It notes his removal was in 2002; per news in 2004, Wamsher was taken out of his parish in 2002 after the allegations and was given a position on the Diocesan Tribunal.)

Fr. Bernard Ward

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Santa Rosa CA

Left priesthood in 1979 or 1980. Went on to marry and have children. Became a radio talk show host. Indicted in 12/07 on federal internet child porn charges. His attorney said the images were for a book Ward was researching three to four years prior. He reportedly emailed child porn images to a woman who immediately turned him over to police and the FBI. Originally pled not guilty. Pled guilty in 5/08 to one count. Per 5/08 articles, abuse was alleged when he was an active priest. Sentenced 8/08 to seven-plus years. Released from prison in 12/14. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19.

Fr. Daniel J. Ward

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1971
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

As of 10/12, five men and two women have made complaints against Ward dating back to 1970s and his assignment at St. John's College and at St. John's Prep School. He has been accused of unwelcome advances, kissing, and threats of failing them in class. At least one accuser was a minor and others were college students. In 2012 Ward was Executive Director of Resource Center for Religious Institutes(RCRI) in MD. Ward was to step down from his position in late 2013 for a sabbatical.

Fr. Donal D. Ward

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Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Burlington VT

Placed on leave 5/02 after being identified as active priest with past accusations of abuse of minor. In 9/02 Attorney General referred to one priest who "groomed" a young man until he was 17 (legal age), then began a sexual relationship with him. On 9/26/02 Ward admitted in statement to a consensual sexual liaison with a young adult male. He resigned from parish but denied grooming, saying instead that the youth had been sexually active for several years before he began the relationship. Resigned and faculties revoked 10/4/02. Died 2/20/18. On the diocese's list of credibly accused 8/22/19.

Fr. Edward F. Ward

Ordained: 1928
Status: Sued

Died: 02/18/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Portland ME

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/22 of sexually abusing a 9-year-old altar boy at St. John's in Bangor in 1966. Ward died in 1997, age 96. Ward's accuser claims the abuse happened multiple times, and that the school principal, who was a nun, walked in on them on one occasion. The man said he told the principal about the abuse a few days later and she slapped him on the hands and chastised him for lying.


Br. Kenneth Ward

Order: FMS
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Former dean of students at Msgr. Edward Pace High School. Allegations reported to police in 2006; the Archdiocese says it did not learn of them until Fall, 2012. In an 8/2013 civil suit, three men in their mid-20s alleged that Ward abused them in the early 2000s. He worked at Pace 2000-2006. Spent two more years at Christopher Columbus High School in Westchester. A fourth man sued in 9/2013. Left the order in 2008. Got a state license as a registered nurse in 2012. Worked in a psychiatric hospital.

Fr. Robert A. Ward

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

The Archdiocese knew in 1995 that Ward used cocaine and had been treated for drug abuse. A computer technician found child pornography on Ward's computer in 6/2099. Evaluated and placed on leave; reassigned to the archdiocese development office in 1/2001. In 2/2002 a man alleged abuse as an altar boy in the mid-1970s; Ward was suspended. Voluntary laicization in 2004 announced in 2005. Living in Pembroke, MA as of 10/2008. Boston archdiocese's list in 8/2011 notes that the case concluded canonically.

Fr. Thomas J. Ward

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Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 11/4/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Suspended in 1993 or early 1994 for nine months. Reinstated. When he was reassigned in 1994, the bishop wrote to parishioners that Ward's evaluation "gave no reason to believe that the allegations might be true." A 1994 civil suit alleged Ward abused a boy for 10 years, beginning when the boy was 14. Suit settled 1999 in for $20K. "Retired" in 1996; continued to be active part-time. Claims settled in 8/08 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Died 11/4/12. On the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations noted.

Fr. William G. Ward

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 07/2/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused publicly by the Buffalo diocese on its list 3/20/18. Died in 2008. Named in a lawsuit in 8/19. Included on the Raleigh diocese's list 10/22/19; the 1951 Catholic Directory lists him as a Buffalo priest assigned to St. Leo's in Winston-Salem. The Raleigh list notes alleged abuse in 1955 outside the diocese, reported in 2019. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19. It notes that Ward was ordained for the Raleigh diocese, where worked briefly. By 1952 was working in the Diocese of Buffalo. Abuse alleged to have occurred in NY 1955-56 and 1966-71. Suit in 10/19 claims abuse late '60s-early '70s of an altar boy in NY, age 12 or 13. Suit in 6/21 claims abuse 1963-67 of a NY minor, ages 13-17.

Fr. John F. Warner

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Youngstown OH

Bishop Murray removed Warner from his assignment as pastor of Saints Philip and James Parish in Canal Fulton in 10/2011 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor more than 30 years previously. Warner was assigned to Saint Edward Parish in Youngstown at the time in question. The diocesan review board found the allegation credible. Warner denied the allegations. In 2013, the Diocese said he was living in another state under supervision. Included on the diocese's list 10/29/2018.

Fr. A. Thomas Warren

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 04/25/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of the sexual abuse of five minors in 1991, per the 2004 Los Angeles Archdiocesan Report. Reportedly in 2004, Warren's name was added to a list of accused priests affiliated with the Diocese of Tucson. Warren died in 2001. Tucson said there are no known victims there.

Fr. Chester John Warren

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

"Chet." Accused of abusing more than 10 girls, in what Bishop Blair in 2005 called "grievously sinful and criminal acts." Ritual abuse alleged. Settlements exceed $1.2M. Expelled from order in 1993. Barred from a parish and school by court order in 8/2006 after families complained that he was showing up at all hours, sometimes in clerical garb, despite an agreement to attend at only certain hours. Laicized in 2007. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019, where he worked 1974-1978. Included on the Toledo diocese's list. Reportedly died in 2021.

Br. James V. Warren

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Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Seattle WA

Deceased. A civil suit filed in Seattle in 1/2004 by three plaintiffs alleged extensive sexual and physical abuse by seven members of the Irish Christian Brothers, including Br. Warren, at the Briscoe Memorial School for Boys in Kent WA in the 1940s-1960s and at O'Dea High School. Briscoe was owned by the Archdiocese and run by the Order. Other men have come forward with stories of their own to support these allegations. Name included on the Order's list of former and deceased brothers with at least two claims of sexual abuse against them, as required by its bankruptcy settlement in 2014.  Name also on the Seattle Archdiocese's list 1/15/2016 of clergy and religious with admitted, established or credible allegations against them of sexual abuse of a minor. Worked at Briscoe Memorial 1931-1944.

Fr. Freddy Washington

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1992
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Charleston SC

Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Harlem in the NY archdiocese when arrested in 6/2017 for sexual abuse in 1982-1984 of two boys, ages 10 and 11-14, at St. Patrick's church in Charleston. Washington was an 18-year-old lay person and volunteer at the time of the alleged abuse. The boys were in training to be altar servers. Abuse was said to have included fondling and oral copulation. The Charleston diocese learned of the allegations in 2/2016 and contacted the Rockville Centre diocese. The Charleston diocese contacted Charleston police in 9/2016. Former pastor of two Chicago parishes. Listed on Xavier University in New Orleans' website in 6/2017 as associate professor of pastoral theology. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago Archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. William F. Waters

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1971
Status: None

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Accused publicly in 4/19 of the abuse of a boy, ages 8-10, in 1987-90. His accuser said he was also abused at age 10 by Rev. Peter Gori, O.S.A. in 1990. Both priests were at either St. Augustine's in Lawrence or Andover. Waters denied the allegations. He had been transferred several years earlier to the the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In 4/20 the order announced that an independent investigation found no evidence to support the allegations and that Waters would be reinstated. Gori was also exonerated and returned to ministry.

Fr. Thomas F. Watkins

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Order: SM
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Raleigh NC

Placed on leave in 4/02 after diocese received an allegation that Watkins had proposed sex to an 18-year-old seminary student 26 years before. Watkins denied the allegation. Ordained as a Marianist; became diocesan priest in 1996. Had been accused of sexual misconduct and had undergone psychological treatment before coming to Diocese in 1991. New allegation in 1995 involved an adult. Granted indefinite medical leave of absence 6/02 after refusing counseling.

Fr. Joseph R. Watt

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Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 08/13/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Monterey CA

Per the Official Catholic Directory, Watt was ordained for the Trappists and worked at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, known as Fr. M. Marion Watt. Appears to have left the Order and Abbey by 1965, assigned that year in the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno, as Fr. Joseph R. Watt. Accused in a lawsuit sometime between 2020-2022 of sexually abusing an altar boy in the mid-1970s. Watt was the lone priest during that time of Holy Eucharist in Corralitos. The suit claims Watt took the boy to gay bars in San Francisco, got him drunk and told him, "don't tell your parents or I'll cut your balls off." Watt was accused, along with Fr. Michael Marini, in a lawsuit that settled in 1985 of plying a man with drugs to get him to engage in sex acts. Both priests were assigned to St. Joseph's in Capitola during the time in question. News sources in 3/1985 said both men would be leaving the parish - Watt for a long sabbatical and vacation, and Marini because of "stress." There was no mention of the lawsuit or allegations. Watt died 8/13/2002.


Fr. Patrick Wattigny

Ordained: 1994
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Full name Brian Patrick Wattigny. Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, since 2013, when he told archdiocesan officials on 10/1/2020 that he sexually abused a minor in 2013. Removed from assignment, law enforcement notified. About four months prior Wattigny resigned from Pope JP II High School, where he was chaplain, after sending a male student inappropriate texts. Sent for a psych evaluation. Other assignments included chaplain at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie for over ten years until 5/2013, and pastor of St. Benilde in Metairie 2000-2013. Arrested in Georgia later in 10/2020. Added to the archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Charged in 3/2021 with molesting a boy, age 15, 6/1/2013-8/31/2014. Pleaded not guilty. Subject of FBI investigation in 2022. Arrested again in 10/2022 for the  abuse of a 9-year-old boy in the mid-1990s. Pleaded guilty in 7/2023 to molesting both boys. Sentenced to five years in prison and five years' probation. Required to register as a sex offender.

Fr. Jeffrey M. Weaver

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

Per news in 2012, a 1997 diocesan memo said that Weaver engaged in "sexual exploitation" of teen boys, waiting until they were 18 years old to make sexual advances toward them. He would talk to the minors about sex in the seminary he attended, admit he was gay and that he was available to them in a sexual way. A 1996 memo showed that a youth reported to the diocese that Weaver plied him with alcohol, tried to french kiss him, rubbed his legs above the knee toward his penis, and so on. Weaver admitted to "one regretful advance" toward the youth. His accuser was interviewed in 2012, saying the incident happened just after he turned 18, and that Weaver had been grooming him for sex. Weaver asked for a leave in 2002. Bishop Lennon decided in 2012 to return Weaver to ministry. As of 2018, he is last indexed in the Official Catholic Directory in 2001. In 5/2024 the diocesan website shows Weaver as "Awaiting Assignment," and spells his first name "Jeffery." He was currently celebrating the Latin Mass on weekdays at St. Elizabeth of Hungary and assisting on weekends. 


Fr. Patrick J. Weaver

Ordained: 1963
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/21/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Camden NJ

Weaver was a spiritual adviser to Bishop Guilfoyle. First allegation received in 1966. No action. Promoted and transferred. Arrested in 1985 and 1986, charged with sex crimes. Convicted; placed on probation. Abused at least six boys. Named in 1994 RICO lawsuit. Permanently suspended. All RICO claims settled 3/2003. Died 5/21/2011. On diocese's list 2/13/2019. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/2019 of abuse of a boy, ages 8-13, in 1974-1978.

Fr. Charles A. Weber

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 04/14/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's 8/18 list of credibly accused. Died in 2000. Report to the diocese 5/11/15 that Weber sexually abused an 11- to 13-year-old boy in the early 1980s, at St. Gertrude's in Vandergrift. The alleged victim said that Weber had given a lecture to children about "impure thoughts and actions," and that afterward, when the two were alone, the priest fondled the boy's genitals.

Fr. David C. Weber

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Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

Weber, a member of Bishop Pilla's "inner circle," was placed on leave in 4/2002 because of past allegations that he sexually abused a 16-year-old boy. His name was not released on a public list until the Diocese was pressured by the press. He was one of several priests who asked a judge to block the Diocese from turning past medical records over to the prosecutor's office. Charges against Weber were investigated by a grand jury in 2002. Laicization announced 8/19/2016. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 6/2019.


Fr. Edward J. Weber

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Monsignor. Archdiocesan Director of Priest Personnel Office. Placed on administrative leave in 10/10 due to an allegation in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims act that Weber sodomized, fondled and had oral sex with a boy, ages 11-16, during 1978-83 while assigned to St. Sylvester's on Staten Island.

Fr. Gerard Martin Weber

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Order: OMI
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston TX

Named publicly as accused by the Galveston-Houston archdiocese on its list 6/13/2019. Removed from ministry in 2011. Included on the Diocese of Belleville's 9/20/2022 list, as Gerald M. Weber. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John Anthony Weber

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 02/22/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation of abuse received in 2005 of abuse in the 1940s. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese when it was formed in 1961. Retired in 1995. Died in 2000. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. It notes an allegation received in 3/1996 of abuse in 1956, while assigned to Assumption of the BVM in Plattenville. A lawsuit filed in 3/2022 claims of abuse of a boy 1975-1976, beginning when the boy was age 13, at St. Charles Borromeo in Baton Rouge.

Fr. John Benedict Weber

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Died: 10/11/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston TX

Named publicly as accused by the Galveston-Houston archdiocese on its list 1/31/2019. Included on the Carmelites list 11/22/2020. Removed from ministry in 2011. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago Archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 05/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Per the Carmelites list 5/30/2023, Weber died 10/11/2021.

Deacon Michael Willard Weber

Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

Former seminary student and deacon for several months in 1969-70 at Church of the Holy Spirit in St. Cloud. Went on to become involved in various public service and community activities until 2011, when he resigned from most. Diocese announced in 11/11 that it had learned of two credible sexual abuse allegations against Weber. Claims reported to police. A total of 9 accusers had come forward by 12/11. Suit filed by one man 12/13/11 claimed abuse in 1970. Settled in 7/12. Name on St. Cloud diocese's 1/3/14 list.

Deacon Wynn Webster

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Spokane WA

Wynn, a deacon serving in Brewster and Twisp, was removed from ministry in 7/03 after allegations that he violated Church guidelines for ministers in their interactions with minors. An unspecified incident involved a teenage girl. Police interviewed the girl who made the allegations but decided to drop charges because Webster did not violate any criminal laws. Review Board recommended his removal from the diaconate.

Fr. Walter M. Weerts

Ordained: 1960
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

At least 22 victims, spanning his priesthood. Pleaded guilty in 1986 to abuse of three boys. Sentenced to six years in prison. Released after three years. Pre-sentencing report says officials knew for 18 years that Weerts was sexually involved with boys. Diocese settled with three in 1987. Laicized in 1989. In the early 1990s Fr. Kevin Laughery wrote a letter of recommendation for Weerts, enabling him employment as a teacher at a community college in FL. The position led to his teaching at a high school and giving talks to students at a middle school. Some of his college students had Weerts babysit their children. Settlements of eight more claims in 2004 for total of $1.2M. New suit filed in 11/2007 alleged abuse 1968-1970. On diocese's list released 11/29/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's report. Abused around 20 young boys prior to the 1985 criminal charge. In 1962 Fr. Frank Westhoff (also later credibly accused) told Bishop O'Connor of Weerts behavior with boys. No action. In the early 1960s the father of an 11-year-old boy told the bishop Weerts sexually abused his son. Weerts was moved. Another boy was drugged then sodomized while unconscious by Weerts at age 14 in 1967, and raped again on two other occasions. This victim told A.G. investigators that Weerts was abusing four or five other boys during that time. Another said Weerts abused him for eight years or so, beginning when he was in fifth grade. Weerts was moved again in 1978 after parents reported he was abusing their son. Received treatment in 1979. Pastor of two parishes in 6/1980 until arrested in 1985. As of 5/2023, there were 22 reports of abuse of boys by Weerts.

Fr. Jerry Joseph Wegenek

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

In 2012 the diocese acknowledged that it had removed Wegenek from ministry in 6/94 after an allegation that he had been involved in sexual misconduct with a teenage boy in the 1970s. A man told the diocese in 2001 that he had been abused by Wegenek. On 9/13/12 a man filed a civil suit alleging Wegenek gave him alcohol and repeatedly raped him beginning at age 10 and lasting several years, when Wegenek was assigned to St. Gabriel and St. Patrick parishes in Kansas City, MO in the late 1960s. Wegenek died in 2011. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, which notes multiple substantiated allegations.

Fr. Justin K. Weger

Order: OSC
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 01/15/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

Worked in MN 1953-1972, IN 1973-1974 and in Phoenix and Tucson until 1976. Removed from ministry without faculties in 1976. Director of Tribal Lodge 1977-2002. Weger and 7 other Crosiers were removed in 10/2002 for past abuse of minors. Per summary report of 2002 third party investigation of Crosiers, Weger, who was retired and living in Phoenix, would be living under restriction at a long-term care senior housing facility. He died 01/15/2005. Included on the Crosiers' list in 3/2014. On the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis list of credibly accused 05/22/2014. Added to the Gallup diocese's list 12/10/2018 (it encompassed Phoenix until the Diocese of Phoenix was established in 1969.) Included on the St. Cloud diocese's list.

Fr. Mark H. Wehmann

Ordained: 2003
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Removed from St. Boniface in Minneapolis 12/13 after a review of personnel file by an outside agency found references to several inappropriate incidents with minors. Some of these were previously reported to police; no criminal charges filed. Remaining incidents reported to authorities. Also served as part-time chaplain at Fairview University Hospital and chaplain for Chisago County Jail facility. On 6/24/16 the Archbishop announced Wehmann's return to public ministry, as recommended by the Ministerial Review Board. He referred to Wehmann's "immature behavior toward kids and adults" and said he had had professional counseling and spiritual direction.

Fr. Curtis Carl Wehmeyer

Ordained: 2001
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

DWI conviction in 2009. Tried to pick up teen boys. Sentenced to 90 days jail; served four days and two years supervised probation. Removed in 6/12 from parish after complaint of misconduct with two minors. Arrested 6/22/12 on charges of sexual assault. One youth told police abuse was over two years. Criminal charges filed in  9/12. Child porn charges filed in 10/12. Pleaded guilty 11/8/12. Permanently removed in 11/12. Sentenced to 5 years prison 2/1/13. Included in 12/13 on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused. New suit 1/30/14. Information from personnel file released 3/31/14. Charged in 11/14 with sex assault in WI. Laicized in 3/15. County criminally charged archdiocese 6/5/15 for failing to protect children in Wehmeyer's abuse of three minors. Civil motion filed also; settled in 12/15. Charges dropped vs archdiocese in  7/16 in settlement agreement. Archdiocese admitted wrongdoing. Three brothers abused by Wehmeyer filed suit vs the Vatican in 5/19.

Br. Ralph Wehner

Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Named publicly in a 7/2024 lawsuit filed in St. Louis of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 13-15, during 1982-1984. The plaintiff said that Wehner was in charge of the altar boys at his parish, and that he would fondle and grope him as he helped him with his robes. Wehner was found to be working as a deacon in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Suspended pending investigation.


Fr. William C. Wehrle

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 08/25/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Worked in the Archdioceses of Baltimore MD, Washington DC and Omaha NE, and the Diocese of Albany NY, Pittsburgh PA and Denver CO.  Baltimore files show multiple allegations and subsequent transfers of Wehrle. Removed from his DC parish where he worked 1966-1971. Worked in Denver 1974-1981; removed and sent to Baltimore, with a reference to "photography of little girls." Sent to treatment in NC. Worked in Baltimore 1981 or 1982-1985. Accused of sexual abuse of young girls in the mid-1980s at his parish in Woodstock MD. Removed. Again reassigned, to a parish in Pittsburgh PA. Died 8/25/1995. Included on Baltimore's 9/2002 list of accused priests and religious. On the Jesuits Maryland Province list in 12/2018, noting multiple allegations of abuse in Denver and Washington DC. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. George L. Weibel

Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

Named as accused in the CO A.G.'s report released 10/23/19. Alleged abuse reported in 1988 that Weibel fondled a girl at a swimming pool 1969-72, and that he similarly abused her and her friends on ice-skating trips. In 2014 the archdiocese received a report that Weibel groped a girl and her friend at a swimming pool when they were age 12 in 1966. In 10/19 a woman told a news outlet that Weibel groped her breasts over her swim suit when she was age 10 in 1959. He died 11/1/08.

Fr. Gregory Weider

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 07/12/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Albany NY

Parish priest. Diocesan Chaplain for Scouting 1972-1980. Chaplain in the early 1980s for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Weider retired in 2010 and was working in 2021 as a sacramental minister at Sacred Heart in Margaretville and St. Anne's in Andes. He was placed on leave 8/14/2021 due to an allegation in a lawsuit filed 8/7/2021 under the NY Child Victims Act that he sexually assaulted and abused a boy, age 14, 1977-1978 at St. Mary's in Coxsackie. The boy was a foster child living with a family that attended the parish. Weider was previously accused in two other claims, in 2004 and 2010, and was kept in ministry. In 5/2022 the diocese announced that it would add Weider to its list of credibly accused. Died 7/12/2024.


Fr. Timothy G. Weider

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1967-1968, beginning when the child was age 11 and Weider was assigned to St. Vincent de Paul in Corning. Weider was involved with CYO and Boy Scouts, and he established a group home for troubled teenage boys in the rectory of Sacred Heart in Perkinsville, where he was then pastor. Prior to ordination he was a Camp Stella Maris staff member. Per the diocesan website in 3/2020, Weider resigned from the priesthood in 1980 and was laicized in 2019.

Fr. William J. Weinheimer

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 01/20/1986
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

In a civil suit filed in 2/2008, a man alleged that Weinheimer sexually abused him as a boy in 1954. Plaintiff had "love" letters that Weinheimer wrote to him at the time, beginning when the man was age 9. Petition claimed diocese knew of other allegations against Weinheimer, who died 1/20/1986. Diocese was investigating. Included on the diocese's list 11/6/2020.

Fr. John George Weisenborn

Order: SCJ
Ordained: 1939
Status: Settled

Died: 10/29/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Member of the MA-based Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. Caught three times in 1964 by Washington DC police having sex with boys before he was sent to NM for treatment. Lived at Via Coeli Center, allowed to work in parishes. Later assigned full-time as a parish priest. A man filed suit in 10/2011 against the Santa Fe Archdiocese and Servants of the Paraclete, claiming abuse by Weisenborn for three years in the 1960s while at St. Francis Xavier in Albuquerque. Settled in 11/2012. In residence at a parish per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Died in 1991. New lawsuit filed in 5/2015 in Albuquerque alleging abuse of a boy repeatedly at St. Francis Xavier, beginning in 1968. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/2017.

Fr. Joseph Weitensteiner

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Spokane WA

Accused in 2005 of abuse of two boys in the 1970s and '80s at Morning Star Boys Ranch. Resigned as head of the Ranch in 4/06. Denied all allegations. Reportedly took a lie detector test and passed. Abuse alleged by 19 plaintiffs against Weitensteiner, Marvin Lavoy and others at the Ranch. In 11/09 Ranch transferred bulk of assets to nonprofit Morning Star Foundation. Jury decided in favor of defendant 2/11/10. Some plaintiffs received settlement from the Diocese earlier. A second trial was set for 6/10. Settlements in 5/12. Reinstated in 4/15 after each claim was denied or deemed non-credible by a retired federal judge hired by the Diocese.

Fr. Martin Weithman

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Columbus OH

Placed on leave in 7/2002 after an allegation that he molested a teenage boy over a 6-year period in the late 1980s. Denied the allegation and threatened to sue his accuser. Case settled for $115K in 2002. Review board found the  allegations credible. In 2003 Weithman was told to ask for laicization or the Bishop would ask the Vatican to laicize him without consent. Weithman did not consent until 2004. Laicized in 2005.

Fr. David P. Welch

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 06/17/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Monsignor. A man filed a civil suit in 2/04 alleging that he was sexually abused by Welch (spelled Walsh) for three years in the early 1950s, when Welch was in charge of St. Michael's High School. Welch, who died in 1986, was editor of the Diocese's newspaper and executor of Bishop Weldon's estate. Conflict in 2003-2004 that Welch, as executor, may have destroyed Diocesan personnel files relating to abuse accusations within the Diocese. One claim settled in 8/04 and two in 2008.

Fr. Leo Patrick Welch

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abuse of at least two boys 1959-1961, while assigned to Immaculate Conception in Bellevue. Said to have abused boys at his cabin with a pond in Bono, OH. One victim said Welch abused him when he was ages 12-14, and that when he was 15 he told the pastor. Welch reportedly was transferred after other victims came forward. Left active priesthood in 1965. Became a certified social worker in 1974. Admitted the abuse in 2002. Fired in 2002. Included on the Diocese's list in 2005. Died in 1/2016.

Fr. Richard Joseph Welch

Ordained: 1925
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/1969
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 6/2/2021. Allegedly sexually abused a minor 1948-1952, while assigned to Notre Dame in Pittsfield. Transferred to the Diocese of Columbus OH in 1953, where he died 12/31/1969.

Bishop Christopher J. Weldon

Ordained: 1929
Status: Settled

Died: 03/19/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

NY priest. Bishop of Springfield MA 1950-1977. Accused of knowing of many abusers in diocese. Died in 1982. Accused in a 2005 lawsuit of abuse of a boy, ages 11-16. Accuser claimed he was abused by his uncle (Msgr. Page), several other priests, Weldon and another bishop. Accuser was in a TX prison for an unrelated murder when suit filed. Diocese said not credible. In 9/2018 the Diocesan Review Board deemed credible an allegation that Weldon raped a boy, ages 9-11, in the early 1960s. Weldon was assigned at the time to St. Anne's in Chicopee MA. The alleged victim said he was also abused by Revs. Edward Authier and Clarence Forand, also deemed credible. Victim sued in 1/2021, claiming Weldon was part of a ring of priests who gang-raped altar boys. Weldon is said to have interfered as bishop in the  investigation into the murder of an altar boy in 1972 by Rev. Richard R. Lavigne. In 6/2020, independent investigator Peter Velis released a report, stating that he found abuse allegations against Weldon "unequivocally credible." Added to diocese's list of accused 6/2/2021. Settlement in 5/2023.

Fr. Bruce Wellems

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1986
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Admitted to his Order in 1995 that, when he was age 15, he sexually abused a 7-year-old boy multiple times. His victim had come forward to the Chicago Archdiocese. Wellems was sent for assessment and treatment, then allowed to return to ministry in 7/1996. He was working in Los Angeles in 2014, as prefect of the apostolate for the Claretians, when removed by Archbishop Gomez, who had become aware of Wellems history of abusing a child. He returned to Chicago and in 3/2015 resumed work with at-risk youth. He was removed within a few months after an investigation by the Dept. of Children and Family Services of Wellems' history. His victim sued the Claretians and received a settlement. Wellems left the Order and requested laicization. In 10/2022 Wellems' name was included on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. John W. Wellinger

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Died: 04/21/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Sent to St. Luke's in MD 2/1986 for issues including substance abuse. In 10/1987 gave drugs and alcohol to an 18-year-old parishioner, who was hospitalized as a result. Concerns in 1989 from parishioner about his giving teens alcohol and drugs, and young men staying at the parish house. Sent to St. Michael's in St. Louis MO in 1991 after trying to perform oral sex on a 24-year-old man without consent. Sent to St. Luke's 9/29/1994-3/27/1995. Personal leave 6/1995. A few months later a young man alleged Wellinger sexually abused him at age 11 in 1989, then another report of abuse of a 13-year-old boy in 6/1991. In 3/2003 the diocese said Wellinger was "withdrawn from ministry." Suit filed in 2004. Claims included in Diocese's 9/2007 $1.25M settlement with 32 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 17 priests. Died in 2011. Report in 9/2012 of abuse of 11- or 12-year-old altar boy in 1981 or 1982. Named in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. John Wells

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/1972
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau MO

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Incardinated 1964 into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died 12/28/72. Diocese announced in 2/19/18 that it had received an allegation that Wells sexually abused a minor in the late 1960s. He was assigned during that as pastor of St. Joseph's in Advance and St. Anthony Mission in Glennon.

Fr. Robert J. Wells

Donate Photo
Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 04/20/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau AK

Accused of abuse of a girl, ages 10-18. She notified the archdiocese in 1992, shortly after Wells died. The allegation  was not made public until 2004. The woman filed suit in 12/2005.  Her claims were included in an 8/2006 settlement with the archdiocese. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 1/16/2020, which notes sexual misconduct with a minor 1977-1986. Wells died in 1992.

Fr. Joseph L. Welsh

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 02/8/2019
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Per documents released in 9/2002, officials were warned in 1993 and again in 2001 that Welsh had abused children in two parishes. He was nonetheless promoted in 1997. One woman complained in 1993 that Welsh had raped her son. Another mother wrote to the archdiocese in 2001. Removed in 2/2002 and resigned 3/2002 "as requested" after three brothers complained of abuse over a 20-year period. Welsh was in seminary with five other known abusers. Last known to be living in Carver, MA. Assigned to life of prayer and penance in 2004. Included on the archdiocese's list in 8/2011. Died in St. Louis MO 2/8/2019.

Fr. Richard J. Welsh

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 02/22/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Included on the Davenport diocese's Creditors Committee website in 2007 as having credible allegations against him. On the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused. Accused of abuse of six boys, beginning in 1962. Died in 1971.

Fr. Michael Edwin Wempe

Ordained: 1966
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of abuse of 13 minors 1972-1995, per the Archdiocese. Sued several times in 2002-2003. Criminally charged. Charges dropped due to a 2003 CA Supreme Court ruling regarding the statute of limitations. Re-arrested in 2003. Convicted on one count in 2006. Sentenced to three years in prison in 5/2006. Included in a 12/2006 $60M settlement. Laicized in 2006. Settlement in 2020 in the low six figures of a claim of abuse of a boy, ages 14-15, in 1974-1975 while assigned to St. Jude's in Westlake Village. The Archdiocese's list in 12/2021 shows Wempe to be deceased.


Fr. Francis “Lery” Wendling

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 10/16/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

Priest of the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans. Named publicly as accused by the the Archdiocese of Kansas City on 6/29/2023, with two substantiated allegations. Assigned in the archdiocese 1978-1983. Also worked in IN, NM, MI, MO, IL, TX, and Juarez, Mexico. Died 10/16/2017. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list in 8/2023, which notes he was assigned to the House of Prayer in Jemez Springs in 1977. Included on the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Franciscans list of credibly accused as of 1/2024.


Fr. Louis E. Wendling

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1939
Status: Settled

Died: 09/25/1969
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Multiple allegations of the sexual abuse of girls. One claim against Wendling was included in a 3/2008 $4.7M settlement with the Dubuque diocese involving claims against 9 priests. One woman claimed she was abused by Wendling in 1947. The Diocesan Review Board and Archbishop Hanus decided that the allegation had not been substantiated. Died 9/25/1969. At least one more claim was included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. Pirmin George Wendt

Donate Photo
Order: OSB
Ordained: 1924
Status: Settled

Died: 08/15/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

One of 10 individuals included in a 3/11 settlement by St. John's Abbey of Collegeville. All of the accused taught at St. John's Preparatory School or were assigned to parishes in St. Cloud. Wendt died 8/15/82. As part of settlement, the Abbey to release the names of 17 individuals with credible allegations against them. Name is included on list released by Abbey 12/9/13 of those monks likely to have offended against minors. Name added 11/3/17 to St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese list of "priests and religious brothers who have served or spent time in the archdiocese and have substantiated claims of sexual abuse of a minor against them."

Fr. Laurin J. Wenig

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Multiple allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. Per the archdiocese, it first received a report in 1992 of nude swimming with a 15-year-old in 1978-79; same alleged victim reported again in 2002, and said in 1981 there was nude swimming and "stroking stomach." The D.A. said "no sexual assault had occurred." Removed from St. Mary's Visitation in Elm Grove in 2/11 after an allegation  that he molested a minor in the 1970s. Wenig denied all allegations in a letter to parishioners. No criminal charges filed due to the statute of limitations. Archdiocese was conducting its own investigation. Additional accusers came forward to report incidents having occurred in 1973-75, 1965, 1972, and 1981. Cases too old to prosecute. Matter sent to Vatican for review. Voluntarily laicized in 6/15. New report in 2021 of abuse by Wenig in the early 1990s.

Fr. Lawrence P. Weniger

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

Accused of fondling several boys in mid-1960s at Sacred Heart school and church in Luzerne. Was editor of Catholic Light, the diocesan newspaper. One accuser said believed the diocese knew about Weniger's behavior at the time. Msgr. Weniger died 7/11/72. Bishop Timlin admitted in 2002 that several allegations had been received after Weniger's death. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list 8/19/18.

Fr. Justin N. Werner

Ordained: 1958
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Retired in 2010. Had been assisting at St. Bernard Parish in Appleton when temporarily removed without privileges in 4/13 after allegation that he had abused a minor while at St. Edward Parish in Mackville in the 1970s. He denied the allegations. County authorities were notified and the diocese investigated. Allegation determined to be unsubstantiated. Restrictions removed in 6/13.

Fr. Carl C. Wernet

Ordained: 1932
Status: Sued

Died: 04/27/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

In 1992 a woman came forward to allege abuse as a child by Wernet. She said father had confronted Wernet and he admitted the abuse. Diocese denied everything. She tacked up posters and seven other women came forward. The eight women filed suit in 9/2003, alleging abuse 1953-1967. Suit dismissed in 2/1997 on statute of limitations. Twenty-one more accusers, women and men, came forward. Wernet's personnel file was destroyed when he died in 1980. At least one parent had complained to the Diocese earlier. Included on the Diocese's list 6/21/2019.

Fr. Felix Werpechowski

Ordained: 1929
Status: Accused

Died: 01/22/1972
Diocese: Archdiocese of Hartford CT

Named publicly as accused by the Hartford archdiocese on its list 1/22/2019. Included on the Norwich diocese's list 2/22/2019. Retired 5/31/1971. Died 1/22/1972, prior to receipt of allegations. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were three allegations, of abuse of boys ages 5-14, occurring 1946-1951.

Fr. Bogdan Werra

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Died: 09/9/2017
Diocese: Diocese of La Crosse WI

From Poland, where he was ordained for the Diocese of Chelmno. Arrived in the U.S. in 1984 or 1986. Sexually abused a teenaged altar boy in Poland; arranged for the boy to move to the U.S. to study for the priesthood, where the abuse continued. Treated for alcoholism at Guest House in Rochester, MN at some point and in 1994 was sent to St. Michael's Institute in St. Louis MO due to alcoholism and sexual misconduct with a seminarian. Also, there were concerns about his misuse of funds. Suspended from the LaCrosse diocese 11/14/1994; worked as a chaplain at a medical facility in Chicago for a short time, then went to Kalamazoo.  Incardinated into the Kalamazoo diocese 12/20/2000 by Bishop Murray, despite warnings that Werra was "high risk." Accused in 2004 of embezzling over $240K from two parishes; convicted 3/10/2005. Sentenced to 300 days in jail and 5 years probation. Was allowed to minister on work release, then assigned to a parish. Later deported. Died in the U.K. in 9/2017, where he had been assigned in the Archdiocese of Cardiff at a Grangetown parish and as a Polish Mission priest in South Wales. Named publicly as accused by the La Crosse diocese on its list 1/18/2020, which notes one substantiated allegation of child sexual abuse. Included in the MI Attorney General's 5/22/2024 Kalamazoo report.

Fr. William C. Wert

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Washington DC and MD

Assigned in Ontario Canada, Milwaukee WI, Middletown NY, Houston TX, Washington DC, Encino CA, Joliet and Chicago IL. Charged in 2007 in D.C. with the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy. Convicted in 9/2007 of simple assault; sentenced to 180 days in jail and 5 years' probation. Living at Order's retirement home in FL when arrested in Venice FL 2/1/2011; accused of sexually abusing another 14-year-old boy between 9/2010 and 1/2011. The boy's father contacted police after finding improper messages on the boy's phone. Civil suit filed in 3/2011. Order paid $1.75M to settle in 7/15/2011. Criminal trial held in 2/2013. Convicted 3/1/2013. Sentenced to life in prison 5/2013. Laicized in 3/2015. Included in 2020 on the Los Angeles archdiocese's list and in 11/22/20  on the Carmelites' list. Added in 2/2021 to the Joliet diocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Gerald Wertz

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1988
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

A civil suit filed 2/24/2011 accuses Wertz of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower 1993-1994. Wertz was a teacher and counselor at the school at the time of the alleged abuse. The boy reported the abuse at the time; Wertz was not disciplined. Said to be to be living in 2011 at the Salesian Provincial Residence in San Francisco (1 block away from Cathedral school). Included on the Los Angeles Archdiocese's updated list 12/6/2018, which notes a report to the Archdiocese in 2018 of incident(s) 1993-1994.

Fr. David F. West

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 04/23/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

The Archdiocese announced in 12/2015 that there was a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a male minor in the 1970s by West, who died in 2004 at age 65. Per the announcement West served in about 20 parishes. Included on the Archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

Br. Paul West

Order: OFM
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Jackson MS

On 7/29/2018 the Jackson diocese announced a credible allegation that West had sexually abused a minor while working at St. Francis of Assisi in Greenwood, where he was teacher and principal 6/1993-11/1998. Included on the diocese's list 3/19/2019. Abuse reported in 1998 and 2018. Accused of abusing two brothers and their cousins starting when they were ages 9 and 10 and St. Francis students in the mid- to late- 1990s. The abuse reportedly included rapes and beatings. One of the three also alleged abuse by Bro. Donald Lucas, OFM. One boy told church and police in 1998; West was sent for a psych evaluation. He taught 4th and 5th grades at St. John's in Little Chute, WI 1999-2010. Left the Order in 2002. The Franciscans settled with two accusers for $15K. The alleged victims filed a federal suit in 11/2019 claiming the Order pressured them into a small settlement requiring their silence. Indicted in 8/2020 in MS. Pleaded not guilty. Charged also in WI. Suit in 6/2021 claims racial discrimination. Convicted 4/13/2022. Sentenced to 30 years on one count and an additional 15 years on a second count. Included as of 1/2024 on the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Franciscans list of credibly accused. (West was a member of the Assumption Province.) The MS Supreme Court denied an appeal by West in 1/2024.

Fr. Frank D. Westhoff

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 01/7/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Transferred to the Crosier Seminary in Onmia MN in 1986 after an allegation that he abused a 14-year-old in the sacristy of St. Patrick's in Decatur IL in 6/1966. Sent in 1987 to the Jefferson City MO diocese. Last assignment in MO ended in 2000. Retired in 2003. Died in 1/2006. At least one additional molestation case was reported to the Jefferson City diocese in 2006. On Jefferson City diocese's list 11/8/2018. On Springfield IL diocese's list 11/29/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It shows that in 8/2002 a man reported he was sexually assaulted as a young teen by Westhoff in 1966 in the sacristy of St. Patrick's in Decatur. The Review Board said it couldn't come to a consensus as to whether the abuse occurred. Added to the Diocese's list in 2018 after this victim spoke with A.G. investigators.

Fr. Michael Howard Weston

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as an abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report of 3/23/2006. Resigned in 9/1993. Laicized in 10/2009. Personnel file released in 1/2014 shows he was working in Chicago in the 1970s when at least one allegation was received; no action by the Archdiocese. In 2003, the Review Board found the allegations credible. Later worked as chaplain for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley College. Subject of settlement(s), per Attorney Garabedian in 4/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes nine "reported survivors," of abuse in Cook County IL 1973-1981.


Fr. Keith M. Westrich

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 7/26/19. Allegations substantiated. Removed from ministry in 1986. Moved to Massachusetts, worked for Dept of Education. Associate commissioner with a focus on "preparing children for life after high school" when placed on leave after name released in 7/19. Retired after publicity, investigated by the state of MA.

Fr. Daniel Wetzler

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Spokane WA

Retired in 7/02. Placed on leave in 11/02 after allegation that he molested a boy in 1966. Wetzler denied the charges and passed a polygraph. Investigation by the Church and a former Spokane police detective determined that Wetzler was innocent. Reportedly the boy had indeed been abused by a counselor but Wetzler had never acted as a counselor. Returned to active statusin 2/03. Placed on leave againin early 2014 during an investigation of accusations of past sexual abuse of another child. Per recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board, permanently removed in 10/14 and submitted to a monitoring program.

Fr. Robert Carroll Wheatley

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 10/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocese's list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'two allegations deemed substantiated.' The Owensboro list of assignments for Wheatley is incomplete; e.g., it omits that he was Assistant Principal at Trinity High School in Whitesville 1976-1980; Principal of St Mary High School in Paducah 1984-1986; and Vice President for Student Affairs at Christian Brothers College in Memphis TN 1987-1988. Died 10/7/2013. Included in 8/2021 on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused, where he was assigned 2003-2008 as a chaplain at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore.

Deacon Virgil Maxey Wheeler

Ordained: 2018
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 04/6/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for the diaconate in 2018. Assigned to St. Francis Xavier in Old Metairie. Attorney. The archdiocese announced on 8/3/2020 that Wheeler had been removed from ministry due to an allegation that he abused a minor 20 years prior. Reportedly in 11/2020 Wheeler was being investigated for allegations of the rape in his home 1/2000-12/2001 of a boy ages 10-12. Arrested 3/8/2021. Admitted in 12/2022 to molesting the boy. Pleaded guilty to four charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Agreed to 5 years probation and to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Had agreed prior to pleading guilty to a $5M settlement, but revoked the agreement after learning he would have to register as a sex offender. Died in 4/2023.

Fr. William A. Wheeler

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 10/3/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Wichita KS

From Ireland. Worked in the Diocese of Galloway, Scotland until 1940, as a chaplain for the British Army in WWII, later moving to Canada. Arrived in the U.S. in 1955. In a 1996 civil suit, two men alleged that they were fondled by Wheeler several times in the mid-1950s at an El Dorado children's home. (Same suit alleges that another brother was molested by a nun and that a second priest fathered a child with their sister.) The suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Wheeler died in 1994. Name included on the diocese's 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations. It notes that Wheeler's ministry ended in 1985. Also publicly accused in 2/2020 of raping a girl who was a grade school student at Holy Cross in Hutchinson in the 1960s. His accuser said she had first been raped by a priest who preceded Wheeler at the parish.

Fr. Donald J. Whelan

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 01/14/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Accused in a 2/26/04 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy 1964-65, beginning when the boy was age 12. The abuse allegedly occurred in the rectory of St. John Vianney in the Bronx and on overnight beach trips, and included anal penetration. (The suit misspells the priest's name as Whalen.) Died in 1987. On archdiocese's list 4/26/19. Claims against Whelan eligible for IRCP. In 11/19 lawsuit, accused along with Auxiliary Bishop Austin Vaughan, of sexually abusing a boy in 1979 while both men were assigned to St. Patrick's in Newburgh.

Fr. Stephen Whelan

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Oakland CA

Editor of the Salesian Bulletin in 1997. A civil suit was filed in 2003 by a man alleging abuse, including rape, by Whelan when he was a student at Salesian High School in 1969-early 1970s. Whelan's accuser said Bro. Sal Billante witnessed the abuse and said nothing, that he told a counselor and was then chastised and threatened by the school principal. Also, that school administrator Rev. David Purdy tried to get him to commit suicide. Whelan was still active in 8/2005. Civil trial started 7/7/2006. Jury awarded the plaintiff $600K on 7/19/2006. Whelan was removed from his position after the verdict and resided at the provincial house. CA Appeals Court upheld verdict in 8/2008. Removed from ministry. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Fr. Thomas A. Whelan

Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 04/21/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's report. Report to the Archdiocese in 2002 that Whelan sexually abused a girl, age 6, in the 1950s. The abuse allegedly occurred during a gathering at the girl's home, whereby he tickled her stomach, then reached into her underwear and tickled her there. Whelan was a known alcoholic for which he was sent to treatment a number of times. In 1973 he was driving drunk, resulting in the death of an 82-year-old woman. He died in 1987.


Fr. Robert Whipkey

Ordained: 1983
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

Named publicly as accused in the CO A.G. report 10/22/2019. In 1998, during a four-day field trip to a camp in Florissant CO, Whipkey, as chaperone, shared a cabin with four sixth-grade boys. Their parents complained to the archdiocese that Whipkey was naked much of the time in the cabin and put shaving cream on the boys' faces while naked to wake them up at least one morning. Pastor of St. Anthony's in Sterling, Sacred Heart in Peetz, and St. Catherine in Iliff during that time. Required to receive therapy, and was sent to St. Louis for a three-day evaluation. He first denied, then later admitted to a sexual motivation for his behavior. After a year and five months, and despite his therapist's warning, he was reassigned without restrictions to the Cathedral in Denver. Arrested in 6/2007 for walking down a street nude. Placed on leave in 8/2007 after publicity. Convicted in 6/2008 of indecent exposure. Sentenced to five-years probation, community service, and to register as a sex offender. Accused, along with two other priests, of sexually abusing a boy during 1979-1989. The abuse allegedly occurred in various locations, including at the St. Thomas Seminary library and Camp St. Malo in Allenspark, where different priests would rape him. The priests are said to have threatened to kill the boy's family if he told. Whipkey denied the allegations.

Fr. Charles H. White

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In 8/2019 the Diocese announced that it had deemed credible an allegation that White sexually abused a minor 1974-1978, while assigned to American Martyrs Church in Queens. The allegation was made via a reporting line 3/29/1208 and law enforcement was notified. During the investigation it was discovered that that another allegation had been made 2/1/1999, and in 4/2004 the Diocese determined it was not credible. The case was reopened and, this time, the allegations were deemed credible. White was permanently removed from ministry 7/1/2019.

Fr. Clark S. White

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

White was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops' Conference. He was pastor of St. Patrick's in Brasher Falls at time of his removal. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. Included on diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Fr. Cosmas White

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Portland OR

Prior to 7/02, a man filed suit alleging that White abused him during the 1964-65 school year at Mount Angel Seminary Prep School. White "retired" without privileges after the suit was filed. Suit settled "for a nominal amount of money" two months after it was filed. Per news in 9/04, the order cleared White of the molestation charges and he was to be allowed to resume public ministry. Review board found no evidence to support the allegation. Died 4/27/17.

Fr. Harold Robert White

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 11/14/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

Sued in 2005 and 2006. Suits by at least 30 men and women claimed abuse by White when they were children. Archdiocese allegedly knew about White's behavior as early as the 1960s yet kept him in ministry. Sent to NM for treatment in 12/1981, reassigned to a parish in 1/1982. Worked in 11 parishes over 33 years. Removed in 1993. Laicized in 2004. Died 11/14/2006 in Cancun, Mexico, reportedly while on vacation. Ten suits settled in 1/2007. Others settled in 7/2008. Three more filed in 7/2008. Included in the CO A.G.'s report 10/23/2019; it noted White to be "the most prolific known clergy child sex abuser in Colorado history" and to have likely abused at least 63 children. As a seminarian in 1958, worked at Camp St. Malo where a deaf boy disappeared and was later found dead. Two other seminarians there at the time were later found to be serial child sex abusers.

Fr. James E. White

Ordained: 1983
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Monsignor. Pastor of St. Vito-Most Holy Trinity in Mamaroneck when placed on leave in 10/19 after accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act. The allegations dated to the 1980s, when he was assigned to Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. White denied the allegations. Died in 12/19.

Fr. John J. White

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 02/16/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Close friend, business partner, traveling companion and associate of later convicted priest Paul Shanley. White and Shanley were accused in 9/2003 of abuse of the same boy in the 1970s. White moved to Thailand in 2002 and died in 2004. In 8/2011 the Boston archdiocese list reported no formal determination of guilt either because White died prior to a canonical or criminal investigation or it was not complete at his death.

Fr. Kevin R. White

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1999
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Criminally charged in 6/2024 with raping a Boston College High School student between 2008-2009. White was a BC High theology teacher. The alleged victim first reported the abuse to the school in 2021. In 2010 White was assigned to work with Jesuit Refugee Services in South Sudan and Uganda. He transferred in 2018 to Geneva, Switzerland as JRS representative.


Fr. Leroy E. White

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kalamazoo MI

Ordained for the Diocese of Lansing; became a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo after it was established in 12/1970. Accused in 1991 of touching the breasts of teenage girls and women. Similar allegations also in 1/1992. Sent for treatment out of state 10/1991-3/1992, asked to leave due to noncompliance. Returned to ministry in 4/1992, required to undergo counseling. Retired in 3/1994 and worked in the Lansing diocese while in residence at a parish there. Removed again in 2002 for the 1991 allegations. In 2004 the Vatican declined a penal process and allowed restricted ministry in the Lansing diocese. Prohibited from working in the Kalamazoo diocese. Prohibited in 2005 from public ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he had been assisting at a parish. Included on the Kalamazoo diocese's list in 4/2024 of those forbidden to work with children. Included in the MI Attorney General's 5/22/2024 Kalamazoo report. 


Fr. Louis Paul White

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of San Antonio TX

In 2008 a man told the archdiocese that White and two other priests molested him as a minor at San Fernando Cathedral 1978-82. In 2009 the archdiocese made the allegation public and said previous allegations had been "handled" at that time. One man filed suit 11/18/10 claiming 1976-77 abuse. Case with archdiocese settled 1/7/13. A separate Default Judgment for $181M taken against White who represented himself but did not show for the trial. On the archdiocese's list 1/31/19. It notes he was sent to treatment in 1980 after an allegation. Reassigned in 1981 and abused again. Sent again to treatment in 1986. Reassigned with restrictions. Left ministry in 1988. Laicized in 1989.

Fr. Myles Patrick White

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 1992 after hew was seen on a 30 minute segment of a videotape having sex with a boy. He had donated the tape to a garage sale. When police arrested him, he was destroying pictures of boys. Sentenced to four years prison in 1993 in Illinois and similar sentence in Indiana. Released from prison in 1995. At least four suits settled by 11/1995. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. One victim is known to have died by suicide 20 years after the abuse. White died in 2012. Named in new civil suit 5/2013. One of five priests named in $4.137 million suit settled 4/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 11 "reported survivors."

Fr. Paul David White

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Placed on leave in 1972 after choosing to remove himself from parish life in 1970 and to teach in a public school in Haverhill, MA. Allegations by a former altar boy received in 1996. This accuser filed suit in 6/1998, claiming abuse by White 1964-1971 at Sacred Heart in Bradford, MA. The suit later settled. White was still teaching after information was released in 1/2002 but lost his job as religious education teacher at a local parish. "Voluntary" laicization announced 6/10/2005. The Boston archdiocese's list in 8/2011 notes that the case concluded canonically.

Fr. William F.J. White

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 05/27/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused by 11 men of abuse as teens 1961-93. Suspended in 1993. Diocese had complaints in 1979. More complaints in 1987 when family reported he tried to molest two brothers the night of their father's wake. Included on 3/20/18 diocesan list. Died in 2016. Lawsuit filed 8/19 claims White raped two brothers and forced the boys to rape each other. The abuse allegedly began in 1982, when the boys were under age 11, and went on for almost 10 years. Allegedly plied the boys with alcohol and drugs and paid them to keep quiet. The family attended Annunciation parish in Black Rock. By 8/21 White was named in lawsuits by 15 plaintiffs filed under the NY Child Victims Act.

Fr. William T. White

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Report to archdiocese in 1997 of abuse White of a 17-year-old male high school student and continuing for three years in the 1970s. Settlement in 1998 for $100K. White was working in Palm Beach, FL when accusations made. Allowed to continue working after evaluation until 2002; removed from teaching position at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL. Accused in a 2/26/04 civil suit of abuse of a boy, ages 9-11 in 1959-61 at Holy Cross parish in Manhattan. Laicized. On NY archdiocese's list 4/26/19. New suit filed 8/19 alleging abuse 1972-73 of a boy in Rye, ages 11-12.

Fr. John J. Whiteley

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Jefferson City MO

Accused in a 1991 lawsuit of sexually abusing David Clohessy 1969-1973, beginning when the boy was age 11. The abuse included touching the boy's genitals and lying on top of him during trips, some of them out-of-state. Whiteley allegedly abused others including Clohessy's brother Kevin, later a priest and himself accused of abuse. Whiteley was a college chaplain from 1983; Army reserve chaplain by 1990; chancery job in 1991; resigned and disappeared in 1992. Case dismissed in 1992 after a MO Supreme Court decision on a new statute of limitations law. Whiteley later reportedly became a flight attendant. He was last known to be living in Naples FL, and possibly moved to the Miami area. The Diocese gave David Clohessy a $40,000 settlement 8/19/2015. Clohessy asked the Diocese to post names of proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting clerics on parish websites and to warn FL Catholics about Whiteley; the Diocese did not meet that request. As of 11/2018 Whiteley had not been laicized. Included on the Diocese's list 11/8/2018.

Fr. Paul Whitney

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. First assignment was the missionary apostolate at Blessed Sacrament in Delevan. Helped out at Mother of Divine Grace in Cheektowaga, and was its associate director of summer schools. Assigned 1959-61 to a Buffalo parish, taught at Diocesan Prep Seminary 1961-68. St. John Vianeney Seminary spiritual director 1969-74. Briefly administrator of St. Mary's in Pilion, then pastor 1975-82 of St. Joseph's in Gowanda. St. Paul's in Kenmore pastor 1982-1994. Named monsignor in 1984. Pastor 1995-2002 of St. Mary's in Medina. Retired in 2002. Temp administrator 2004 of Immaculate Conception in East Bethany. Held chancery and community positions. Died 7/28/15.

Fr. Carlton E. Whitten

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 12/10/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Yakima WA

Placed on leave in 12/2007 and moved from his residence at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA. Order investigated "an alleged recent incident of improper touching involving a 17-year-old boy while on a pastoral assignment" in White Salmon, WA. Often filled in along the western coast states for priests on vacation or leave. Included on the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/2018. Noted to be still living at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, on a safety plan. Died 12/10/2020.

Fr. Joseph S. Wichmanowski

Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 04/28/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Accused in a 2004 lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl for a year, beginning when she was age 12. Time-frame unclear, but possibly was while he was at St. Stanislaus in Ambridge, where he worked 12/1953-619/57. He allegedly made the girl dress provocatively, gave her wine, and forced her to perform oral sex on him. The abuse allegedly occurred several times a week. Wichmanowski died in 1977. Claims included in the Diocese's 9/2007 $1.25M settlement with 32 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 17 priests. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Diocese's list of accused.

Fr. Siegfried Francis Widera

Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/25/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Convicted in 1973 in Milwaukee of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. Other charges dropped. Kept his faculties, sent to the Diocese of Orange, CA; diocese aware of his behavior. Removed from ministry in 1985, sent to Jemez Springs, NM for treatment. Dropped out of treatment, became a businessman while still on "inactive leave" from Orange. Indicted in 2002 on 42 counts of child molestation. Fled from Tucson AZ to Mexico. May have tried to work as a priest in northern villages. Died by suicide in 5/2003 as police closed in on him in Mazatlan. There were 9 civil suits filed in CA and 3 in WI. WI cases dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Milwaukee settled with 9 CA plaintiffs for $16.65M on 9/01/2006. Church knew of history from ordination. Another CA case settled with Milwaukee in 3/2009. Personnel file released in 7/2013. Settlement in 12/2024 for $10M with a man alleging abuse by Widera at age 10 in 1984 and 1985 and by Fr. Eleuteria Ramos beginning at age 5.

Fr. Raymond H. Wieber

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Died: 08/17/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette IN

Accused of sexually abusing teen boys. Lawsuit (later dropped) claimed Wieber used alcohol and LSD in repeated and systematic sex abuse 1969-70. Ran a popular youth program during the 1970s. Warnings about his character were noted in his personnel file before ordination, but no efforts to supervise him. Granted leave in 11/92. Died 8/17/93. On diocese's list 9/28/18.

Fr. John R. Wieberg

Ordained: 1918
Status: Accused

Died: 12/14/1963
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Worked in parishes in St. Charles County, and in several rural parishes in Advance, Charleston (later part of Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese) and Arcadia. Archbishop Carlson announced 3/16/11 that several individuals (at least 5) had come forward in recent years to accuse Wieberg of abuse almost 50 years prior. Wieberg died in 1963. One man, now 80, said he was abused in 1940 at age 9. Reports were found credible by archdiocesan review board. On the archdiocese's list 7/26/19. On Springfield-Cape Girardeau list updated 4/1/19. It notes abuse 1942-45 reported in 2004 and 2018.

Fr. William F. Wiebler

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 09/29/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accusations of abuse reported to church in the 1970s-1980s. Retired 1991. Several suits. Some claims in Davenport's 2004 settlement. One mediated to $180K settlement. Ordered by bishop to Vianney Renewal center in 2002; left 2004, refused to return. Laicized in 5/2006. Suit by 12 more plaintiffs filed 5/2006. Included on the Davenport diocese's list of credibly accused in 7/2008, which notes allegations of abuse of 29 boys. Also worked in the Jackson MS diocese. Died in 9/2006. On the Jackson diocese's list 3/19/2019.

Fr. Ron Wiecek

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Santa Rosa CA

Allegations made public in 1/10. Placed on leave. Per news reports, Wiecek's privileges were removed after accused of having "overzealously spanked" a boy in the 1970s while working in the Santa Rosa diocese, and he attempted to pick up a gay man about 30 years prior. Had been in Monterey for 20 years. Order recalled him to Ohio immediately. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19.

Fr. Henry Wieder

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'one allegation of sexual abuse received in 2002 involving incident prior to ordination deemed substantiated.' The Owensboro list of assignments omits Wieder's chancery position of Director of Youth Ministry, as indicated in the 1996 Official Catholic Directory. Per the list in 5/2022, Wieder left active ministry in 2003.

Fr. Sylwester Wiejata

Ordained: 1996
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Accused of abuse of a 13-year-old girl in 2000. In treatment in 1999 and on leave by 2000. Laicized in 2002. Testimony in 2012 trial of Msgr. Lynn shows he had attraction to women, particularly married women and that the girl he admitted (to Msgr. Lynn) abusing was the daughter of one woman with whom he had a sexual relationship. Msgr. Lynn admitted at trial that he did not report to police or attempt to learn identity of the girl because he doubted the credibility of the woman who first told him about Wiejata.

Fr. John T. Wielebski

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Ordained for the Trinitarians. Incardinated into the Baltimore archdiocese in 1988. Removed 12/18/2009 from his assignment at Resurrection of Our Lord in Laurel after separate reports by three men that he sexually abused them as teenagers in the mid- to late- 1980s. All three were "troubled" and were seeing Wielebski for counseling. The Archdiocese delayed its announcement about the allegations until 1/10/2010 to allow police to complete an investigation. Wielebski moved to Las Vegas after in 6/2010. Archdiocesan files indicate that the Archdiocese knew of issues with Wielebski with boys, and that there were more than three victims. The Vatican determined he was not to be laicized because canon law states that a minor is under the age of 16. The victims were ages 16-18 when first abused. On Baltimore's list of credibly accused 7/23/2019. On the Belleville diocese's list 9/20/2022. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Charles W. Wiggins

Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington DE and MD

Removed from ministry in 2003; living in Norwood, PA. Name included on list of credibly accused priests released by Bishop Saltarelli on 11/16/2006. A civil suit filed by a woman in 6/2009 alleged abuse in 1986 at St. Mark's High School. Suit dismissed in 5/2010 by court for failure to timely serve Wiggins. The Diocese was providing cash payments to Wiggins until 11/2009; wanted to continue health benefits pending resolution of Bankruptcy. Won argument to block release of personnel file.

Fr. Wayne E. Wigglesworth

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in the Baltimore area in the 1960s-1980s. Left the priesthood and married. Met his wife when she was teenager at church. Married her when her family learned she was pregnant at age 19. She found child pornography on his computer in 2007 and left him. He would visit her in a rehab center, where she lived after an auto accident in 2007. (She died as a result at age 49 in 2010.) Police warned him after he made improper calls to a 9-year-old boy he met at the center. Arrested in 8/2009 in Chicago after he was caught in a car with a 15-year-old boy he met online. More child pornography found. Pleaded guilty in 1/2011. Sentenced in 8/2012 to 10 years in prison and 10 years probation.

Fr. Joel M. Wiggs

Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Died: 06/6/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Memphis TN

Monsignor. Parish priest, community volunteer, "very active" with the Boys Scouts. Died in 2001. Sexual abuse of boys by Wiggs was reported to the Diocese in 2002, 2013 and 2019. The Diocese kept it quiet. In 2023 a 56-year-old man stated publicly that Wiggs became involved with him and other boys when he was age 8, giving them gifts, taking them to racquetball and to a lake to waterski, sometimes overnight. The man said Wiggs would get naked with boys in a hot tub, massage them with baby oil and show them pornographic movies. When he was in seventh grade, he said Wiggs raped him with his finger, so he distanced himself from the priest. He said his brother, who died at age 50 in 2021, was also abused and had a "troubled" life. Accused in a 9/2024 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1967 while assigned to Sacred Heart in Humbolt, TN.


Fr. Gordon Wilcox

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 10/4/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Oakland CA

Named in a 2004 suit against Rev. Donald Eagleson, which was partially settled in 2005. Wilcox was named as an abuser of a male student in 1971 at Moreau High School in Hayward. Died 10/4/1984. On the Oakland Diocese's list in 2019. On the Congregation of Holy Cross list 6/12/2019, which notes multiple allegations in 2003 and 2012 of abuse in CA in the 1970s. In 11/2019 a man filed suit claiming abuse in the 1970s as a Moreau Catholic High student, by both Wilcox and Br. John Moriarty. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. David D. Wild

Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Fargo ND

Removed from ministry in 1992. A man filed civil suit same year which alleged that Wild fondled him in the rectory at St. Bernard's Church in Oriska in 1966. Two more men had filed suits by 11/94. All three suits settled in 12/94. Both 1993 and 2002 Catholic Directories refer to Wild as "retired." Died 10/26/08. Included on the diocese's list 1/2/20. Allegations substantiated.

Fr. Richard J. Wildeman

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Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Evansville IN

Removed in 5/02 after admitting to bishop that allegations that he fondled a 16-year-old girl on several occasions over 20 years before were "substantially true." Had been working in Haiti for two years; recalled to Evansville after his victim notified the diocese. Left active ministry 5/28/02. In 3/04 he was living in Nashville, TN. Laicized 8/17/07. On the diocese's list 2/22/19.

Jeanne Wilfort

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Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Manchester NH

Accused in 1999 of sexually abusing a nun, age 27, in the Winnipeg archdiocese 1978-79. Wilfort was then superior of the order's Western Canada Province. Abuse allegedly included digital penetration and was represented as therapeutic. Complainant had been recruited from the Manchester NH diocese during a retreat by Wilfort. The Vatican investigated the charges in 2000. Complainant filed suit in 2002, but when she died in 2004, the suit was dismissed. Other victims are alleged, ages unspecified.

Br. Joseph Wilhelm

Order: FSC
Status: Accused

Died: 09/6/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Entered the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1942. Took final vows in 1948. Name included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Assigned to Newport Catholic High School 1963-1977. Also taught in Chicago IL, St. Paul MN, Jefferson City MO, Memphis TN, Santa Fe NM, Cincinnati OH. Died 9/6/2011.

Fr. Joseph Wilk

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Recalled from sabbatical in 2007 for a new assignment. Left the priesthood in 9/2010. Named as an abuser in a civil lawsuit filed in 5/2013. Accused of abusing a boy at St. Matthew Church in Schaumburg, beginning in 1995 when the child was 10 and continuing for 8 years. Would allegedly give the boy alcohol and occasionally money. The accuser's father told the Archdiocese in 2010; no action. In 2/2014 the Archdiocese added Wilk's name to their public list of priests with credible allegations of abuse. As of 7/24/2014, the Archdiocese of Chicago said it had reinstated him as a priest in good standing after new information was found relating to allegations against him. No announcement made as to status of civil case against him except that the civil case still existed and was active in the courts.

Fr. James P. Wilkes

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 01/21/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Corpus Christi TX

In 1/23 a man stated publicly that Wilkes was his father, and that he sexually abused him and his siblings. The man said that Wilkes was part of a group of priests who would cross the river into Mexico and have "their way with" prostitutes and children. The Official Catholic Directory shows that Wilkes was an active priest 1950-1956, after which his name no longer appears. News articles show that Wilkes became Unitarian minister in 1958, having worked as of 1966 in Boston MA, Washington DC, Albuquerque NM and Dallas TX. He died in 1979 in McAllen TX.


Fr. Leonard F. Wilkuski

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 01/25/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Saginaw MI

Wilkuski resigned from his parish and was placed on leave 5/2002 after acknowledging an allegation of sexual misconduct which occurred "much earlier" in his ministry. Laicized 2/17/2006, per the Diocese. Died 1/25/2022.

Fr. Adreanus Johannes Willemsen

Order: CM
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston TX

Also known as Andrew, Andy, or Andre. Named publicly as accused by the Galveston-Houston archdiocese on its list 1/31/2019. Also on the Austin diocese's list 1/31/2019. From the Netherlands. Ordained for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Vincentians), later diocesan. As a Vincentian, worked briefly in Camarillo, CA then in Houston TX 1964-1981. Became an Austin diocesan priest in 1982. The Galveston-Houston archdiocese received allegation in 1988. Sent back to the Netherlands in 1988, continued ministry there until removed in 2004, still as an incardinated Austin priest. Allegedly many victims. Died in 2012. On the Vincentians' list in 2020.

Fr. Henry V. Willenborg

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Superior WI

Accused in 2009 of a 5-year affair in IL with a woman beginning in the early 1980s. Another woman came forward during that time to allege a long relationship with him when she was in high school. Order sent him to Paraclete facility for treatment for 7 months. The first woman gave birth to his son after his return. She received support from the Franciscans over the years, and made the matter public in 10/2009 because the 22-year-old son had terminal cancer and she also had cancer. Diocese placed Willenborg on leave pending investigation. The son died in 12/2009. Included on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese's list updated 4/1/2019. Worked in New Orleans 1988-1993. Included on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province's list of credibly accused as of 1/2024. (Willenborg was a member of the Sacred Heart Province.)

Fr. Joseph Robert Willett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Died: 11/6/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Accused, along with two other priests, of abusing a girl in the 1960s. The alleged victim settled with the Diocese in 1999 for $41K. In 2003 she died by suicide. Her family returned the settlement and filed suit on her behalf, saying she didn't have capacity to enter into settlement. She had been hospitalized several times. The Diocese said she was 18 and that the relationship was 'consensual.' Willet died 11/6/2001.

Sr. Stanislas Kotska Willett

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In an addition to a lawsuit filed 8/3/04, Willett was accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Vincent Orphanage in Louisville, beginning in 1938 when the girl was age 6 and continuing until she was removed from the orphanage in 1943. Willett was mother superior of the orphanage 1940-1944. The complainant also accused Rev. Herman J. Lammers and Sr. Frances Howard.

Fr. Henry Brendan Williams

Ordained: 1965
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/2019. Multiple allegations noted. Removed from ministry. Arrested in 9/2019, charged with sexually assaulting a girl under age 13 on three occasions 1997-1999. The alleged victim said that she was 12 when Williams touched her on her inner thigh and vaginal area. After news of his arrest, two more women came forward, one alleging that when she was age 12 in 1983, Williams kissed her repeatedly and patted her bottom; the other said that when she was 13 in 1983, he took her to an office to show her something, seemed to attempt to kiss her but she got up and left before he could. Both said the incidents occurred at St. Veronica's in Howell, and they were students at the parish school. Per the Trenton diocese's list updated in 6/2021, Williams was laicized. Acquitted by a judge in 7/2021. Williams reportedly said he planned to move to his native Ireland.

Bishop J. Kendrick Williams

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bishop of Lexington when he resigned in 2002 after allegations by three former altar boys that he abused them when a priest of the Louisville archdiocese. Accused of abuse of another altar boy while working in the Covington diocese. The Archdiocese later settled with the three men as part of a $25.7M settlement with 243 plaintiffs. No criminal charges were filed. Removed from public ministry. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. Case referred to the Vatican.

Fr. James C. Williams

Order: SM
Ordained: 1998
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Suspended from ministry in 5/16 by Order due to credible allegation he sexually abused a boy, who was a Chaminade High School student, in 2011. Williams was on staff 1991-2012, and President for 12 years until he resigned in 2011. Denied the abuse. Order notified the diocese. Law enforcement was notified in 2/15. Statute of limitations expired in 2013. Per his LinkedIn account 9/18 he was in the Greater NYC Area, having been a PhD student at the U. of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome 8/12-7/16. Accused in a lawsuit 8/19 of abuse of a Chaminade student, ages 14-16, in 1990-93.

Fr. Joseph N. Williams

Ordained: 1969
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

Left the priesthood in the late 1970s. Became an attorney. Sentenced to life in prison without parole 12/30/2008 on charges he raped an 8-year-old boy in 1992. Rape occurred at a nursing home where the boy had gone to visit family. While a priest, Williams also served as chaplain at Lorain Catholic High School. He also sexually molested a 12-year-old boy for 3 years, beginning in 1984. At trial Williams admitted to "sexual trysts" with other men and that some were with children. Lost appeal in 5/2016. On the diocese's list 6/21/2019. Noted to have been permanently removed from ministry.

Fr. Ronald R. Williams

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Died: 07/6/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused in 6/2002 of getting a male minor drunk and attempting to perform oral sex on the boy. Williams was suspended and, investigative files reveal, two other men then came forward to the prosecutor. One alleged similar abuse in 1979 at age 16. The other alleged Williams fondled his bottom at age 17 in 1984. No charges filed due to the statute of limitations. Permanently barred by the Vatican from active ministry per 4/20/2007 announcement. Died 7/6/2010. On the archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Walter T. Williams

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 12/24/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/17/19. Noted to have a single substantiated allegation against him of abuse, occurring in 1952, reported after his death. Updated lists show more allegations, of abuse in 1956, 1960, 1965 and 1966. Williams died in 1983.

Fr. William E. Williams

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as credibly accused by archdiocese in 9/18 of the sexual abuse of a minor. Pastor of St. Joseph in Kingston 1982-1994, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Saugerties 1994-2009, Regional vicar of Ulster County 1989-2010. Retired in 2011. On archdiocese's list 4/29/19. In 6/19 the archdiocese announced that a canonical trial deemed Williams not guilty. He was not to be returned to ministry due to his "age and health."

Fr. Alfred Willis

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Burlington VT

Complaints from parishioners to Bishop Marshall 1978 that Willis molested their sons. Transferred twice more, accused during both assignments. Placed on leave 1980; sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Laicized 1985. Suit filed 2003, claiming abuse in 1970s. One suit settled 2004 for $170K. At least two suits pending 4/06. New suit 3/07. Willis previously settled with this plaintiff. Mistrial declared 6/07. New trial began 11/26/07. Another case settled 2/08 for $170K. Appealed to VT Supreme Court. New trial ordered 10/09. New suit filed Fall 2010. One case settled 1/13. Last believed to be living in VA. Suit filed in 12/18. Settled same month. Suit filed 8/19. On diocese's list 8/22/19.

Fr. Dozia J. Wilson

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Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Albany NY

Albany NY officials knew in 1976 of Wilson's alleged sexual abuse of young boys. Police ultimatum forced Diocese to transfer him to Boston after complaints about incident involving Wilson and two young boys at a motel. He was returned to Albany in 1980 after Boston complaints. One suit settled in 2003 for $500K. Another suit filed in 2004. Placed on leave 1990 and "gave up his priesthood in 1993." Worked for ten years after priesthood as a spiritual advisor at a home for troubled youth in Dobbs Ferry. Fired in 2003 after being beaten up by an 18-year-old male he had picked up in Manhattan. Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database. Two new lawsuits in 6/20.

Fr. James L. Wilson

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Ordained: 1990
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Personnel files released in 12/2002 revealed that Wilson was accused in 1993 of molesting a boy in 1991-1992. Wilson admitted the abuse and also said that the boy was abused by another priest, Redmond Raux. The matter was settled in 1995 for $200K. Wilson was placed on sick leave in 1993 and was "voluntarily" laicized in 1998. The Boston archdiocese's database in 8/2011 notes that the case concluded canonically.

Fr. Joseph B. Wilson

Ordained: 1994
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Had been a brother of the Order of Holy Cross Province with a long career as an academic, including as president of the University of Portland. Was involved in work in TX with the "bubble boy," born in 1971 with an immune disorder. Wilson was ordained a priest at age 69 for the Diocese of Scranton. Removed in 7/02 due to allegations that he had sexually abused two boys when he was a religious brother. He admitted to the abuse of one and was sent for evaluation and treatment. Settled confidentially for $250K. On Scranton diocese's list 8/19/18.

Fr. Method (Claude) Wilson

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 07/2/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province on its list as of 1/2024. Member of the Sacred Heart Province. (Placing Wilson for now in the St. Louis archdiocese, where the Province is based.) Died in 2018. Worked in IN, IA, LA, MO. Retired in 2001.


Fr. Samuel J. Wilson

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Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 10/20/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Gallup NM

Worked for 33 years in the Gallup diocese. Assigned to 20 rural parishes, mostly in AZ and NM, including on the Navajo and White Mountain Apache reservations and a number of small Hispanic communities. Died in 1986. Named as abuser in court pleadings filed in 6/2012. More than one accuser. Included in 12/2014 on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

Br. John F. Wilson-Shine

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Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Br. Marius. Joined the Xaverians in 1919. Worked in MD, MA, WI, KY, MI. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. Allegation reported in 2003 that Shine sexually abused a boy at St. Mary's Industrial School in Baltimore in the late 1940s. Shine was in charge of the youngest boys' dorm, and would take a different boy into his room each night. The boy told his parents, who reported the abuse to the head of school and to the Archdiocese. No action. The boy's parents took him out of the school. Shine's accuser said he wasn't the only Xaverian at the school abusing children. Shine died in 1974. On the Baltimore Archdiocese's list 7/23/2019. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Fr. George A. Wilt

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 05/21/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Complaints in 2000 that Wilt made unwanted advances on a woman. In 4/2003, the DRE at St. Bernard expressed concerns, including his touching and kissing women and girls on the mouth. A woman filed suit in 2004 alleging that in 1961, when she was 13, she was molested by Wilt when she went to him for counseling after she had been sexually abused by her father. Wilt denied the allegations. Diocese investigated and cleared him. Retired in 2003 with restricted ministry; diocese said reasons had nothing to do with child sexual abuse. Claims included in the Diocese's 9/2007 $1.25M settlement with 32 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 17 priests. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Diocese's list of accused. Died 5/21/2021.

Fr. Albert Wilwerding

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 09/26/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Tommie Pierick and his priest uncle told Bishop Dingman in 1978 of abuse by Wilwerding in the late 1960s starting when the boy was age 12. Threats and gifts were used; a farmhouse was a common venue. The Diocese admitted no record of the two complaints. Wilwerding was removed in 1981. Tommie died by suicide in 1985; Wilwerding was sent for treatment again in same year. Tommies's sister went to the Diocese in 1993. She went public in 2002; other victims then surfaced. The Diocese asked for defrocking 9/19/2003. Tommie's brother sued 2/25/2004. Wilwerding died 9/26/2004. A civil suit was filed in 2006; settled in 2007. Included on the Diocese's list 4/4/2019. It notes 25 allegations of the abuse of boys, occurring in the late-1950s to the mid-1980s. On the San Antonio Diocese's list 1/31/2019. Lived in the diocese 1982-1984. Investigated in 1984 by San Antonio police for the sexual assault of an adult male; sent to treatment in NM. Report in 2018 of abuse of a boy in 1983 or 1984.

Fr. Donald William Wingert

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Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 07/21/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

"William" or "D. William." Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. One allegation noted, of the sexual abuse of a boy 1980-1982. Retired in 1993. Died 7/1/2017. The diocese's list updated 9/24/2019 shows two allegations of the abuse of boys.

Fr. Michael Winkels

Order: OP
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly by the Dominicans on 4/21/2022 as accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The allegation was received in 2021, of abuse in 1978. He was assigned in 1978-1979 to St. Dominic's in Denver CO. He transferred in 1979 to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM, then to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1982. By 1987 Winkels was with his Order in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He began work in 2000 at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, where he started an art program in 2010. Removed from public ministry 8/10/2021. Per the Order's list updated in 11/2022, the preliminary investigation indicated some semblance of truth, but the allegation was not able to be canonically established. Remained removed from ministry. Dispensed from vows 4/18/2023. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. The Order's list updated in 6/2023 shows that the allegation had been deemed credible by its Review Board. (No information as to where the abuse occurred; placing Winkels for now in the Chicago Archdiocese, where the Province is base.)


Fr. Leon S. Winowicz

Ordained: 1937
Status: Sued

Died: 09/24/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Camden NJ

Named publicly in 6/2021 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as the subject of claim(s) of child sexual abuse in the Camden diocese's bankruptcy case. Monsignor. Died 9/24/1978.

Fr. William L. Winston

Ordained: 1986
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Paterson NJ

Episcopal priest, married with children, who became a Catholic priest about twenty years prior. Removed from ministry 11/4/04. Pleaded guilty in 2/06 to beating his wife and to abusing a then 11-year-old  boy at ages 4-7.  Said he couldn't refute the boy's claim that he touched him sexually.  Sentenced to jail for 180 days in 5/06. Laicized in 8/07.

Fr. Robert J. Winterkorn

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 06/5/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Allegations of abuse beginning about 1983. Pastor of St. John the Evangeiist in 9/93 when he resigned per Bishop's request. Winterkorn had admitted to a long-term sexual relationship with a female parishioner that began when she was a minor. No criminal charges filed. Privileges removed. Assigned after canonical process to life of prayer and penance, per 6/7/12 notice from diocese. Died in 2005.

Fr. Dennis T. Wirks

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

Wirks' name was included on a list released by the Cleveland diocese in 4/2002 of priests no longer in active ministry because of allegations in the past of abuse of minors. One of three accused priests who had been assigned to St. Josephs of Avon Lake. Laicized, per the diocese's list in 6/2019.

Fr. Stephen Wise

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Ordained: 1979
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/08 of molesting a boy at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception over a four-year period in the late 1970s. Wise left the priesthood in 1986 and later married. At least one claim was included in an 8/08 $10M settlement involving 12 priests. New civil suit filed 10/11 by a man claiming Wise abused him for two years when he was ages 10-12, and that a bishop knew of allegations against Wise before the abuse. Laicized. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations noted.

Br. James Wisecaver

Order: SM
Status: Accused

Died: 10/17/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Monterey CA

Professed perpetual vows in 1967. Taught math and science at high schools in San Jose CA, Gardena CA, Wialuko, Maui HI. Also, Dean of Students at Chaminade University of Honolulu, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the San Antonio TX Archdiocese, and Education Professor at Cal State University in Northridge. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 1/2/2019. Report in 1997 of abuse the same year. Died 10/17/2015 in San Antonio.

Fr. John W. Wishard

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Died: 07/31/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Pleaded no contest in 1980 to a charge of oral copulation of a child. Sentenced to 5 years probation. Probation was terminated in 1982. Wishard returned to active ministry in 1987. The felony was reduced to a misdemeanor in 1991 and later dismissed. Served as a police chaplain. Retired in 1997 or 1998. Dismissed in 2002. Reportedly laicized in 8/02. Included in the 2004 Los Angeles Archdiocesan Report. Moved at some point to Henrico, VA. Wishard died 7/31/2018


Fr. John H. Wisner, Jr.

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

Suspended 5/12 after a man reported Wisner touched him inappropriately at age 15 in 1982. Wisner denied sexual misconduct but confirmed time, location and circumstances surrounding the allegation. Wisner, a psychiatrist, had been parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, KS since 1985. Also a full-time associate professor. Three claims sent to Vatican 11/12. Suit filed in 12/15 claimed Wisner of sexually abused a boy, ages 15-17, in the mid-1980s. Claimant said WIsner, who was also his doctor, held parties at a lake house, gave minors liquor, and sexually abused them. He said the priest/doctor took him on trips to CA, HI and the Cayman Islands. Laicization affirmed by the Vatican 3/12/18. In 10/18 still held MD licenses in KS and MO. As of 3/19 his medical licenses in MO and KS were no longer active.

Fr. David E. Wisniewski

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Wisniewski was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops' Conference. Wisniewski was associate pastor for about two years at Notre Dame Pharish in Malone during the mid-1980s. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. On diocese's list 11/13/18.

Fr. Stanley T. Wisniewski

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 06/27/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. It notes a single allegation, of abuse occurring in 1966 at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. Died 6/27/2005. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list list in 1/2020 of those against whom there are substantiated allegations. On the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Thomas J. Wisniewski

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Accused of sexual abuse of a boy 1983-87, beginning when the boy was age 15. Placed on leave in 2002 with restrictions. Restrictions increased in 2004. Ministry permanently restricted and he was living a supervised life. Name is on secret 1994 memo from Wm. Lynn to Msgr. James Molloy (released 2/27/12) regarding priests in secret archives who were guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor. Testimony about him in 2012 Msgr. Lynn trial.

Fr. Francis C. Wissel

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Died: 06/19/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Per documents released in 2009, the diocese paid two men $20K each in 2004 to settle claims of abuse in the late 1970s-early 1980s. The men claimed they were abused by Wissel and former Vicar General Genuario. The money was for therapy for three years and settlements referred to "disputed claims." Accusers had recently learned that the priests were still active. Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Greenwich and founder of a home for underprivileged boys in Bridgeport. Both priests denied the allegations. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were allegations that Wissel abused three boys, ages 12 and 13, in 1979, 1982 and 1985. The diocese did not determine the allegations to be credible. Wissel died 6/19/2014.

Fr. William A. With

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Ordained: 1972
Status: Insufficient evidence

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

On 8/2019 the diocese announced that an allegation that With sexually abused a minor was deemed by its review board to be not credible, due to insufficient evidence. The allegation had been made on 3/29/2018, and reported to law enforcement. With's accuser said the alleged abuse occurred 1972-1975, while With was assigned to Our Lady of the Cenacle in Queens.

Fr. Robert Witkowski

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 05/10/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Retired in 2013. Restricted from public ministry in 10/2018 due to credible allegations that he sexually abused minors early in his career. In a lawsuit filed in NJ in 12/2019 a man claimed that Witkowski, along with Rev. Thomas Ganley, abused him and another boy at St. Cecila's in Iselin, NJ in the early 1990s. Witkowski died 5/10/2021.

Seminarian Broderick Witt

Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Cincinnati OH

Witt was a student at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary when arrested 2/9/2024 on charges of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. Law enforcement reportedly found that Witt had eight videos involving girls as young as age 6. The Hamilton County Sheriff's office had been investigating Witt since 9/2023. Prosecutors said Witt had about 230 images and videos showing children being sexually abused. Dismissed from Mount Saint Mary's. Pleaded guilty in 8/2024. Sentenced in 9/2024 to five years' probation and six months in a lockdown sex offender treatment program. Ordered to register as a sex offender.


Fr. Thomas Woerth

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

Named publicly as accused in the CO A.G. report 10/22/19. The archdiocese received an allegation in 3/19 that Woerth sexually abused a male high school student in 1971, '72 and '73, while assigned to Holy Trinity parish in Colorado Springs and St. Mary's High School. Woerth denied the allegation. The archdiocese removed his faculties. He had retired in 2008 and moved out of state.

Deacon Louis Wojtowicz

Status: Accused

Died: 03/29/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Ordained for the diaconate 4/19/1997. Removed from public ministry in 7/1999. Dismissed from Mundelein Seminary in 2000. Died in 4/2013. Added to the Archdiocese's list 11/29/2018 of clergy with substantiated allegations against them of child sexual abuse. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."


Fr. Edward F. Wojtycha

Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark NJ

Accused publicly in 10/20 by a 45-year-old man of sexually abusing him as a child for years, beginning at age 7. The alleged victim said that he was also abused by Rev. Kenneth L. Martin, who had promised to protect him from Wojtycha. Instead, both priests allegedly abuse him at St. Andrew's parish in Bayonne, at hotels, and at a Jersey Shore house. The abuse is said to have included beatings, psychological torture and sodomy. Parish priest at St. Vincent de Paul in Bayonne 1938-63, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy in Jersey City 1963-70, and St. Andrew's in Bayonne 1970-85. Elevated to Monsignor in 1983. Auxiliary Naval chaplain. Held chancery positions and received numerous honors. Lead a drum and bugle corp 1940s-60s. Retired in 1985 to the Palm Beach FL diocese. Died 6/8/09.

Fr. Benedict Wolf

Order: GHM
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 04/20/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown PA

Per the PA Attorney General's 3/1/16 Grand Jury Report (name spelled Wolfe), Wolf molested a 17-year-old girl in McConnellsburg PA in 1979, where he was assigned to St. Stephen's. The girl was visiting the area with her family; Wolf invited the family to stay in the rectory. He gave the girl a private room, then sexually assaulted her there during daily visits. Wolf's victim reported him to the diocese years later. On Glenmary Home Missioners list 10/11/19. Joined the Glenmary order in 1941, left in 1975 after working in PA, OH, KY, DC. Died 4/20/97. Included in 1/20 on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list of those against whom there are substantiated allegations. Added to the Owensboro diocese's list in 5/22.

Fr. Casper G. Wolf

Ordained: 1938
Status: Settled

Died: 02/1/1972
Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Monsignor. Cardinal Hayes High School teacher 1942-1969. Died 2/1/72. Subject of a 10/17 settlement as part of the archdiocese's compensation fund. On archdiocese's list 4/26/19.

Fr. James C. Wolf

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused in a civil suit along with Revs. Jim Buser and Gale Leifeld of molesting a student in the 1970s at a Capuchin run high school and after graduation. The plaintiff was a counselor for men abused by clergy and claimed his therapy in 1992 revealed flashbacks. Case tried in 1995. Jury decided it was not filed within the statute of limitations. Two of the priests admitted abusing other boys but not the plaintiff in this case. Included on the Capuchin Friars' list of those with substantiated allegations against them 8/19/2021, which notes, "Retired/Restrict in Ministry" since 2005. Included in the MI A.G.'s 10/2022 report; assigned 1963-1976 in the Marquette diocese. In 2008 a man reported to the Marquette diocese that Wolf sexually abused him over two years in the 1970s when he was ages 11-12. In 2011 a man alleged abuse by Wolf when he was 20 in 1971-1972. 


Fr. Richard J. Wolf

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 06/11/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes a report in 2005 of abuse occurring at an unknown time. Wolf was assigned 1960-1962 to Cranwell Prep in Lenox MA and to Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River 1969-1986. He died in 1986. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River diocese's list of accused.

Fr. Norman Charles Wolfe

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

"Chuck." Accused in 2005 of abusing a 14-year-old boy while assigned to Church of the Good Shepherd in Shawnee in 1976 and 1977. Order's review board found allegations "believable." Accuser also filed civil suit which was later dismissed on SOL. He later received payment of $25K. On the archdiocese's list 1/25/19. On the Capuchin Province of Mid-America's list 3/1/19. Per Salina diocese, dismissed from Order 1987.

Fr. Philip Mark Wolfe

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Convicted in 1989 of abuse of a boy. Sentenced to a year in jail and five years probation. Died by suicide in 1994. Named in the 2004 Los Angeles Archdiocesan Report with three accusers and incidents 1975-1989. A 1991 civil suit settled in 1992. He was at St. Anthony Seminary. A man sued the Franciscans of CA in 2001 alleging that he was abused as a minor by Wolfe in 1982 in Portland, OR when Wolfe visited his family. The suit was settled in 5/2002 for $10K. Named as an abuser in two suits filed in Fall 2009. Included on the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/2019, which notes allegations of the sex abuse of minors 1978-1986 received 1988, 1993 and 2009, and that he left the order in 1991.

Fr. Robert G. Wolk

Ordained: 1966
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Report to the diocese in 1987 that Wolk sexually abused two PA brothers, starting when they were 12-year-old altar boys, and continuing over six years. Admitted in 9/1987 to the "sexual relationships." Placed on leave. Sent to St. Luke's in MD for treatment. The brothers filed a police report; Wolk was charged in 10/1988. The two filed suit in 8/1988, also accusing Revs. Francis Pucci and Richard Zula. Pleaded guilty in 1990. Sentenced to two concurrent 5-10 years in jail. May have abused one of the boys in Canada, VA, FL and OH. Report to the diocese 10/2003 of abuse of a boy mid- to late 1980s at St. Thomas Moore in Bethel Park. Possibly laicized in 2003. Per the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report, a report was made in 10/2017 to the diocese of abuse by Wolk and Rev. Francis Luddy of the Altoona-Johnstown diocese. Another allegation in 3/09 of abuse of a 14- to 17-year-old boy beginning 1968 while Wolk was at St. Athanasius in West View. A man in 9/2010 said Wolk and Rev. Leo Burchianti abused him as a child. Suit filed 6/2020. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Gary P. Wolken

Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Convicted in 2002 of abuse of a boy over a three-year period beginning when the boy was age five in about 1997. Sentenced to 15 years in prison. Tried for early release in 2006. Had abused another boy 25 years prior; not prosecuted. Sent for therapy. Civil suit filed in 4/2004, settled for $1.675M. Laicized in 2007. Released from prison after 12 years, in 2/2015. On the Archdiocese's list 7/26/2019. Settlement of $1M in 6/2023 with a man who filed suit in 2018, alleging abuse, including rape, by Wolken beginning when he was a 4th-grader and continuing through 1995.

Fr. Bruce Wollmering

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

Name released to public 7/29/06. Accused in 2004 of two allegations of "sexual misconduct early in the 1980s" as reported by a former St. John's Abbey student. May have had his faculties permanently removed prior to his death 2/4/09. Named in two new suits filed in 12/09 alleging abuse in 1971 and 1984-86. Claims settled in 3/11 in conjunction with others involving the Abbey. Name included on list of monks likely to have offended against minors as released by the Abbey 12/09/13. Suit filed 4/12/16 by former St. John's Prep student claiming abuse by Wollmering and Rev. Thomas Andert 1970-71.

Fr. Steven J. Wolpert

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

Retired priest from NY. Admitted allowing children to sleep with him while he was nude. Pleaded guilty in 2008 to 'involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 13' for abuse of an 8-year-old boy 2006-2007. Sentenced to 9-18 years in prison.

Fr. Adalbert Wolski

Order: TOR
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 01/3/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

On 1/03/14 the Diocese of St. Cloud released the names of 33 clergy, including Wolski, with claims of sexual abuse of minors. Cathedral High School in St. Cloud appears to be his only assignment in the diocese. Spent time in Paraguay in the 1960s. Died 1/3/12 at St. Bernardine Monastery in PA, age 80. Included on the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese's list in 10/14. Named in PA AG's 3/15/16 Grand Jury Report. Per report, abused 3 boys, ages 10-11,1963-67, at an Altoona PA parish. Said to have taken little boys into parish offices and fondled their genitals. Bishop Adamec and T.O.R. Provincial Giles Schinelli learned of allegations in 1991. Robert D'Avdersa, T.O.R. and Adamec assigned Wolski to hospital ministry. Schinelli, D'Aversa and Anthony M. Criscitelli, T.O.R. were criminally charged 3/15/16 with child endangerment and conspiracy related to the Wolski case and other T.O.R. Franciscan child sex abusers under their supervision. On Wheeling-Charleston list late 2018; there 1990-91.

Fr. Mark Wolski

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on Administrative Leave 5/10 after complaint that he sexually abused a 15- to 17-year-old boy 1968 -70. Much of the abuse was said to have occurred at St. Barnabas in Depew, and at Wolski's cottage in Angola. Wolski had been a member of Diocesan Review Board and Children's Hospital chaplain. He retired in 2012. Allegations substantiated, per diocese in 12/18. On diocese's list 1/19. Removed from diocesan payroll 5/1/20 as part of bankruptcy agreement.

Br. Terrence D. Wong

Order: SM
Status: Sued

Died: 04/19/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Oakland CA

Professed vows as a Marianist brother, Province of the Pacific, in 1958. Left the Order in 1989. Accused in a civil suit of abuse at St. Joseph High School in Alameda 1967-1970. Died 4/19/1997. Included on the Oakland Diocese's list of credibly accused in 2019. On the Marianists' list 6/24/2020.

Fr. Arthur L. Wood

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 12/25/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 1983 at age 59. After his death the Archdiocese received an allegation that Wood had sexually abused a boy. The Archdiocese paid Wood's accuser $10,500 in 1995 and provided counseling in exchange for the man's promise of confidentiality. Accused in at least 39 lawsuits filed in 2002 and 2003. Many claims were included in a massive 6/2003 settlement.

Fr. John J. Wood

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 03/11/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Fairbanks AK

Added as a defendant in existing litigation in 10/07. Accused of abuse in Chevak, AK. Worked in rural Alaska for approximately 12 years. Claims included in 11/07 settlement with Jesuits. One pending claim shown in bankruptcy reorganization documents for Fairbanks Diocese 1/25/10. The list in 2/16 notes there were two reports of abuse by Wood. Died 03/11/97.

Br. Robert D. Wood

Order: SM
Status: Accused

Died: 12/6/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Professed vows in 1945 as a Marianist brother, St. Louis Province. Educator. Worked in MO, TX, IL. Also Canada, Japan, Peru, Mexico. Died in 2016. Included on the Marianists' 6/24/20 list of those "found to have sexually abused a minor." Location of abuse not indicated - placing him in the St. Louis archdiocese for now.

Fr. Robert W. Wood

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 06/24/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Removed from his parish assignment in 8/03. He wrote in the parish bulletin that his removal was due to an alleged incident 16 years prior. Wood had previously worked as parochial vicar at another parish for 13 years before being transferred in 2001. Included on the 3/20/18 diocesan list as removed, retired, or having left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Accused in a lawsuit filed 9/18/19 of sexually abusing a 15-year-old in 1988 at Annunciation Parish in Elma.

Fr. William J. Wood

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 06/29/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Name quietly added, along with 23 others, to the Los Angeles archdiocese's Final Addendum posted on its website 1/31/2013. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018. It notes a report in 2002 of the sexual abuse of a minor the same year. Assigned 2000-2002 to Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles. Moved to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos 2002-2004, to Colombiere House in Los Angeles 2004-2008, then back to the Jesuit Center in Los Gatos 2008-2014. He died 6/29/2014.

Fr. Charles B. Woodrich

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

"Fr. Woody." Monsignor. Founded a homeless shelter, called "Denver's patron saint of the poor." Died 11/10/91. Named in the CO A.G.'s supplemental report released 12/1/20, which said Woodrich abused three boys, ages 12-16, in the 1970s and '80s. The priest allegedly gave two of the boys alcohol and asked another to pose in his underwear, then took pictures. Woodrich's victims reported their abuse via the IRRP in 12/19, 1/20 and 2/20.

Fr. Thomas Wopperer

Ordained: 1964
Status: Unsubstantiated

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Placed on leave in 9/21 pending the investigation of an allegation of abuse reportedly discovered in documents filed in the diocese's bankruptcy case. Age 83 and retired when suspended. Wopperer denied the allegation. On 6/23/22 the diocese announced that the its review board found the allegation unsubstantiated and Wopperer was returned to ministry.


Fr. Paul F. Worczak

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Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

In 4/02 a man told the diocese that Worczak molested him when he was age 11 in 1971, at Holy Family in Watertown. The priest allegedly touched the boy inappropriately and later kissed him. Worczak's accuser said there were other victims. Bishop Barbarito kept Worczak in active ministry until 3/03. Parishioners said they were not informed as to why he was removed. The diocese offered to pay for counseling (past or future) but refused to admit to liability, saying the statute of limitations had passed. On diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Fr. Benedict Worry

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1987
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark NJ

Initially was"Bro. Michael" with Brothers of the Holy Rosary (F.S.R.). Worked in Reno diocese; taught at Manogue High School 1974-78, directed CYO program. Ordained a Benedictine priest in 1987. Taught at Delbarton School in NJ for 18 years. In 6/12 a man joined in an existing suit against Delbarton School to allege abuse in 1980s by Worry. A 2015 lawsuit settled. Worry had been removed from assignment in 1/12 and sent to St. Mary's Abbey after allegation of misconduct in the 1990s. Said to be under strict supervision. Accused in a lawsuit against the Delbarton School filed in 7/20 under the NJ Child Sexual Abuse Act of abusing a 15-year-old boy 1978-79. Reportedly still living on campus in 7/20.

Fr. James Worsley

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Boise ID

Accused in 1993 of molesting a boy for four years while assigned to St. Paul's Catholic Center. Police investigated but no charges filed because the statute of limitations had expired. Admitted the abuse. Left active priesthood in 1994. Laicized. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 10/2019. It notes incidents occurring 1976-1981 reported in 1992. Assignments at time of "incident(s)" were St. Mary's in Caldwell, St. Paul's Student Center in Boise and St. Augustine's Student Center in Moscow.

Fr. Vincent Worzalla

Ordained: 1915
Status: Accused

Died: 10/8/1962
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Monsignor. Assigned to Holy Cross in Minneapolis 1915-1951 and Holy Trinity in St. Paul 1951-1962. Died in 1962. Worzalla's name was included on the archdiocese's list 11/3/17 of clergy with claims of substantiated abused against them.

Br. John J. Woulfe

Order: SM
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Professed vows in 1958 for the Marianists, St. Louis Province. Worked in MO and TX. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit, along with Rev. William A. Christensen, of sexual abuse of a boy, ages 15-17, at Chaminade Prep in St. Louis. On appeal, the MO Supreme Court ruled that repressed memories were admissible and the suit was not time-barred. New accusations in 9/11 and confirmed by letters to school alumni in 2012. Woulfe was at the school for 9 years before leaving the Order in 1977. Died in 2005. New suit filed by a man 4/9/14 alleged abuse at Chaminade Prep in about 1970. Suit filed in 11/15 claimed Woulfe sexually abused a Chaminade student 1968-71, including masturbation and oral sex during "college counseling" meetings. On the Order's 6/24/20 list of those "found to have sexually abused a minor."

Fr. Benjamin L. Wren

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Died: 07/20/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Taught at Jesuit high schools in TX and New Orleans LA before a 35-year career as an Asian History and Zen teacher at Loyola University in New Orleans. Left the priesthood to marry in 1996. Died in 2006. Accused in a 9/2016 lawsuit of sexually assaulting and raping a girl on campus hundreds of times 1978-1985, beginning when the girl was age 5. Her grandmother worked at the University. Wren's accuser said he told her that if she told their "special secret" she and her family would die and go to hell. Settlement announced in 7/2018. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province list of credibly accused 12/7/2018.

Seminarian Joel A. Wright

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Steubenville OH

Seminarian at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus OH. Arrested by federal agents in San Diego 1/29/2016 on charges related to seeking to travel to Tijuana, Mexico to adopt and have sex with multiple female infants. Per court documents, Wright tried to adopt a baby from Mexico in 2014. His mother told news media that at least 40 dioceses and religious orders rejected his applications prior to his admission to Pontifical College. The college dismissed him after his arrest. Pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court 2/25/2016. Pleaded guilty in a plea agreement 4/13/2016. Sentenced 7/1/2016 to 16 years in federal prison and lifetime supervision. On diocese's list 10/31/2018.

Br. William Wright

Order: GHM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Little Rock AR

Joined the Glenmary order 1978, left in 2006. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Little Rock Diocese when added to its list in 2/2019. Assigned to Holy Cross in Crossett AR 1982-1986. Little Rock stated that Wright was 'confirmed by the Glenmary Home Missioners as having a credible allegation during his time in AR.' On the Glenmary's list 10/11/2019. Added to the Jackson diocese list after the Glenmary list appeared. Wright was transferred in 1986 to St. Francis of Assisi church in Aberdeen MS in the Jackson diocese to coordinate religious education in Aberdeen, with missions in Houston and Okolona. He came from Holy Cross church in Crossett AR.  Glenmary states that Wright also worked in the Nashville and Owensboro dioceses. He died in 2011. Included on the Nashville diocese's list in 11/2021.

Fr. Louis W. Wunder

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Died: 01/28/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Two claims against Wunder were included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims. Earliest claimed abuse occurred in 1960s, apparently during his assignments in Clear Lake and/or Dubuque. Worked at Sacred Heart in Waterloo 1969-1975 and on faculty at Columbus High School 1974 through 1975. Died 1/28/1990.

Fr. Camillus Wurtz

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 08/16/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

In 2004 a man complained to St. Benedict's Abbey that Wurtz had molested him when the man was a boarding student at Maur Hill-Mount Academy during the 1960s. The abbot kept Wurtz in ministry until 2/04, after the Review Board deemed the allegation credible and recommended Wurtz's removal. Still a priest at St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison as of a 2/06 website post. Died 8/16/13.