Database of Publicly Accused

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Total Individuals: 71

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Fr. Solomon Bandiho

Ordained: 1994
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Priest of the Bukoba diocese in Tanzania. Administrator of Holy Cross parish in Mesa AZ 7/14-12/14. Caught in a sting seeking to pay for sex with a 16-year-old girl. Arrested 12/12/14 on suspicion of child prostitution. Also assisted at St. Helen in Glendale. Removed from ministry. Doctoral student at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley CA; AZ assignment was part of work-study.

Fr. George V. Bredemann

Ordained: 1983
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Attended three seminaries; one said he should never be a priest. Former executive for Boy Scouts. Abused 15 boys before becoming a priest and at least 8 after. Arrested in 1988. Sentenced to a year in jail in 1989 and lifetime probation (after intervention by Bishop O'Brien). Victims were ages 8, 10 and 14. Arrested in Miami trying to flee to Brazil. Sentenced to 45 years. Civil suits filed in 1990 and 1992; settled in 1991 and 1994. Bishop knew of past allegations prior to ordination. Laicized 2003. Died in prison in 4/12.

Fr. James Bretl

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Died: 10/6/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused in a lawsuit filed in AZ in 2/20 of sexually abusing a girl in the late 1970s or early 1980s while assigned to St. Mark's parish in Phoenix. His accuser also claimed she was abused by Rev. Donald Verhagen. Bretl died 10/6/2010 in Tennessee. Per his obituary, worked in Tanzania, Carson City NV, Phoenix AZ, "various locations in the Midwest," and Smithville TN.

Fr. Joseph Cervantez Briceno

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 1992 after accusations he abused a young brother and sister in early 1980s. Privileges not permanently removed until 2002. Indicted 2003. Left for Mexico in 1992 and was an active priest there. Diocese asked him to return but he refused. Finally waived extradition and was returned to Phoenix in 1/06. Trial started 10/11/06. Pleaded guilty 10/16/06. Sentenced to 2 years in prison and 3 years probation, and to register as sex offender. Laicized in 2010.

Fr. Richard Edmund Butler

Order: OP
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Worked in Tucson at St. Thomas More Newman Center 1968-74. Chaplain-director of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, a Mexican mariachi band of young men between the ages of 13-17, and travelled with them on tour throughout the United States and Mexico. He died in 1988. In 3/03 the diocese reviewed personnel files and announced that Butler and others had been subjects of credible allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Fr. William T. Byrne

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Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Accused of molesting a youth in the 1970s. Suit filed in 4/99. At least one other suit filed against Byrne. In 2/02 the Diocese announced it had settled 11 civil suits involving 10 plaintiffs for $14M, some claiming abuse by Byrne.Two sisters filed suit in 8/02 alleging that Byrne abused their brothers during the 1960s and that the brothers then abused the two sisters. At least one of the brothers had participated in the 2/02 settlement. Byrne died in 1991.

Fr. Carlos B. Cocio

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per a 6/02 statement from the Diocese, Cocio was suspended form ministry in 1993 after allegations of sexual misconduct with an adult. Also in 1993, a parent made an allegation to the Diocese concerning child sexual abuse that had been reported to the sheriff in 1989. Sheriff decided not to prosecute, but a report was given to the Diocese at that time. Still on leave per 2002 Catholic Directory. Accused in a federal lawsuit filed in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo CA of raping a teenage boy repeatedly over several days in 1980. The boy allegedly told his parish priests in Nogales and one of them, Msgr. Walter Rosensweig, laughed at him and later also abused him. In 4/21 Cocio is reportedly deceased.

Fr. Patrick J. Colleary

Ordained: 1974
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused in 2002 of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1979. Arrested in 12/02 but released on technicality because incident had been reported to police more than 7 years previously. Fled to Ireland. A woman said he 'seduced' her in the mid-1970s when she was age 17. Accused of abuse of another boy in the 1970s and indicted in 2003. Extradition denied. Civil suit filed and settled.

Fr. Jorge Washington Cordova Hernandez

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Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

From the Quito, Ecuador diocese Accused in 2005 of abusing two teenage girls during his assignment to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma from 1988 to 1991. Indicted. Fled to Ecuador before he could be arrested. Arrested by police in Spain in 6/07 and was expected to be extradited to the US. Indicted in two counties. Died in 2018.

Fr. Adrian Cristobal

Ordained: 1989
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

From Diocese of Agana, Guam; former Chancellor under Archbishop Apuron, later found guilty by Vatican of child sexual abuse. Added to the Diocese of Phoenix list 12/23/19, where he had faculties 12/17-4/18. No known allegations in Phoenix. Recalled to home diocese 4/18; defied orders to return to Guam. Location unknown as of 3/20. Sued by four men in Agana alleging abuse as boys 1995-2013. Archdiocese seeking laicization. Cristobal took appeal to the Vatican.

Fr. John P. Doran

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per news in 9/02, Doran was accused of abuse in 1963. A church spokesman said the diocese was also aware of another potential allegation from the same time period. Abuse may have actually occurred in Phoenix, which was part of the Tucson diocese at the time. Doran retired in 1990 and died in 1997. Accused in two lawsuits filed 9/2/20 of abusing two boys, who were St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners, in the 1970s. At least one other suit filed.

Fr. George M. Dyke

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Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Dyke, who died in 1971, was placed on leave in 1965 and was laicized in 1968 at his own request. Trained at Catholic University in Washington DC 1949-1951. Dean 1953-1960. His name was released in 2003 by the Tucson diocese as having been named in credible accusations of child molestation. No information on victims or time of abuse.

Fr. Laurence A. Florez

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for Gallup NM diocese. Priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was when established in 1969. Two men, one of them his nephew, claimed abuse over a period of several years by Florez, J. Giandelone, and Henry Perez. Abuse of both boys allegedly occurred while Florez was under treatment at St. Joseph's Center. Civil suit filed 6/30/93. On 5/16/96 the AZ Supreme Court ruled that one plaintiff's case was barred by the statute of limitations. No mention of second plaintiff in ruling. Florez left the priesthood before the suit was filed. He died in 2002. Added to the Gallup diocese's list in 12/18.

Fr. Dale J. Fushek

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Vicar General 2000-2004. Named Monsignor 2/02. Civil suit settled 2002. Accused of sexual harassment by a Life Teen staff member. Criminal charges filed 11/05 claiming abuse of five youths 1985-94. Another civil suit filed in 2005 alleged that he gave a youth alcohol and masturbated while the youth was molested by Mark Lehman. This suit settled in 12/06 for $100K. In 2007 Fushek established the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, AZ. Executive Director. Excommunicated by Bishop 12/08 for offering his own non-denominational services. Laicization announced 2/16/10. Pled guilty to one count in 4/10. Sentenced to 364 days probation.

Fr. John Maurice Giandelone

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Arrested in 1984. Confessed that he had molested a youth for several years. Civil suit filed 3/04. Pled guilty in 1985 to attempted sexual misconduct with a minor; sentenced to 1 year in jail on work furlough and 5 years probation. Laicized in 1992. Named in other civil suits in 1993 and 2003. Convicted again in 2003 and sentenced to 1 year, 10 months in prison and 3 years probation for abuse in 1979. Living in Ft. Myers, FL as of 2/10. On national Sex Offender Registry. Reportedly voluntarily left the priesthood.

Fr. Charles Gielow

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 06/29/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Phoenix Diocese announced in 3/14 that the Claretians had recently revealed a credible allegation against Gielow involving sexual abuse of a minor in the late 1970s. Assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott 1960-66. Also spent time at CA State at Los Angeles and East Los Angeles Colleges before becoming Chaplain of Newman Club at Southwest Texas State Univ (San Marcos) 1969-75. Also worked at Cursillo Center, later known as the Mount Claret Retreat Center, 1/76-6/80. Died 06/29/80.

Fr. Robert A. Gluch

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Multiple allegations. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing a boy beginning in 1965 when the boy was age 13. Sued at least twice in 2003 in Arizona. Also sued in California. Died in 1993. At least two claims included in Tucson settlement as part of bankruptcy. Accused in a federal lawsuit in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA of abusing an altar boy in 1978. The boy and his mother told Bishop Green, who moved Gluch to a Brisbee parish. At least 9 known alleged victims in AZ and CA.

Fr. Harold P. Graf

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Suspended in 6/02 for sexual misconduct with a child. Diocese reportedly learned of abuse in 1994; another says 1974. On-line petition in support of Graf said the matter occurred 28 years prior and was handled then. Per a 5/03 article, Graf had been assigned to nine parishes and the Newman Center at Northern AZ University prior to his suspension. Permanently barred from ministry by Bishop O'Brien. No criminal or civil charges filed.

Fr. Gavin Griffith

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1965
Status: Indicted

Died: 03/11/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes allegations received in 1987 of the sexual abuse of minors 1979-85. Assigned during those years to the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Died in 2017. Added to Phoenix list, which notes no allegations in the diocese. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, noting he worked in the diocese 1965-66.

Fr. Juan Guillen

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Pled guilty in 2003 to abuse of three boys. Received 10-year sentence & lifetime probation. Seven plaintiffs filed four civil suits by 2004. Some abuse alleged to have occurred in Monterey CA diocese. Some claims included in 2005/2006 settlement in AZ. Trial of one suit filed in CA was set for 6/09. Suit alleged abuse of one youth for years by Guillen and Velez, beginning in 1988 when boy was age eight. Settled 5/09 for $1.2M. Removed from priesthood 2005. Released from prison 10/11 and broke probation. On Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes report to diocese in 2003 of abuse in 1992.

Fr. Joseph John Henn

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1978
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Civil suit filed in 6/03 by one accuser. Indicted by grand jury 7/03 on 13 counts of molestation of 3 boys 1979-81. Found working in Rome and arrested in 7/05. Fought extradition while living under house arrest in Rome. Official extradition ordered 7/06, but Henn fled just prior to announcement, whereabouts unknown. Civil suit settled for $50K in 2006. Expelled from the Salvatorians and removed from the priesthood in 2006. Arrested in Italy 5/28/19 after trying to use his expired U.S. passport to pick up medicine, per his attorney. Italian police said he was arrested after requesting help at an immigrant assistance center using a false name. Extradited to AZ, arraigned 6/14/19 on 13 charges of child sex abuse. Suit filed in 2/20.

Fr. Edward Henriques

Order: OFM
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named in a 2008 civil suit as possible abuser of a 6-year-old girl in Santa Barbara in 1964. Accuser said a Franciscan brother would force her to strip in front of him and he would fondle her repeatedly. Suit also says another Franciscan, possibly Henriques, was also present. Henriques left the priesthood in the 1960s and has since died. On the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/19. It notes allegations received in 1949 and 2005 of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1949 and 1963. Henriques was assigned in 1949 to St. John's in Laveen, AZ. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, noting he had faculties there 1958-60.

Fr. Charles Knapp

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

In 3/21 a woman joined a lawsuit filed in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson, the Archdiocese of L.A. and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA, claiming Knapp sexually abusing her when she was age 5, in the 1970s. She said Knapp was a guest in her family's home, and that the abuse occurred in her bedroom under the guise of play while her parents were preparing dinner. She had come forward to the diocese in 6/19; Knapp was suspended. The Diocesan Review Board reportedly determined that the allegations could not be "reasonably substantiated" and recommended Knapp be returned to public ministry. The woman said Knapp also abused her best friend at the time, under similar circumstances.

Fr. Karl LeClaire

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 2001. A man filed suit in 8/02 alleging that LeClaire abused him for 7 years beginning when he was age 13. LeClaire was parish priest and principal of parish grade school. LeClaire would take the boy with him on trips and cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean. Indicted in 5/03 and pled guilty in 10/04. Sentenced in 1/05 to a year in ail and three years probation. One claim of abuse in 1993 settled for $40K in 2006. Laicized in 2017.

Fr. Mark Allen Lehman

Ordained: 1988
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 1990. Sentenced in 1992 to 10 years in prison without parole for fondling a young girl. Sentenced to life time parole for abuse of three additional girls and one boy. Released from prison in 2002. Diocese provided financial support while in prison and gave him $1000 and other benefits when released. A 1/05 civil suit alleging abuse of a youth in 1985 was settled 12/06 for $100K. Laicized 4/12/06. Listed on AZ sex offender registry. Died in 2018.

Fr. Joseph Marcel Lessard

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. Two felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors in a plea bargain after Bishop O'Brien wrote to the judge requesting leniency because Lessard was remorseful. Sentence was three years probation and a $100 fine. Continued to work as priest, including time as a hospital chaplain in the Rockford IL diocese. Removed from ministry by hospital and Rockford diocese in 2/01. Removed from ministry by Phoenix diocese 2002. Phoenix diocese settled the civil case in 2006 for $50K. Living in Thailand per 11/06 article. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/18.

Fr. Mark A. Liening

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named publicly as accused by the Franciscans' Santa Barbara Province on its list 5/31/19. It notes an allegation reported in 2007 of the sexual abuse of a minor 1943-44. Assigned at the time to St. Mary's in Phoenix, AZ. Died in 1985. First assignment in San Diego in 1941. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019. On the Las Cruces diocese's list (misspelled Leining) 6/24/19, where he worked 1951-53, 1962-64, 1979-85 Included in 8/21 on the Diocese of Fresno's list, where he was assigned in 1970.

Fr. Jorge Ortiz Lopez

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 02/25/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

A man filed suit in 1994 alleging that Lopez molested him in the rectory of Sacred Heart in Prescott when he was an altar boy in 1975. Police report at the time indicated that the victim was intoxicated when he entered Lopez's room, and that Lopez admitted full responsibility for the abuse. He promised to pay for victim's counseling but did not. The suit settled in 1996. Also worked in the Oakland and Fresno dioceses. On the Franciscans' Santa Barbara Province's list 5/31/18. It notes an allegation reported in 1992 of the sexual abuse of a minor 1975-76. Lopez died in 2004. Noted in the Necrology section of the Official Catholic Directory to have been a Chiapas, MX Franciscan. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019. Included in 8/21 on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused, where he was assigned 1988-93.

Fr. Saul Madrid

Ordained: 1985
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

From Mexico. A man filed suit in 6/03 alleging that Madrid drugged and sexually assaulted him in 1987 when he was a minor. Suit says officials of the archdiocese used spiritual arguments and victim's devout faith to keep him from filing a lawsuit or reporting the abuse when it occurred. Madrid was sent for treatment to Paraclete center in 1988, then reassigned. Resigned in 2002. Civil suit settled 2005.

Fr. Fernando L. Manzo

Ordained: 1983
Status: None

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Civil suit filed 1/04 by Manzo's nephew alleging abuse by his uncle for 4 years, beginning when Plaintiff was 8. Some of the abuse is alleged to have occurred at San Felipe De Jesus Parish in Nogales so Diocese is named as a Defendant. Police investiga

Fr. Francis Miller

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Order: OCD
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Ordained for the Order of Discalced Carmelites in 1949. Apparently worked at St. Margaret Mary parish in the Tucson diocese between 1955 and 1963. He left the diocese in 1963. As of 2005 he was living in a retirement facility run by the Order. A 3/03 article reports credible accusations of child molestation against him. Placed on leave.

Deacon Ray Miranda

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Deacon. Assigned 1982-83 to St. Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista. He and five priests were identified by the diocese in 2003 as child abusers. Miranda was suspended from all ministry in 1983 and was not returned to ministry as a deacon.

Fr. Harry R. Morgan

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Ordained: 1953
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/18/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for the Gallup diocese. Became a priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was created in 1969. Arrested 2/17/75 on charges he abused a 9-year-old boy at Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills AZ. The boy told Morgan that his boy scout leader, Don Davis, sexually abused him; Morgan told the boy to show him what happened. Morgan pled no contest 8/75. Sentenced to 10 years probation 10/75. He was returned reassigned to a parish in Dayton OH, in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Died in 1995. Newly named on Phoenix diocese's list released 10/15/12. Added to Gallup diocese's list 12/10/18.

Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Phoenix bishop 1982-2003. In 6/03, to avoid indictment on a charge of obstructing justice, admitted to covering up child sex abuse by priests, a felony. Arrested days later, charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident. Resigned. Convicted in 2/04, received probation and community service. Accused in 1/16 lawsuit of repeated sexual abuse of a boy when he was a 2nd to 5th grader at St. Aquinas in Litchfield and St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, 1977-1982. Abuse allegedly including oral sex. O'Brien denied the allegations. Diocese notified in 9/16. Died 8/26/18.

Fr. John A. Oliver

Ordained: 1952
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per news in 2002, in 1967 Oliver was alleged to have picked up a 14-year-old boy who was hitchhiking home. Instead of taking him home, the boy said Oliver drove him to a house, gave him alcohol and molested him. Diocese said Oliver pleaded guilty, but it is unclear what plea involved. Sentenced to 6 or 7 years probation. Sheriff's report from case included a comment suggesting prior cover-ups by the diocese. Retired in 2000; placed on leave 5/02. Supervised accused priest R. Trupia. Deceased prior to 8/11.

Deacon Maxwell Rollin Pelton

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Worked as deacon 11/1991-10/2000 at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood. Retired in 2000. Arrested 10/09 and charged with molesting a 10-year-old boy for several months. Faculties revoked by bishop. Named in civil suit filed 5/10. Died 11/11/10 before final charges filed.

Fr. Henry Perez

Ordained: 1973
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Priest of the Diocese of Phoenix 1976-84. Incardinated into the Diocese of Orange in 1989. Placed on leave in 1991 after the diocese learned of allegations in AZ. Sued twice in Phoenix 1993. Accused of taking boys on trips from AZ to CA, giving them drugs and forcing them into orgies with other priests. Appears on both L.A. archdiocese report errata and on Orange report of abusive priests. Two civil suits 2003. Left priesthood to marry. Indicted in Phoenix 2003 for abuse of two in the 1970s-early 1980s. Working in 2002 with children as a "self described Anglican Catholic priest." Died of a heart attack at age 63 in 2003.

Fr. George Pirrung

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Accused in 2003 of molesting a boy in the mid-1950s. Tucson Diocese then searched archives and found two more allegations dating to 1966. Archives revealed no action on the part of diocese. Faculties removed. Reports referred to police; no action expected due to statute of limitations. All allegations deemed credible. Died in 2016.

Fr. Thomas Patrick Purcell

Order: SM
Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Professed vows in 1959 as a Marianist, Province of St. Louis. Worked in MO, IL, TX, AZ. Ordained in 1972. Left the Order in 1990. Incardinated in 1990 into the Diocese of Fresno. Faculties revoked 3/15/96. Name appeared in a 6/02 news article listing 15 priests with ties to the Tucson diocese who had been accused of child sexual abuse. Purcell worked in the Tucson diocese 1982-84 as a visiting priest. Convicted in 2003 of abuse of a 13-year-old in 1982-83. Received a 9.5-year sentence. In 8/11, referred to by Tucson as a Diocese of Fresno priest suspended from ministry. Included on the Marianists' 6/24/20 list of accused. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, where he worked summer 1981 and 1/1-3/1 1982. Included on the Diocese of Fresno's list in 2021.

Fr. Paul J. Ranft

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Ordained: 1940
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

A woman filed suit 6/04 alleging abuse by Ranft and six other priests while she was a student at Immaculate Heart Academy 1962-1965. Ranft is the main abuser listed in the petition; the other priests are mostly identified only by last names. Ranft, who died in 2001 at age of 86, moved to Tucson from Kentucky in 1953 because of health problems, including severe asthma.

Bishop James S. Rausch

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Former Secretary General of the NCCB. Bishop of the Phoenix diocese from 1977 until his death in 1981. In 11/01 a man gave a deposition in a case involving the Tucson diocese and Msgr. Robert Trupia, in which he stated that he was 17 when he began a sexual relationship with Rausch and over 18 when he was involved with Trupia and William T. Byrne. Trupia attempted to blackmail the diocese in 1992 by saying that he would release info on Bishop Rausch and the young man.

Fr. Claudio Riol

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Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Riol, a native of Peru, was added 12/04 to the Diocese's list of priests with "credible allegations." He worked in the Diocese between 1960 and 1966. Also named in 4/05 civil suit re abuse at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent in Tucson.

Sr. Rosaria Riter

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Order: OSB
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

In 11/03 the Diocese of Tucson announced credible sexual abuse allegations against Sr. Riter dating back to 1949-1953 when she served on faculty of Sacred heart School. Riter died in 1996. Allegations were reported to police. Complainant was a boy at the time of the abuse but no other specific information as to age.

Fr. Walter F. Rosensweig

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Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Former Chancellor. Placed on leave in 1996. In 3/96 a man sued Rosensweig and the Diocese alleging abuse by the priest as a teen on at least two occasions in 1981. Suit settled out of court in 8/97 without an amount disclosed. Retired in 2001. Removed from public ministry in 6/02. Named in a second lawsuit filed in 11/03. Named in a federal lawsuit against the Diocese of Tucson and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as molesting a boy in 1980, after the boy told him he had been raped by Rev. Carlos Cocio.

Fr. Charles Rourke

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 04/14/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Rourke was suspended from ministry in 1984 for alcohol-related medical reasons. Diocese became aware of allegations of child abuse against him. On leave of absence 1969-1973 and assigned to Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Returned to Tucson diocese 1973-1975 and 1981-1984, with another leave of absence 1975-1981 between those assignments. Died by suicide 4/14/93 while under investigation for alleged abuse of children in Albuquerque. Named in civil suit which settled in 2006 as part of Tucson bankruptcy. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. On Diocese of San Bernardino list 10/9/18. Diocese aware in 1979 of alleged abuse in 1979.

Fr. Jude Ruetten

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Given name is Charles. Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in 1963 received in 1993. Ruetten was assigned to St. John's in Komatke, AX 1960-63, the to Pueblo, CO in 1964. He left the order in 1967. Added to the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, where he worked 1956-59.

Fr. Julian Sanz

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Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

From Spain. Arrived in the Tucson diocese in 1980. Incardinated in 1994. Placed on leave in 10/02 after a youth said he had been molested in 8/02. Another victim came forward later to say he was molested at age 11 during confession in 1982. Sanz was arrested in 2/03 on two counts of sexual abuse of a child. Pled no contest. Sentenced in 10/03 to five years in prison. Civil suit filed in 1/04 by the victim in criminal charges. Removed from priesthood in 2010.

Fr. Clemens M. Schlueter

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville. Moved to Diocese of Tucson in 1961. Name spelled variously as "Schleuter" and "Schlueter, " consistently "Schlueter" after 1965 in the Catholic Directory. Incardinated into the Tucson diocese in 1978. Retired in 1990. Announcement in 6/02 that Schlueter had been suspended from ministry in 1997 after the diocese learned of an allegation of child abuse dating to the 1960s. Died in 9/09.

Fr. Wilputte Alanson Sherwood

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/29/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Arrested in 1984 and 1986 for public indecency. Arrested and convicted in 1993 of sexual contact and attempted sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy in 1987 at St. Benedict's in Chandler. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Wrote in diary of over 1800 male partners, of whom 22 were minors. Released from jail in 11/03 and placed at Arizona State Hospital for evaluation as a sex offender. On lifetime probation. Disappeared in 2005 until 11/08 arrest. On AZ sex offender registry 2/4/12. Died 12/29/17.

Fr. James A. Sinnerud

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Suspended in 11/18 from Creighton Prep in Omaha NE after an allegation of sexual misconduct occurring prior to his time as a teacher there 1987-2008. He remained involved in the school beyond his 2008 retirement. Accused in a lawsuit filed by a man in 9/20 under the AZ Child Victims Act of sexually abusing him as a Brophy Prep student in the 1980s. Sinnerud was a Brophy Prep teacher and coach 1980-87.

Fr. John D. Spaulding

Order: SC
Ordained: 1971
Status: Indicted

Died: 02/25/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Removed without faculties 6/11 when accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in the mid-1980s at St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale. Review board found allegation credible. County Attorney did not investigate because alleged victim was deceased. A second man filed a complaint 8/11; no prosecution due to SOL. Two more accusers came forward. Father of original victim filed suit 6/12; dismissed. Special Tribunal in Rome 1/14 recommended laicization. In 6/19 a man alleged Spaulding abused him as a boy. Indicted in 1/20 related to accusations he abused two boys under age 15 in 2003-07, while assigned to St. Gabriel's in Phoenix and St. Timothy's in Mesa. Per Spaulding's attorney in 2/20, the priest was too ill to appear in court for his arraignment. Rescheduled for 3/6/20, but Spaulding died 2/25/20.

Seminarian Phillip G. Speers

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Speers, a former seminary student and teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma, was accused of abusing at least five girls in a second grade class in 1999-2000 and with possession of child pornography. Settlement of $1.8M in 2003 with the girls and their families. Convicted in 2002 and 2003 but decisions reversed by AZ court of appeals. Retried in 8/07 and found guilty. Sentenced to 34 years in prison. Possession of child porn charges dropped.

Fr. Steven Gerard Stencil

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Vocations director. In 2000 a youth told church officials that Stencil groped him at a pool party in 1999 at age 17. Matter turned over to police. No charges. Church investigation deemed the incident accidental. Same youth complained again in 2002. Placed on leave in 2001 after violating diocesan policy forbidding priests from being in the company of minors overnight. He had taken a trip to Mexico with one parent and several teenage boys. Diocese said he was "removed from priesthood" in 2011.

Fr. Floyd G. Stromberg

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Named in a 9/02 news article about sexual misconduct with minors. Retired in 3/02; placed on leave in 7/02 after confirming a 1966 allegation that surfaced in 6/02. Named in a 4/05 civil suit as one of several abusers of a girl at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent 1954-68. Also named in a 3/06 suit by a man claiming abuse at the same convent. Stromberg died 12/2007.

Br. Richard Allen Suttle

Order: CMF
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused 2008 of sexual abuse 1982-83 at Sacred Heart grammar school in Prescott AZ as teacher and coach. Phoenix diocese investigated; referred case to Claretians whose review board found allegation credible, i.e. possible. Suttle denied the allegations. Bourgade Catholic HS in Phoenix 1988-98; Vietnam missionary 2002; principal of Sacred Heart 2006-2008. In residence IHM parish in San Antonio TX Summer 2008. Assigned in 2010 to direct HS in East Nigeria. As of 6/13 in Buenos Aires Argentina with Claretian UN team.

Fr. Michael J. Teta

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Transferred to Tucson from the Trenton diocese in 1978. Incardinated into the Tucson diocese in 1982. Abuse alleged to have occurred during his first assignment in Tucson 1978-80. Placed on leave in 1991. Accused of child abuse in several of the 11 lawsuits filed 1999-2002 which were settled by the Tucson diocese in 1/02. Named in another suit filed in 9/04. Laicization announced 8/5/04. Often associated with R. Trupia, another abuser. Diocese paid him $900 per month 1991-2004. Accused in a suit filed in 1/21 of abuse of a minor while assigned to St. Joseph's in Bound Brook 1974-77.

Fr. James Thompson

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Order: CM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Thompson's name appears for the first time in 2/04 news articles reflecting information released by the Diocese on 26 priests with credible accusations of child sexual abuse. Reportedly assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix in 1964-65 when the parish was in the Diocese of Tucson. Died in 1982.

Fr. Robert C. Trupia

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Served as Judicial Vicar. Accusations date back to seminary. Suspended in 1992. Named in several suits 1994-2002. Claims included in 11 lawsuits which were settled by the Tucson diocese in 1/02. Arrested and charged in 2001. Seven criminal charges dismissed on SOL in 2001. One suit was set for trial in 6/04. Bishop Moreno and other diocese staff did affidavits regarding Trupia's refusal of treatment in 1992 and his blackmail and allegations about another Bishop in the diocese. Laicized in 2004. Living in MD in 2010.

Fr. Gary E. Underwood

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Arraigned in 11/06 on eight counts of molesting two boys under the age of 15 in 1983 and 1984 at St. Odilia's Catholic Church, where he was assigned 1982-88. Working as Air Force chaplain in Louisiana when placed on leave by the diocese. Indicted again in 5/07 on charges of abusing another youth in 1985-86. Pleaded guilty in 5/08 to abuse of three. Sentenced in 8/08 to ten years in prison and lifetime probation. In 7/09 probation reduced to three years.

Fr. John William Vovko

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/22/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for the Diocese of Cleveland. Transferred to AZ in about 1986. Mesa High School teacher. Convicted in 1990; sentenced to one year in jail for trying to molest a two-year-old boy. Lifetime probation. Teaching certificate was to have been revoked. Shown as "absent on leave" from Cleveland in the 1988 Catholic Directory. Died in 12/10. Included on the Cleveland diocese's list of credibly accused 6/21/19.

Fr. Richard Zamorano

Ordained: 1993
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Priest of the Diocese of El Paso. Moved to Tucson in 2002 to care for his mother. Taught there at Salpointe Catholic High School and helped out in parishes. Also in 2002 Zamorano adopted two boys from Mexico. Reportedly in 2014, Zamorano was removed from ministry by the Tucson diocese in 2012 after he allegedly took a mentally disabled adult parishioner to a motel, gave him alcohol and sexually assaulted him. The District Attorney's office investigated but no charges were filed. A civil suit filed in 6/14 named Zamorano, the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of El Paso. Per the 2017 Catholic Directory, he was still part of El Paso, absent on leave.

Br. Douglas Zlatis

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Died: 12/2/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Member of the Edmund Rice, or Irish, Christian Brothers. Entered the order in 1959. Named publicly as accused by the Phoenix diocese on its list 10/29/19. Assigned 2001-08 to St. Matthew's in Phoenix, where he was the school's vice-principal. Previously worked in Chicago IL, Peru, Staten Island NY, Burbank, IL, Honolulu HI, and Seattle WA. Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of sexually abusing a student at Damien Memorial High School in HI. Also accused in a 2016 lawsuit in HI of abusing a Damien Memorial High student in 1982. Died 12/02/09.