Database of Publicly Accused

Accused of abuse of boys in the 1960s-1980s. Parent complained in 1957; nothing done. Another complained 1995. Suit filed 1997; dismissed on SOL. Name publicly released when one man settled for $65K in 2005. Retired in 1993; died in 1998. Name on list of abusive priests released 11/16/06. More suits filed 12/06 and 7/08. A 2006 suit settled in 4/09 for $1.5M. Plaintiff died day after signing settlement. At least three other settlements 2010 and 2011. Personnel files released in 2/12.

Name released by Bishop Saltarelli on 11/16/06 list of abusive priests. At that time, a woman said she reported to his associate pastor in 1967 that Clarahan had abused a male friend of hers on a school trip. He did nothing and told her no one would believe her. Clarahan transferred to another parish in 1978 and then to MD in 1983. Removed from ministry in 1993. Died in 5/99. Three separate suits filed in 10/08 alleged abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Two brothers filed suit in 12/08. Personnel files released in 2/12.

Credible allegation of abuse. Name first released on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli on 11/16/06. Died 1975. Personnel file released 2/12. On new list of accused priests 2/16/12.

Accused of molesting two youths. Confronted with allegations in 1993 and sent for treatment. Reassigned to an office job but left the order in 2003. One confidential settlement for $100K in 1995; another in 1996. Two new civil suits filed in 2008 and two other accusers known. Living in Jersey City 11/08 and performing baptisms, funeral rites and weddings. Another civil suit filed 3/09. 9 accusers settled 11/11 as part of $7M total settlement. Reportedly in one case, Daleo abused a 4th grade boy in the 1970s, continuing for 4 years.

Barred from ministry, sent for counseling and retired after multiple accusations in 1993 of abuse in the 1960s. Criminally charged in 10/06 with abuse of a 12-13 year old youth in Syracuse, NY around 2000. Name on list released in 11/06. Pleaded guilty 6/28/07. Sentenced to 60 days in jail and 6 years probation in 9/07. One suit settled in 2/08. Multiple suits filed 2008-2009. Laicized in 8/08. Diocese filed bankruptcy 10/09. Judge found for plaintiff in civil trial in 11/10. Damages awarded 12/2/10. Personnel file released in 2/12. Accused in a suit in 8/19 of abusing a boy, age 10 or 11, in 1955 at Camp Tekakwitha in Lake Luzerne NY.

In late 1960s, Dempster was given the responsibility of investigating allegations against his close friend, Rev. Frank DeLuca. He told the complaining family to never speak of the matter again; the family thus thought the church was taking care of the matter. Name on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/2006. Dempster was removed from ministry in 1993. Claim settled. Suit filed against him personally. Last known to be living in MD. Personnel file released in 2/2012. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in DE and PA announced settlement 8/4/11 with 40 victims of sexual abuse who filed suits in DE. Plaintiffs to share in $24.8M settlement as will 150 victims who settled earlier with the Wilmington diocese. One of the terms was that the Order release names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. Drelich is one of the 12. Removed from ministry in 2010. Living in 2011 in a monitored location in MD.

Retired in 1966 and died in 1969. Credible allegation of abuse. Name first released on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06. Personnel File released 2/12.

Diocese knew prior to ordination about behavior with boys. Accused in 1985 of abusing a boy; placed on leave. Boy sued in 1989; settled with diocese. Dudzinski was sent for treatment. Put on probation by VA Board of Counseling 10/10/02 for boundary violations with two boys he was counseling. Ordered 5/16/03 to surrender counseling license after Board learned of the 1989 suit. Named in a 11/08 civil suit by family of youth who died by suicide in 1987. Judge upheld right to sue in 5/09. Laicized. Another suit filed 5/09.

Placed on leave by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia after a lawsuit was filed in 6/09 in Delaware alleging abuse of a youth approximately 30 years previously at Salesianum High School in Wilmington. Dunne had passed both the Archdiocesan and Order's screening procedures. He denied the allegation.

Credible allegation of abuse. Name first released on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06. Died Oct. 10, 1989. Personnel file released 2/12.

Accused in a suit filed in 4/09 of repeated sexual abuse of a high school boy in 1982-84, starting when the boy was 16. The principal of the school, James W. O'Neill (accused by another student), apparently knew about Grant's abuse of the boy. Grant reportedly became a parish priest in FL in 1992 and died of AIDS in 1993. Name released as part of Oblate $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals in 8/11. Assigned at one time to Salesianum School.

From Ireland. Graduated from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. Spent his entire career in MD and DE. Retired in 12/74. Died 04/16/00. Apparently he was named in a civil suit filed in DE in 2009; his personnel file was to be released in 11/09 by the Wilmington diocese as part of the diocese's bankruptcy filing. File released in 2/12.

Oblates in DE and PA announced settlement 8/4/11 with 40 victims of sexual abuse who filed suits in DE. Plaintiffs to share in $24.8M settlement as well as 150 victims who settled earlier with the Wilmington diocese. One of the terms was that the Order release names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. Harvey was one of the 12. He died in 1971. of Assignments included Salesianum School.

Assigned to St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington 1960-61. Accused of abuse by one person at Salesianum High School in 1969 in a suit filed 6/15/09. Died 6/21/02. Oblates in DE and PA announced settlement 8/4/11 with 40 victims of who filed suits in DE. Plaintiffs will share in $24.8M settlement as will 150 victims who settled earlier with Wilmington Diocese. One of terms was that Order release names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. Heckel (spelled Heckle) was on the list.

Accused in a 4/09 civil suit of abusing a boy 1970-72, while the boy was a student at Salesianum School and during visits to NJ and Philadelphia. Taught at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA 1964-67; removed after possible allegations. Transferred to Philadelphia in 1972. Oblates in DE and PA announced $24.8M settlement 8/4/11 with 40 victims who filed suits in DE. One of terms was release of names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. Hermley was on the list. Died in 1983.

In 4/02 an anonymous caller accused Irwin of child abuse years prior. Irwin reported the call to diocesan officials; he was removed from active ministry. He was semi-retired at the time the allegations were made. Police said not enough info to justify an official investigation. Per a 1/03 article, Irwin had officially resigned from his position and could no longer function as a priest. Worked in MD 1976-1986 before returning to Wilmington. Died in 2005. Records released in 2/12.

Removed in 8/08 when civil suit(s) alleged abuse of four boys at Salesianum High in Wilmington in the mid-1980s. Two reported abuse at the time; Order did nothing. Worked in MD and in Ft. Meyers FL at Bishop Verot High 2006-2008. Had just been assigned to St. Bedethe Venerable in Holland PA when allegations were made. More suits filed 9/08-4/10. All claims with the diocese settled in 2/11. Two men settled with the Oblates in 2/11 for $700K each. Name released as part of 8/11 Oblate $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals.

"Jack." Accused of abuse of two boys in their early teens between 1963-65. The first boy Lind allegedly abused was at St. Catherine of Siena.The second boy was allegedly abused after Lind was transferred in 1965. Removed from active ministry in 1966. Died in 1997. One man received a $68K settlement in 2004. Diocese was negotiating with the second man in 2005. Named on the diocese's 1/06 list of abusive priests. Named in new civil suit by a man in 1/09. Personnel files released in 2/12 show Lind to have been sexually compulsive with boys and men, and that other priests and superiors in the diocese were aware.

Credible allegations of abuse. Named in a civil suit filed in 10/94 (shortly after his death) which alleged abuse of a youth in 1987. Removed from ministry in 1987. Name on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli on 11/16/06. A woman filed a civil suit in 8/08 alleging abuse in 1966 when she was 13. Suit also alleges that there were nine other victims, including two minor males. A man filed a separate suit in 8/08, claiming abuse in 1970. Two suits filed in 9/08. Personnel files released in 2/12.

Worked in MD, DE, CA, WDC. Arrested in 2001 on charges of sexually abusing a boy while a teacher at Loyola Blakefield High School in Towson, MD, beginning in 1977 when the boy was 16. The abuse went on for over two-and-a-half years. Martin worked at the school 1970-1986, prior to ordination. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced under a plea agreement to "probation before judgment" for five years, and not required to register as a sex offender. On list of accused priests released by Wilmington Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/2006. Also on list released by Baltimore Archdiocese in 9/2002. "Formally barred" by Vatican in 9/2008. Worked for entity owned by the Chicago Archdiocese for several years after sentence. Wilmington gave cash payments until 11/2009. Blocked release of personnel files in 12/2012. Pension reinstated by court in 12/2012. Another former Loyola Blakefied student reported in 2018 that Martin groomed him as a student in the early 1970s. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

"Jack." Accused in a 4/09 civil suit of abusing a student at Salesianum School in Wilmington during student's junior year 1985-86. Same plaintiff also alleged abuse by Dennis Killion. Worked in DE, PA and NJ. Died in 10/99. In 6/09, a nephew of Cardinal John J. O'Connor of NY filed suit in DE alleging abuse by McDevitt in Philadelphia in the early 1990s. This was after the Order had already removed McDevitt from a school. Name released as part of 8/11 Oblate $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals. Name included on Harrisburg diocese's 8/1/18 list, accused after his death of having kissed a child. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/13/18.

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in De and PA announced settlement 8/4/2011 with 40 victims who filed suits in DE. Plaintiffs to share in $24.8M settlement as will 150 who settled earlier with the Wilmington diocese. One of the terms was that Order release names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. McGovern is one of the 12. Assigned in MD, WDC, DE, PA, NC. Was pastor and sole priest at Holy Cross church in Kennersville in the Charlotte NC diocese 1980-1986. Not indexed in the Directory in the year before and the year after this assignment.  Assigned to a training program in 1988 in Mexico and Uraguay; two years prior and after the training program are shown as unassigned. Involved with missions in Ecuador in 2006. Removed from ministry in 2008. In 2011 was living at DeSales House in Wilmington DE. On Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/2019. Added to the Raleigh diocese's list in 3/2021.

Named in Whitwell v. Archmere et al. as a "sexual predator" whom the Norbertines "chose to move ... around over the years rather than defrock [him], report [him] to the civil authorities or warn the general public." Named Prior of Archmere Academy in 1993. Died 1/29/04. Court papers in DE bankruptcy said he participated in gang rape of one youth who later died by suicide.

Lawsuit filed 11/30/07 claimed Norris attempted rape in 1962 of a boy attending Salesianum School. Suit alleged school, order and diocese had prior knowledge of abuse by Norris. He died in 1985. In 4/09 three more plaintiffs filed suit claiming abuse at the same school. Case against diocese settled 10/30/09. Jury found order liable 11/09 but awarded no damages. New trial ordered 2/22/11. Name released as part of 8/11 Oblate $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals.

Accused in 6/09 civil suit of abusing one anonymous plaintiff in early 1960s. Director of CYO between 1962-2003. Died 1/03. Diocese said there had been no previous complaints. Personnal file to be released 11/09. New lawsuit filed 6/10 re abuse in 1960

Accused in 2004 DE suit of abuse of a youth 1976-1985. Moved to Philadelphia in 1985 after complaint. Working in Charlotte, NC when suit was filed. Removed 2003. In 12/06, Court ruled that suit could go forward but not on original claim from 1985. Did not appear for deposition because he was working in South Africa. O'Neill admitted the abuse. Order settled in 3/08. Diocese settled in 5/08. Name released as part of 8/11 Oblate $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals. Living in a monitored setting. On Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19.

Oblates in DE and PA announced settlement 8/4/11 with 40 victims of sexual abuse who filed suits in DE. Plaintiffs to share in $24.8M settlement and 150 victims who settled earlier with Wilmington Diocese. One of terms was that Order release names of 12 Oblates with substantiated allegations of abuse. Paul was one. Assignments included Salesianum School in DE, also worked in Dioceses of Erie, Allentown, Buffalo, and the archdioceses of Philadelphia and New York. Named in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Report 4/79 to Allentown diocese that Paul was molesting little girls at Sacred Heart in New Philadelphia. Another claim a few months later re a young girl. Left diocese, assigned to St. Joachim in Philadelphia. Died in 1982.

The diocese announced 7/25/19 that Porter was removed from ministry and his faculties suspended due to an accusation it received 3/1/19 of "sexual misconduct" with a teenager 38 years prior. Per the diocese, state police closed its investigation 7/19/19 due to the statute of limitations. The abuse allegedly occurred at Our Lady of Fatima in New Castle. Wilmington police were continuing to investigate similar allegations. Assignments included parish priest, pastor, high school teacher and principal.

Credible allegation of abuse. Name first released on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06. Retired in 1983; Died in 1998. Named in a civil suit filed in 9/08 in DE by a man who alleged abuse at Saint Helena Church in Wilmington in the 1950s. Suit says DE officials knew of Power's history and transferred him to MD about 1957. Also named in a 9/08 suit in DE by a man who alleged abuse in MD 1952-54. New suit filed in 6/10 claimed abuse in the 1970s. Personnel files released in 2/12.

Placed on leave in 6/09 after accused by an anonymous plaintiff in a newly-filed civil suit. Plaintiff said he was abused on two occasions in the 1960s. Richardson denied all accusations. Worked since 1982 as a drug and alcohol counselor. In 1989 he was assigned to Center for Pastoral Care. Part-time chaplain of St. Edmond's Academy. Faculties restored by Diocese 11/19/09 after investigation could not find credible evidence. Died 02/14/14.

Credible allegation of abuse of a minor in 1981. Removed from ministry 2003. Name appears on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06. Fighting release of personnel files in 2/12.

Credible allegation of abuse, stemming from early 1980s while working in Papua New Guinea. Diocese said it learned of this in 1997; removed from ministry 1998. Name first released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06 on list of abusive priests. Living in monitored religious community in Maryland. As of 11/09 Diocese was still paying his pension and health benefits and paying $4,000/mo for his assisted living expenses. Personnel files released 2/12. Bishop said diocese applied for laicization in 2009, but Vatican did not approve. Sarro charged in 1/18 with fondling and rape of a girl under age 16 in the early 1991-1994, when he pastor of St. Helena in Bellefonte. Sarro stated it "happened by accident." Pled not guilty 2/9/18. Died in 7/23/18, six months before scheduled trial.

In 11/05 an allegation of sexual abuse in 1973 in the Wilmington diocese was made against Shannon. Shannon's alleged victim said that the abuse occurred when he was age 16 and a camp counselor in training in MD. The Order found the allegation credible. Shannon was placed on leave and reportedly sent to the Oblates' retirement community in Childs, MD. Name included on Harrisburg diocese's 8/1/18 list. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/19.

Credible allegation of abuse. Name first released on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli 11/16/06. Died in 1989. Civil suit filed in 10/08 alleged abuse of a 14-year-old boy, beginning in the 1980s. Personnel records released 2/16/12 as part of bankruptcy process

Accused for the first time in 2010 in 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 2/12. A list in 2/12 of accused priests shows he was laicized.

Name appears on list of priests whose personnel files were to be released in 11/09 as part of Wilmington Diocese's bankruptcy filing.

Name on list of abusive priests released by Bishop Saltarelli on 11/16/06. Removed from ministry 2003; living in Norwood, PA. Civil suit filed by a woman in 6/09 alleged abuse in 1986 at St. Mark's High School. Suit dismissed in 5/10 by court for failure to timely serve Wiggins. Diocese was paying cash payments to Wiggins until 11/09; wanted to continue health benefits pending resolution of Bankruptcy. Won argument to block release of personnel file.