Database of Publicly Accused

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Total Individuals: 124

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Fr. E. Everett Apt

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Died: 05/30/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Retired in 1979. Died in 1985. Accused in a lawsuit in 8/2004 of abusing an altar boy in the early 1960s at an Alvord parish. The suit alleged that the Diocese knew Apt had sexual contact with children as early as 1950, but concealed his actions and transferred him whenever facts might become public. Settled in 3/2005 for an undisclosed amount. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes three allegations of abuse of boys, occurring during the 1950s-1970s. Its updated list on 9/24/2019 shows four allegations.

Fr. Francis E. Bass

Ordained: 1948
Status: Settled

Died: 09/18/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused of abusing many boys and sharing his victims with Revs. Janssen, Geerts, and James W. Murphy. All were trained at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis. Bass was Director of Vocations and on Personnel Board for 15 years. Dean of Grinnell deanery for a year. Chaplain at Ottumwa Heights College. Bishop Hayes first learned Bass was connected with Janssen's abuse of children in 1958. The earliest known alleged abuse by Bass that is the late 1950s. Set to retire in 1992 when the Diocese received an allegation preserved in a file. A 1974 allegation was not included in the released file. Accused by two alleged victims of taking them to the Cook County Morgue; alleged to have brought victims to his family farm in NE. First suit filed in 2003. Settlements in 2004 and 2006. As of 7/14/2008, the Diocese stated Bass was accused of abusing 18 male minors. It requested that Bass be laicized but announced on 1/18/2005 that the Vatican had ordered him to live a life of prayer and penance. Died 9/18/2014. In 2018 a man stated publicly that he was abused as a child by Bass and three other priests.

Fr. David C. Bayne

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 04/8/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Noted to be the subject of a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to the University of Iowa Law School in Iowa City in 1992. The allegation was reported after his death. Bayne died 4/8/2009.

Fr. Alver William Behrens

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 03/21/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/22/2019. It notes five allegations received of abuse in the 1960s of boys and girls. Retired in 1993. Died in 2002. Updated list 9/24/2019 shows seven allegations.

Fr. Damian G. Boeding

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 09/29/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Named publicly as accused by the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese on its list updated 4/1/2019. It notes incidents 1964-1968 in IA and MN, reported in 1992 and 1994. Boeding was incardinated into the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese in 1970. He retired in 1988 and died 9/29/2003.

Fr. Herman Bongers

Ordained: 1939
Status: Settled

Died: 12/29/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2005 of sexually abusing five boys at St. Vincent's orphanage in 1966. Case settled 2/17/2006. Earliest known abuse was 1948. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 7/14/2008. Died 12/29/1971.

Fr. John L. Bonn

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1936
Status: Settled

Died: 01/17/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2011 of fondling a girl, age 4, in her bedroom in 1969 and once again in the next 5 years. Revs. Michael Broderick and William Dawson also accused. Settlement in the Davenport bankruptcy. Review board reportedly considered allegations credible. Diocese refused to list the names of these 3 and 15 other priests on their site. Bankruptcy Court ruled in the alleged victim's favor in 8/2012; 3 names were posted separately from main list. Bonn taught at Boston College; was WWII Navy chaplain in Ottumwa IA. Died 1/17/1975.

Fr. John J. Brickley

Ordained: 1935
Status: Settled

Died: 10/30/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

A 1999 lawsuit settled in 2000 claimed Brickley abused a boy 1966-1971, beginning when the boy was age 8. Another man said that Brickley abused him at age 12 and that he complained to the archbishop at some time after 1994. Brickley was placed on leave in 1998 and died the same year, on 10/30/1998. At least one claim was included in a $2.6M settlement with the Archdiocese in 3/2007.

Fr. Michael J. Broderick

Ordained: 1942
Status: Settled

Died: 09/24/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused of abusing a girl, ages 4-9, in 1969-1974 while pastor at St. Joseph in Hill, IA. Revs. John Bonn, SJ and William Dawson were also accused. Settlement in the Davenport bankruptcy. Review board reportedly considered allegations credible. Diocese refused to list the names of these 3 and 15 other priests on their site. Bankruptcy Court ruled in the alleged victim's favor in 8/2012; the 3 names were posted separately from the main list. Died 9/24/1984.

Fr. Paul Joseph Bruening

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 12/23/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Ordained for the Sioux City diocese. Worked outside the diocese in Belleville, IL beginning in 1962; incardinated into the Diocese of Belleville in 1970. Named publicly as accused by the Sioux City diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. It notes one allegation against Bruening, of abuse of a girl, occurring in 1957. (The list erroneously shows a death year of 2002. Bruening died in a car accident in 1978; a 10-year-old altar boy was in the car with him, and suffered serious injuries.) Included in 9/2022 on the Belleville diocese's list. (This list erroneously shows an ordination year of 1965.)

Fr. Albert L. Carman

Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 04/19/1980
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused of abusing a teenage boy at Loras Academy, Dubuque, in 1954. Died in 1980. Claims included in a 2/2006 settlement with the Archdiocese. At least one more claim of abuse 1965-1966 was included in a $4.7M settlement with the Archdiocese in 3/2008 involving 9 priests.

Fr. Nicholas Cigrand

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 01/20/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

A man filed suit in 2004 alleging abuse 1965-1968 when he was an altar boy. Archdiocese did not consider accusations true. The lawsuit was dismissed on motion for summary judgment. Iowa Supreme Court rejected the plaintiff's appeal in 4/2007. Cigrand died in 1976.

Fr. Jerome Paul Coyle

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Per news in 11/2018, Coyle admitted in 1986 to Bishop Soens to having had sexual contact or attraction to about 50 boys in IA over 20-plus years. The Diocese removed him from ministry and sent him to the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs NM for treatment. He stayed in NM for 30 years. The Sioux City Diocese did not notify police or the public. (Bishop Soens was himself later credibly accused of the sexual abuse of students as a priest and school principal.) Coyle was moved by the Sioux City Diocese in 6/2018 to a Fort Dodge IA care facility, next to a Catholic School. The Diocese admitted in 10/2018 to hiding Coyle's identity for decades. Included on the Diocese's list 2/22/2019.

Fr. Brian J. Danner

Ordained: 1995
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Removed from ministry in 11/2018 due to an allegation a year prior that he rubbed a fourth-grade girl's leg during confession at St. Mary's in Humboldt. The Diocese reportedly reported the incident to the county attorney in 12/2017.

Fr. William F. Dawson

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 12/13/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

As part of the Davenport diocese bankruptcy, a woman alleged sexual abuse as a child by Dawson and two other priests. She said the priests were her dad's friends and that the it occurred in separate incidents when she was ages 4-7, beginning in 1969. The review board reportedly told her the allegations were credible and she received a settlement. The Diocese refused to list the names of these 3 and 15 other priests on their website, saying the allegations were not proven. The woman filed a motion in Bankruptcy Court 7/19/2012 to force addition of the 3 names to Diocese's public list;  in 8/2012 the Court ruled in her favor. Dawson died 12/13/2011.

Fr. Orville DeCoursey

Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 11/7/1964
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Included on the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused. Worked at one time with accused priest James M.Janssen. Allegations against DeCoursey involved the sexual abuse of four minor males. The earliest claimed abuse was in 1945. He died in 1964.

Fr. Timothy DeVenney

Ordained: 1993
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused in 6/1996 of fondling five teenage boys 1993-1996, during his first assignment. Suspended. Criminally charged in 6/21/1996. Pleaded guilty in 1997. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Released from prison on parole in 12/2001 and was living outside Washington DC in a residence run by a religious order. At least one claim settled in a $2.6M settlement with the archdiocese in 3/2007. Another was included in a 3/2008 settlement. Laicization announced in 12/2008.

Fr. Paul A. Deyo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Placed on leave in 2003 after accusation of abuse of a boy in Johnson County in 1998. Allegation not made public until 2004. Diocese considered allegations credible. Voluntarily laicized 5/2006. Name appeared on Diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused clergy. Three known accusers. Earliest claimed abuse 1983.

Fr. Martin J. Diamond

Ordained: 1930
Status: Sued

Died: 06/11/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Diamond spent his first two years of ministry at St. Peter's in Keokuk, then was a hospital chaplain for most of the 1930s. Army Reserve chaplain 1942-1946 then again a hospital chaplain. Pastor of St. Elizabeth's in Harper 1949-1963, returned to pastor St. Peter's 1963-1978. Retired in 1978. Died 6/11/1989. Accused in a 1/2003 lawsuit of abusing a boy 1967-1970 at St. Peter's, starting when the boy was age 8. The suit was dismissed because of Diamond's death and lack of evidence, per the Diocese. The Diocese's review board deemed the allegations not credible in 11/2003.

Fr. Henry N. Dunkel

Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 10/28/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Publicly accused in letters to the Telegraph Herald editor in the 1990s and 2000s. Accused of abusing several girls, including his own nieces, in 1947-1948, during his first assignment. Retired in 1990. Dunkel's priestly activities were restricted in 1992. He died in 1998. At least one accuser settled in 1993 under a gag order. She and two others filed suit in 2002 to void the gag orders. That case was dismissed in 2004.

Br. Daniel K. Embrich

Order: OSF
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

 Embrich (or Emrich) was a teaching brother at Holy Family, an elementary school. Criminally charged in 1988 with touching the inner thigh of girl on mulitlple occasions in 1985-1986. Allegedly would place the girl on his lap and touch her under her underwear. Complaints were also received from other children at the school. Suspended by his order. Found not guilty by jury trial in 1989. Included in 7/2013 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. The diocese's list in 2/2022 notes that Emrich was "accused by one male minor."

Fr. Clarence Edward Farrelly

Ordained: 1927
Status: Accused

Died: 09/8/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. It notes two allegations received, of abuse of girls, occurring in the 1960s. Retired in 1979. Died in 1987. Its list updated 9/24/2019 shows three allegations.

Fr. Thomas J. Feeney

Ordained: 1937
Status: Settled

Died: 07/26/1981
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Monsignor. Sued at least twice. Accused of abuse in 1950s-1960s. Former vicar general of diocese. Died in 1981. The Diocese admitted in 5/2006 that allegations against Feeney were credible. Four additional suits were filed in 5/2006. A civil trial began in 9/2006 in a suit filed in 2005 regarding claims that Feeney sexually abused a boy for 6 years, beginning when the boy was age 7.  The plaintiff was awarded $1.5M. A man testified at the same trial that Feeney abused him as a boy in the late 1940s. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused 7/15/2008. It notes allegations of abuse of 15 male minors, the earliest known abuse in 1957.

Fr. Howard E. Fitzgerald

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Removed without privileges from his assignments at Simpson College, St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Indianola and Immaculate Conception in St. Marys 6/30/2014 after the Diocese declared decades-old child sex abuse allegation to be credible. On the diocese's list 4/4/2019, which notes two allegations received of abuse of males in the late 1970s-late 1980s. Laicized.

Fr. Michael C. Fitzgerald

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Died: 10/2/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Caught in 1999 taking part in an inappropriate internet chat with someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy, in a sting by law enforcement . Removed by the Diocese and sent for therapy. Diocese was going to return him to a parish assignment but did not after Fitzgerald was accused of having oral sex with a 12-year-old boy. Died in a car crash in 10/2001. Was training to be a hospital chaplain at the time of his death.

Fr. John C. Forrester

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

"Fidelis." Included on the on the Davenport diocese's in 7/2008 list of credibly accused, noting allegations against him involving three minor males beginning in 1955. Several 2002 and 2003 suits in Seattle claimed Forrester abused boys in the mid-1970s on church outings and overnight trips. Worked in the Seattle archdiocese from 1971 until he was removed in 1979. Died in 2002. Seven plaintiffs participated in a $2.6M settlement in 2005 involving St. Benedict's Abbey, Kansas City KS archdiocese. Settlement in 11/2006 of Seattle claims. New suit in 12/2010. Name included on the Seattle archdiocese's list 1/15/2016. Another settlement announced by Seattle archdiocese 11/2018. Settlement of a case in 6/2019 for $225K with the Seattle archdiocese, St. Benedict Abbey and the American Cassinese Congregation. Claim settled by the Seattle archdiocese in 7/2023.

Fr. Albert J. Forster

Ordained: 1926
Status: Settled

Died: 03/26/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused of abusing several boys in the 1960s. Died 3/26/1990. Named in at least two civil suits filed against the diocese in 2004, which settled in 2004 and 2005.

Fr. Theodore Anthony Geerts

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 09/10/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused of sexually abusing boys with Revs. Janssen, Bass, and James W. Murphy in the early 1960s. Pornography was allegedly used. Left active priesthood in 1969. Sued in 2003. Accused of abuse. Default judgment granted against Geerts in 12/2003. Died in 2004. At least three known accusers. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 7/2008. In 2018 a man stated publicly that he was abused as a child by Geerts and three other priests.

Fr. William A. Goltz

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 01/7/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused of abuse of boys. Three lawsuits were filed in 2005. Earliest alleged abuse was in the 1950s. Former Archbishop Binz apparently held a formal church trial and removed Goltz from active priesthood. Sent to treatment over a 12-year period to Via Coeli in Jemez Springs NM, and to rectories and abbeys in OH, WI and IA. Reassigned to active priesthood in eastern IA for 18 years, abused again, and retired in 1991. In 1992 the Vatican removed his privileges and in 2005 ordered him to live a life of prayer and penance. Died 1/7/2006. Claims included in 2/2006 settlement. Another claim settled in 3/2008. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 5/19/2021.

Fr. Peter M. Graff

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 04/8/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

One claim against Graff was included in a 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims. A man alleged he had been abused in the 1940s. The Diocesan Review Board was unable to determine the credibility of the allegation. Graff died 4/8/1976.

Fr. Robert L. Grant

Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

"Bud." On 2/27/2020 the Diocese received an allegation of sexual misconduct against Grant involving a minor in the early 1990s. Grant was a teacher and coach at St. Albert High School in Council Bluffs at the time of the alleged 'misconduct.' Bishop Joensen said the allegation had "some semblance of truth." Grant was suspended from ministry on 3/4/2020 pending the Diocese's investigation. The Diocese announced in 12/2020 that Grant would be returned to ministry with restrictions and supervision, "because the complainant was above majority age" at the time of the incident. Per its website, Grant was assigned in 2021 to St. Mary's in Wilton, IA in the Diocese of Davenport.

Fr. Thomas E. Hackett

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 05/30/1951
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

From Ireland, attended seminary in St. Paul MN. Ordained for the Diocese of Davenport. Shown on the Davenport diocese's Creditors Committee website in 2007 as having credible allegations against him. Name also appears on diocese's list of credibly accused in 7/2008. Alleged to have abused three minor males beginning in the 1940s. Died in 1951 at age 44, his body found in the Mississippi River. Reportedly had been on leave of absence from the Diocese of Davenport for six years, working in other dioceses. His last assignment was at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Fr. H. Robert Harness

Ordained: 1982
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Temporarily removed from ministry 4/22/2013, pending an investigation by the County Attorney and Diocese. Allegedly had inappropriately touched a minor in about 1990, while at St. Mary's in Keota, Sts. Peter and Paul in Clear Creek, and St. Elizabeth in Harper. Pastor of Holy Family in Davenport when removed. Allegation was received approximately 4-5 days before his removal. Reinstated by the Diocese 5/23/2013 after the investigator did not substantiate the allegation.

Fr. Gerald Hartz

Ordained: 1959
Status: Charged

Died: 03/6/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Former superintendent of Sioux City Catholic schools. Charged in 9/1995 with indecent contact with a girl, age 13. Took leave. Charges dropped in 12/1995 when the girl would not testify and Hartz agreed to resign from assignment. In 9/1996 a woman filed suit alleging that in 12/1994 Hartz grabbed her, kissed her neck and touched her while in his church. Case later dismissed from federal court. "On special assignment" per the 2002 Catholic Directory. Living in Bakersfield, CA in 12/2008 per the diocese's website. Included on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused in 8/2021. Noted to have retired in 2003, and faculties revoked in 2019. Died 3/6/2022, at age 88.

Fr. Joseph P. Hines

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 05/5/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Shown on the Davenport diocese's Creditors Committee website in 2007 as having credible allegations against him. Dean of Keokuk 1970-1980. Died in 5/1992. In 11/2008, the Diocesan Review Board found Hines guilty of the sexual abuse of children, male and female. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 5/21/09.

Fr. Phillip Hobt

Ordained: 1992
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Placed on leave in 2/2007 after an allegation that he sexually abused a former student at St. Albert School. Law enforcement officials were notified. Hobt began working at the school in 1995. In 4/2007, the Diocese reported that the allegations were credible and that Hobt had begun the process to voluntarily ask the Vatican to be laicized. Laicized in 2007. On the Diocese's list 4/4/2019.

Fr. James M. Janssen

Ordained: 1948
Status: Settled

Died: 06/10/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Ordained for the Diocese of Davenport, despite warnings about his behavior. Accused of assaulting at least 36 boys over three decades ages 5-18, beginning in 1953. Often interacted with other abusers. Used pornography. Accused in 1955 of abusing two boys at a Newton, IA YMCA. Placed on leave. Sent to a Hinsdale IL parish in the Joliet diocese 11/1956-6/1958 while in treatment in Chicago. Allowed to work at the parish with the Boy Scouts and teenagers. Abused. Sent back to Davenport, admitted to abusing. Kept in ministry. Placed on leave in 1990, retired from active ministry in 1991, laicized in 2004. Sued in 2003. Settlement of $9M involving 37 allegations. Ordered to spend 6 months in jail for contempt of court 1/2008. Charged in 7/2008 with three counts of perjury. On the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused. Received two years probation for perjury 6/2009. Personnel files released 4/30/2014 show allegation of abuse of a boy while working in Hinsdale, IL, in the Joliet diocese. Living at motel in Bettendorf, IA as of 5/2014. Said he was dying of lung cancer at age 90. Died 6/10/2015. In 3/2018 a man stated publicly that Janssen abused him at age 12 and that he coordinated abuse by Frs. Francis Bass, Anthony Geers and James W. Murphy. Added to the Joliet diocese's list in 12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Raymond C. Kalter

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1930
Status: Settled

Died: 07/6/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2005 of abuse in 1959 at St. Alphonsus Parish in Davenport. Died in 1977. One claim settled by the Diocese in 2/2006 as part of a settlement involving four priests. Name appeared on the Diocese's 7/10/2008 list of credibly accused, noting allegations of abuse of three boys. Earliest claimed abuse was in the 1950s. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 

Fr. Leonard A. Kenkel

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Taught at Dowling Catholic 27 years. Allegation in 2003 of "decades-old" abuse, but insufficient evidence to conclude sex abuse, per diocese in 2018. Accused in 2005 suit of kneading and fondling the buttocks of 15-year-old boy at a diocesan high school, and of exposing himself to the boy while talking about "receiving the Body of Christ." Suit filed after diocesan board determined insufficient evidence. Board recommended Kenkel take "appropriate boundaries" training, which he did. Kept in parish ministry. Retired 2008. Diocesan Website on 8/3/2013 showed him living in West Des Moines; possibly still working as supply priest. Report to diocese 9/6/2018 of child sex abuse by Kenkel decades prior. Reportedly living in 2018 in a nursing facility. Included on the diocese's list 4/4/2019. It notes one substantiated allegation of abuse of a boy, occurring in the early 1980s, and unsubstantiated allegations in 2003 and 2005.

Fr. William J. Kerrigan

Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused of abusing a female minor beginning in 1954, while chaplain and instructor at Ottumwa Heights College. Kerrigan was also pastor of St. Mary's in Eddyville. Laicized in 1975. Died in 1988. Included on the diocese's list in 5/2009 of credibly accused.

Fr. Placidus Kieffer

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 02/15/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2002 of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy in 1963 at St. John's in Burlington. Also worked in the Kansas City, KS archdiocese. Died in 1990. Allegations deemed credible. Included on diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused. Allegedly abused two boys.

Fr. Thomas B. Knox

Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 03/9/1968
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused by a man via a letter to the editor 1/2006 of sexually abusing him as a child in the early 1950s at Sacred Heart in Oelwein. The man said he notified the Archdiocese in 2003 and that the Archdiocese knew of other accusations. Knox died 3/9/1968.

Fr. John F. Kurzak

Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

One man filed a civil suit in 3/2008 vs Kurzak, John Perdue and the Diocese, alleging abuse by Kurzak and a seminary student (John Perdue) in the early 1980s when the man was a minor in Fort Dodge. The suit alleges the Diocese knew of other victims in 1985 yet allowed Kurzak to become a military chaplain. Ruling in favor of defendants, citing a two-year Statute of Limitations. Appeal filed by plaintiff 7/13/2011. Kurzak was an active chaplain in 3/2008. A second suit filed 3/28/2008 alleged abuse of one person in 1982. Unclear if this plaintiff, also a seminary student, was under 18 at the time. Trials were set for Fall 2009. Not included on Diocese's list of credibly accused. Retired, per diocesan website, in 2/2020.

Fr. James E. Leu

Ordained: 1971
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 02/4/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Criminally charged in 1989 with the sexual abuse abuse of two altar boys 1985-1989. Pleaded guilty, sentenced to two years in prison. Worked with credibly accused priest Francis Bass. Bishop O'Keefe was deposed. Included on the diocese's 7/10/2008 list of credibly accused. Died 2/4/2013.

Fr. Jan Lisowski

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 10/25/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

From Poland. Arrived in the U.S. and Sioux City in 1962. Incardinated into the diocese in 1973. Retired in 1980 to Angola, NY, returning to Sioux City in 1996.  Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. It notes one allegation of the sexual abuse of a boy, occurring in the 1960s. Retired in 1980. Died in 2001.

Fr. Frank R. Martinez

Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused of propositioning a 15-year-old boy in a motel room in 1986. The boy told his parents; civil suit filed. Settlement of about $22K. Placed on leave in 1987. Laicized in 2008. Also worked in the Peoria, Springfield IL and Rochester dioceses. Included on the Davenport diocese's list of credibly accused in 7/2008. On Peoria's list by 1/2020. On the Springfield IL diocese's list 9/23/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Patrick W. McElliott

Ordained: 1936
Status: Settled

Died: 11/14/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Died 11/14/1987. Sued in 2005. Accused of abuse of at least five girls in the 1960s. Took nude pictures of at least one girl. Claims settled as part of a $5M settlement with the Archdiocese in 2006. At least one claim was included in a $2.6M settlement with the Archdiocese in 3/2007 and at least one more in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. George B. McFadden

Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Accused of sexually abusing more than 25 girls and boys. Denied the allegations. Admitted to "harmful acts." Forced into treatment and retirement 1991-1992; continued to function as a priest at the cathedral. Faculties not removed until 2002. Lawsuits began to be filed in 2003; a 29th lawsuit was filed in 6/2006 by two brothers. Many cases were settled or dismissed. By 2008, 39 people made claims. Three new plaintiffs as of 9/2006. In 12/2005 the Vatican refused to laicize McFadden because of his age. Residing in Ft. Wayne, IN. Included on the diocese's 2/22/2019 list of credibly accused.

Fr. William G. McLaughlin

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 10/23/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Died 10/23/1993. Accused at some point of sexually abusing a girl in the 1960s. Educator. His accuser said there may be other victims. Claim settled in 1/2008. McLaughlin's name was added to the archdiocese's list of accused priests in 4/2008.

Fr. Carl H. Meinberg

Ordained: 1914
Status: Sued

Died: 04/15/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Monsignor. A civil suit filed in 5/22/2006 claimed abuse of a boy at St. Mary's Parish in Iowa City in the 1940s. Meinberg was assigned to the parish 1940-1967. He was also a diocesan consultor 1948-1967 and Iowa City dean 1960-1967. He died in 1975. Included on the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused, which notes allegations of abuse of four male minors.

Fr. Paul A. Monahan

Ordained: 1960
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Retired in 2004. Working as St. Albert High School chaplain when arrested at age 83 in 8/2016, charged with invasion of privacy after he was accused of watching five high school boys use the bathroom at a track meet in 4/2016. Suspended from ministry. Monahan had been a teacher, and principal at the school in the 1970s. Assigned also during his career to Dowling Catholic High in West Des Moines, St. Mary in Avoca, St. Patrick in Walnut, Holy Family in Council Bluffs and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Glenwood. Found guilty in 12/2016. Sentenced in 2/2017 to a 30 days suspended jail sentence on each count, to be served concurrently, a year of informal probation and to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Conviction overturned in 5/2018. Was to be removed from offender registry within 20 days if the state did not appeal the reversal of conviction. Suspension lifted in 6/2018.

Fr. Peter Brendan Murphy

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 11/8/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Accused publicly 3/30/2016 of raping and sexually abusing a 12-year-old altar boy 1959-1960 at Blessed Sacrament in Sioux City. Murphy's accuser contacted the Diocese in 1996 and said he got a "dismissive reply." The Diocese settled with him in 2016. Assignments also included parishes in Danbury, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Bode, Whittemor, Spencer, St. Joseph's and Cherokee. On leave of absence 1960-1962, in a Denison parish around 1963-1964, then leave of absence again until his death in 11/8/1980 in Jemez Springs NM. Did fill-in work in parishes during his "leave." After the first man went public, by 9/2016 five more people alleged sexual abuse by Murphy. Included on the Diocese's list 2/22/2019, which shows 11 allegations of the abuse of boys, occurring 1956-1964.

Fr. Joseph I. Patnode

Ordained: 1918
Status: Settled

Died: 12/30/1977
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

In 2003 a man said he and at least 9 other other teenage boys were sexually abused by Patnode in the 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s. In 1951 Patnode was removed from his parish assignment and transferred to Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in Iowa. He retired in 1964 and died 12/30/1977. At least one claim was included in a $2.6M settlement with the Archdiocese in 3/2007 and at least one in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. John Patrick Perdue

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Left the priesthood in 1986, one year after ordination. Accused, along with Rev. John Kurzak, in a civil suit filed in 3/2008, of molesting a boy in Fort Dodge in the early 1980s. Perdue was a seminary student at the time of the alleged abuse. Ruling in favor of defendants, citing a two-year statute of limitations. Appeal filed by the plaintiff 7/13/2011. A second suit filed 3/28/2008 alleged abuse in 1982 of a seminary student. Included on the diocese's 2/22/2019 list, which notes one allegation received, of abuse of a boy 1982-1983.

Fr. John M. Peters

Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 05/31/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused of abusing boys in 1962 at St. Joseph's in Harpers Ferry. Died 5/31/1997. Accused in a 2004 lawsuit of abusing an altar boy in 1962. In 2005 the archdiocese requested that the suit be dismissed on the statute of limitations. The claim settled in 2006.

Fr. Richard J. Poster

Ordained: 1992
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Poster pleaded guilty in 2003 to possession of child pornography after images of boys and adolescent males engaged in sex acts were found on his church computer. Sentenced in 2004 to one year in prison. Matter sent to the Vatican. Arrested 9/20/2006 on allegations that he violated his parole by being near children. Sentenced to two months in jail. Laicization announced in 9/2007. Name NOT on the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused priests. Added in 12/2019 after the Associated Press asked why the name was missing from the list. Living in 2019 in Silver Spring, MD. On the MD sex offender registry since 2005. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor, " of abuse in 2002. (Spent 2001-2002 a the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.)

Br. Mark/Fr. Andrew Quillen

Order: OSF
Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Named as credibly accused on the Davenport diocese's Creditors Committee website in 8/2007. A man alleged abuse by Quillen, who was then a brother of the Franciscans of Christ the King, and another religious brother in 1977 when the man was a minor seminary student. He said he told Bishop O'Keefe in 1977, but no action. Quillen was ordained in 1990 for the Benedictines (OSB) and changed his name to Fr. Andrew Quillen. Name (Br. Mark) on Davenport's 7/2008 list, noting one minor accuser and one adult accuser. The Davenport diocese didn't add his new name (Fr. Andrew) until confronted by investigative reporters in 10/2018. Sent to treatment in 2003 by the Benedictines, then put on a "safety plan." Living at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, MA, without faculties. Included on the Burlington diocese's list 8/22/2019 as Mark L. Quillen; worked as a priest in Burlington 1990-1994.

Fr. Donald Redmond

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 05/31/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Placed on leave in 2/2002 after allegations that he abused at least one child in IA in the 1960s. At least three more victims from a parish in the Kansas City KS archdiocese came forward after his suspension. Complaints involved inappropriate touching of elementary school children 1961-1964. Sent to live at St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison. Included on the Davenport diocese's list in 7/2008, which notes allegations of the sexual abuse of five male minors. On the Kansas City KS archdiocese's list 1/25/2019. It notes multiple allegations of abuse, occurring 1960-1968. Redmond died 5/31/2019.

Fr. John T. Reed

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 04/16/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Multiple allegations of abuse of boys. At least one claim against Reed was included in a 3/2008 $4.7M settlement with the archdiocese involving claims against 9 priests. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Mary's in Dubuque in 1963-1964. Reed died 4/16/1976. At least one more claim was included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. Ralph William Reinhart

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 07/18/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. It notes six allegations received of the sexual abuse of boys in the 1950s. Retired in 1997. Died in 2001. The diocese's list updated 2/24/2019 shows just four allegations.

Fr. Robert J. Reiss

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 02/3/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused of abuse of boys in the 1970s. Laicized in 9/1997. Murdered in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico 2/3/2005. Abuse became public after Reiss' death. Claims were including in the 2/2006 settlement by the diocese. At least one claim included in $4.7M 3/2008 settlement with the Archdiocese involving abuse by 9 priests. At least one more claim included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. Leo P. Riley

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Accused on 12/10/2014 of sexually abusing a 4th grade altar boy in Dubuque IA starting in 10/1985 at morning Mass. A 2/18/2015 letter by Dubuque Archbishop Jackels about allegation was reprinted in the 3/1/2015 bulletin of the parish where the abuse is alleged to have been committed, after archdiocese received the accuser's lawsuit on 2/10/2015 and the review board deemed the allegation "not manifestly false or frivolous" on 2/11/2015. Preliminary investigation began then. Riley worked in 16 Dubuque parishes since 1982; transferred to Venice FL diocese in 2002, incardinated in 2005. Placed on temporary leave by Venice Bishop Dewane sometime between 1/4/2015 and 1/11/2015, pending the results of Dubuque's investigation. Riley "strenuously denies" the allegation. Jackels announced 7/12/2015 that his investigation did not find the allegation to be true; survivor stated inquiry was incomplete. Riley reportedly passed a polygraph test. He was reinstated, took a leave, and then returned to St. Peter the Apostle in Naples in 10/2015. Accused 5/5/2023 of abuse between 1985-1986 in Dubuque. Placed on leave by Venice bishop pending investigation. Another allegation was reported 5/23/2023 to Dubuque.

Fr. William A. Roach

Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 04/9/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Sued in 2004. Accused of abuse of two boys in Cedar Rapids in 1962 and one in Key West in 1967. Roach was former vicar general and former chancellor of the archdiocese. He died 4/9/1986 in an alcohol-related auto accident. Claims were settled by the archdiocese in 2/2006 as part of a $5M settlement with 20 individuals.

Fr. Nicholas J. Ruba

Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Died: 06/20/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Accused in a 10/2010 civil suit of abuse 1968-1976 of a girl, ages 14-21, while he was assigned to St. Michael's in Sioux City and she was working at the rectory. She complained to the Diocese in 2006. He denied the allegations, and she apparently dropped the matter. Ruba retired in 1996. He died at age 89, 6/20/2015, at a nursing home in Remsen, IA. Included on the Diocese's 2/22/2019 list of credibly accused, which notes two allegations received, of abuse of a female and a male, 1970-1971.

Fr. John R. Ryan

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 11/11/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Removed from ministry in 1993 due to allegations that he molested boys in the 1980s. Previously taught at a diocesan high school. Laicization requested 9/19/2003 and granted 10/13/2006. Diocese settled two complaints as of 11/2006. Died 11/11/2010. Per his obituary, Ryan spent 29 years as a National Guard chaplain. Included on the diocese's list 4/4/2019, with six substantiated allegations of the abuse of boys, occurring in the early 1950s-1980s.

Fr. Robert J. Saunders

Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 07/4/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Died 7/4/2007 at age 92. At about the same time, the Archdiocese revealed that Saunders had been accused of the abuse of several girls at Temple Hill and in Norway IA, during 1959-1973. At least one claim was included in a 3/2008 $4.7M settlement with Archdiocese involving abuse by 9 priests.

Fr. Allen M. Schmitt

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Died: 01/5/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Multiple allegations of the abuse of boys. Placed on leave in 3/2002 after a man wrote in an email to the Archdiocese that Schmitt abused him in 1978 in Cedar Rapids. Schmitt admitted to the behavior when confronted by the Archbishop. A second report received in 4/2002 alleged abuse in 1974. At least one claim was included in a $2.6M settlement with the Archdiocese in 3/2007 and another in a $4.7M settlement concerning 9 priests in 3/2008. There was also at least one in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims. Schmitt died 1/5/2016.

Fr. John A. Schmitz

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 10/15/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Allegations first public in 2002. Sued in 2005 by a woman claiming abuse as a child in 1959. Schmitz died 10/15/1991. Parishioners had complained about his financial skills, his relationship with adult woman in 1982 and inappropriate behavior with girls. Sent to Paracletes for treatment. Archbishop did not accept him back as priest. Arrived in San Bernardino Diocese in 1/1983. Back in Iowa by 1985 without privileges; sued for a relationship with a  married woman. Settlements in 2006 and 2007. San Diego and Dubuque personnel filed released 10/25/2010. Included on the San Bernardino diocese's list 10/9/2018.

Josephine Schmitz

Order: OSF
Status: Accused

Died: 02/17/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Took vows in 1943. Accused of sexually abusing a boy in the early 1960s, starting when the boy was age 9. Schmitz, aka Sister Mary Philip, is accused of repeatedly keeping the boy after class at a Dubuque parish school, laying on top of him, and tongue-kissing him. She also worked in the Sioux City IA diocese and the Chicago IL archdiocese. The Dubuque archdiocese found the allegation not sustained (choices were: unfounded, exonerated, not sustained, sustained) although their investigator found it credible. Schmitz died 2/17/2021, at age 98.

Fr. William T. Schwartz

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Allegation first public in 2003. Accused of abusing boys in the 1960s and 1970s. Laicized in 11/2005. A lawsuit filed in 2004 settled in 2005 for $100K. Three plaintiffs settled in 2/2006 as part of settlement involving several priests. Settled with Schwartz in 4/2006. At least one more claim was included in a $2.6M settlement with the archdiocese in 3/2007. Three cases were included in a 1/2008 settlement with the archdiocese. At least one more was included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. Drake R. Shafer

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Monsignor. Vicar General. Accused in a lawsuit in 2003 of sexually abusing a male minor in 1973 or 1974. Denied the charge, but wrote an email to the victim in 2002 that was an "admission of serious misconduct." The suit settled in 4/2005. Claims against the diocese were settled in 2004 as part of large settlement. Shafer asked to be reinstated as Vicar General. Name not on the diocese's 7/2008 list of credibly accused priests. The diocese's review board found Shafer not guilty of abuse in 11/2008. Reinstated.

Fr. Norbert F. Showalter

Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/1971
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Died 12/31/1971. Name included on the diocese's list updated 9/13/2018. The diocese received an accusation in 2015 that Showalter sexually abused male minors. In a letter published 5/22/2015 in the Telegraph Herald, a man alleged that Showalter sexually abused him over a two-year period, beginning when the man was age 14 in 1954, at St. Mary's in Lamont.

Br. Francis Skube

Order: OSF
Status: Accused

Died: 09/26/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Founded the Franciscan Brothers of Christ the King, sponsored by Belleville Bishop Zuroweste in 1961. Taught elementary school in diocesan parishes. Per the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, in 1959 the pastor of St. Francis in Provo UT informed the Diocese of Springfield IL that Skube had "engaged in homosexual acts" with nine junior high school boys. The Belleville diocese wasn't informed until 1/1971. In 1975 Skube moved the Order to the Diocese of Davenport IA after Bishop Zuroweste said it could stay in the diocese only if Skube resigned as its leader and got "psychiatric aid" for his "problems." He later moved through the Diocese of Peoria and dioceses in FL, IN and OH. Retired in 2010, moved to Springfield IL. Name appears on the Davenport diocese Creditors Committee website in 2007 as having credible allegations of abuse against him. Two men say they were students in Skube's small Order, ages 17-18, when he sexually abused one and beat the other. Both personally told Bishop O'Keefe in 1977, but no action. Included on the Davenport's 7/2008 list of credibly accused. It notes allegations of sexual abuse of one male minor and one male adult. The Diocese's updated list in 2/2022 shows that Skube was accused of sexually abusing three male minors. Included on the Belleville Diocese's 9/20/2022 list. Skube died 9/26/2022.

Bishop Lawrence D. Soens

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 11/1/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2002 of abusing three boys in the 1960s. One claim settled for $20K in 2004. Two suits were pending as of 5/2006. Seven new suits were filed in 5/2006. Apparently a new suit with 13 plaintiffs was filed in 8/2006 alleging abuse 1959-1967. In 2/2006 the diocese investigative panel found behavior may have been inappropriate, but did not appear to be sexual. It found him guilty of sexual abuse 11/3/2008. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 5/2009, noting accusations of abuse of 31 male minors. Twelve cases were dismissed in 5/2009. In 2018 a man stated publicly that he was abused by Soens and another priest while a young seminarian. Soens died in 11/2021, at age 95.

Seminarian Dale Soppe

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

Former seminary student, teacher. Left teaching to become a therapist. Charged in 5/2006 in WI with molesting a former student 50-100 times in 1968 and 1969. Abuse alleged to have occurred in IA and in WI. Pleaded guilty in 7/2008 in WI; sentenced to two years' probation (with 60 days in jail) and a $1,000 fine. Soppe said he was abused by priests as a child. In 12/2008 a court ordered him to pay $14,500 restitution to the plaintiff for counseling. Registered sex offender in WI, living in IA.

Fr. John J. Stack

Ordained: 1988
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Chaplain at Mercy Medical in Clinton when suspended 4/22/2013. Accused of inappropriately touching minors in the late 1980s while parochial vicar at Holy Family in Davenport. Investigated by County Attorney and diocese. Last parish assignment apparently ended in 6/2006, per diocesan assignment list. Announcement 6/17/2016 that the Vatican determined charges were "not proven," without a finding of innocence or guilt. Returned to ministry. In 5/2023 the Diocese announced a new allegation, of "inappropriate sexual behavior" with a minor in the 1990s. Removed from ministry pending investigation. Reinstated by the Diocese in 3/2024, the outcome of the investigation unclear. Allowed to fill in for ill or vacationing, etc. priests; future assignments to be determined by the next bishop.

Fr. Verne Stapenhorst

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Sioux City diocese on its list 2/22/2019. Accused of abuse in 1976 of a male minor. Retired in 2004. Faculties removed in 2011. Living in 2019 outside of IA. Included on the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019; worked at some point in Overton and Mesquite NV.

Fr. Fergus (Francis) Stevenson

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 11/14/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Named publicly as accused by the Sioux City diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. Assigned 1975-1985 to St. Boniface parish. One allegation noted, of abuse of a boy in 1976. Died in 1991, per the Sioux City diocese's list updated 9/24/2019. Included as of 1/2024 on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list of credibly accused. (Member of the Sacred Heart Province.)

Fr. Gerald E. Stouvenel

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Placed on leave in 7/2007 after allegations by four people that he sexually molested them when they were minors more than 30 years prior. No criminal charges filed due to the statute of limitations. As of 2/2008 the Review Board recommended laicization and the bishop agreed to petition the Vatican. Found guilty by Review Board in 11/2008. Name added to the diocese'd list of credibly accused priests in 5/2009, noting allegations of abuse of three male minors. The Vatican decreed a life of prayer and penance but no laicization. Living at chancery as of 6/2011. In 2018 a man stated publicly that he was abused as a young seminarian by Stouvenel and Bishop Soens, and that he was abused as a child by four other priests. In 4/2024 Stouvenel appears to be living in Pompano Beach, FL.

Fr. Robert V. Swift

Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 08/20/1980
Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque IA

A man notified a newspaper in 1/2006 that he was sexually abused by Swift at age 13. Also accused of abusing several other boys in the early 1950s. Long involved with the Catholic Boy Scouts. Died 08/20/1980. At least one claim was included in a 3/2008 $4.7M settlement with the archdiocese regarding alleged abuse by nine priests. At least one more was included in an 8/2013 $5.2M out-of-court settlement involving 10 priests and 26 victims.

Fr. Louis A. Telegdy

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1942
Status: Settled

Died: 01/21/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in a 2004 civil suit of abusing a 13-year-old boy 1957-1959. Case settled in 2005. Name is on the Davenport diocese's in 7/2008 list of credibly accused. It notes accusations of abuse of three boys, earliest known to have occurred in the 1950s. Worked in many other dioceses. Spent time in the Dodge City KS diocese 1966-1968. On the Diocese of Owensboro list 4/12/2019, where he worked 1972-1978. Died in 1995. Added to Stockton diocese's list 11/12/2020, where he worked 1978-1984. The Davenport diocese's updated list in 2/2022 shows that he was accused of abusing four male minors. Included on the Diocese of Superior's list in 11/2022; one allegation of abuse there 1961-1962 in Rib Lake and 1962-1966 in Park Falls.

Fr. Joseph Edward Tolan

Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 08/17/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Monsignor. Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. One allegation noted, of abuse of a girl 1980-1982. Retired and died in 1989. The diocese's list updated 9/24/2019 shows three allegations of minors, both male and female.

Fr. Tan Van Tran

Ordained: 1992
Status: Accused

Died: 12/10/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

From Viet Nam. Arrived in the U.S. and IA in 1989. Ordained for the Diocese of Des Moines in 1992. Accused in 1995 of "patting and hugging" 10 girls in an 8th-grade confirmation class in that year. He was suspended with pay, evaluated, and allowed to return to active ministry. He died 12/10/2019.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Donate Photo
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. 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. John Charles Yetmar

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Sioux City IA

Also known as J. Charles Yetmar. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 2/22/2019 list. Two allegations noted, of the sexual abuse of boys 1968-1974. Retired in 2002. Faculties removed in 2004. The diocese's updated list 9/24/2019 shows three allegations of the abuse of boys, same time-period.

Fr. Francis T. Zuch

Ordained: 1932
Status: Settled

Died: 11/6/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines IA

Accused in a 12/15/1995 lawsuit of sexually abusing two altar boys 1970-1975. The complaint alleges that Zuch "systematically" abused "numerous" altar boys "starting in the 1940s." Some of the abuse allegedly occurred at a cabin on Clear Lake. The suit was settled by 2002. Zuch was director of Catholic Charities in the diocese 1935-1955. He died in 1993. Included on the diocese's list 4/4/2019, which notes five allegations of abuse of boys in the early- to mid- 1970s.