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Total Individuals: 378


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Fr. Louis Altendorf

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 06/16/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order's Chicago Province. Included in 5/2023 on the Chicago Archdiocese's list. Assigned in China, MO, IL NY, DC. Abuse occurred in St. Louis MO in the 1940s-1950s, WI 1962-1964 and Chicago IL in the mid-1960s. Died in 1989. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, with at least two "reported survivors".


Fr. John C. Anderson

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Removed from assignment at St. Edward's in Chillicothe in 1993 when an allegation surfaced that Anderson had sexually abused a boy a decade earlier. Sent to treatment. Anderson's accuser said Bishop Myers told him he was lying. Continued to work in administrative positions "on special assignment" until 2002. Named in a 10/2018 suit against all of the Catholic dioceses in IL, claiming Anderson sexually abused a boy at ages 8-14 in the late 1970s-early 1980s, also at St. Edward's. The plaintiff said the Diocese told him they knew Anderson had abused young boys and suggested he forgive the priest. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 12/2018. In 6/2018 was reportedly living in a Bloomington retirement community, presenting himself as a priest. (The Diocese's 2020 list shows Anderson as having died in 2009 and a 1948 ordination date, yet news articles from the era show that he was ordained in 1959. John C. is first listed in the Official Catholic Directory in 1960, which reflects the year 1959-1960. The Directory does not show a John Anderson in Peoria prior to then.) Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Br. Lawrence A. Angel

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Angel is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Angel in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Hugh James Austin

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 12/27/1966
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in IL, NJ, PA, KS, Ontario Canada. Died in 1966. Included on the Carmelite's list of accused in 2020, as James (Hugh) Austin. (The Official Catholic Directory lists him as Hugh J.). Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, noting at least one "reported survivor."


Fr. David Ball

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 11/26/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the archdiocese on its list in 10/2022. Allegation(s) noted to have been substantiated after his death. Per his obituary, Ball was assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage 1962-1967, then St. Simon the Apostle Parish in Chicago, followed by St. Lambert's in Skokie. He became a Navy chaplain in 1968. Ball retired in 1990 and died in 1999. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."


Fr. Edwin Banach

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 11/23/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

In 9/02 the Order began investigating allegations that Banach abused two boys between 1963 and 1970 at St. Anthony of Padua. One person alleged abuse and the other alleged that Banach made sexual overtures. Banach spent the first nine years of his ministry at St. Anthony's, moved to a parish in California, then returned in 1963 to St. Anthony's. In 1970 Banach was transferred back to California. He died in 1984.

Fr. Oscar Bandini-Beguerisse

Donate Photo
Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Died: 03/21/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From the Mexican Meridian Province. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list revised 2/21/2020. Entered the order in 1941. One allegation noted, occurring in 1963 while Bandini-Beguerisse was assigned to St. Pascal's in Chicago. Died 3/21/2009. Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Alexander Sylvester Baranowski

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 06/20/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as accused in Chicago archdiocesan report in 3/2006, allegations substantiated. An 'inappropriate relationship' with a young girl was reported by the girl's father to the archdiocese in 1963. Accused of sexually abusing at least five other children. In 4/2013, two men filed civil suit against the archdiocese and Baranowski alleging that he abused them on separate overnight trips in 1961-1962. Both men were students at St. Wenceslaus grammar school in Chicago when the alleged abuse occurred. Resigned from the priesthood in 1975. Laicized in 8/1976. Reportedly went on to marry. Died 6/20/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert O. Barnett

Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Died: 03/19/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002. Barnett died in 1991. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 6 "reported survivors" and that the diocese' claims it first received a report of abuse by Anderson in 1964.

Fr. John F. Barrett

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Placed on leave in 5/02 due to old accusations that he molested an 8th grade boy in Catholic school in 1968. Original claim was made in 1991 but the alleged victim said the diocese cancelled meeting with him at the last minute when he wanted to bring either his wife or attorney with him. The accuser let the matter drop until 2002 when investigator for the diocese contacted him. Barrett was cleared by diocesan investigation 6/10/02 and returned to ministry. Diocese said claims could not be substantiated and victim was not cooperating. Barrett died 7/16/14.

Fr. Harry J. Barton

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 02/16/1988
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. A single allegation noted, occurring while assigned to St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago 1956-1957. Barton died 2/16/1988. The allegation was reported after his death. Included in 1/2020 on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's list, where he had been assigned. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Richard Barry Bartz

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

In the 1980s Bartz was on faculty of a seminary where he allegedly had sex with a 17-year-boy, who was a student at St. Ignatius College Prep. May have attempted to molest at least one other boy the same night. Bartz went on leave indefinitely; was returned to ministry at Columbus Hospital in 1988, under restrictions and monitoring. He remained there until 2001. Another report was made to the archdiocese in 1992 of abuse in the 1970s while Bartz was assigned to Ascension parish in Oak Park. Left position at another hospital and resigned from the priesthood in 6/2002 after the Dallas Bishops' Conference. Laicized in 9/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least three "reported survivors."

Deacon Patricio William Batuyong

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1983
Status: Arrested

Died: 04/27/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Ordained a deacon in 1983 for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Had been working temporarily in the Atlanta archdiocese for about a year when he was arrested in 4/1993 on IL charges of criminal sexual abuse and solicitation for juvenile prostitution in 1991. Alleged victim was a 15-year-old relative. Extradited to IL where he posted bond before returning to Georgia. Laicized in 4/1996. Died in 4/2009. Added to Chicago archdiocesan list of clergy with substantiated allegations on 11/28/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Robert Charles Becker

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 10/22/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Parish priest, Canon lawyer, long-time Metropolitan Tribunal member. Died in 10/1989. Multiple allegations of abuse, beginning during seminary and spanning his priesthood. Per the Archdiocese, it received a first complaint of abuse in 1986. At least one claim included in a 10/2003 settlement. New lawsuit filed in 4/2006 claiming abuse by Becker and another priest in the late 1970s. Several other alleged victims known to plaintiff's counsel. Suit included in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement. At least one claim in a 8/2008 $12.7M settlement. At least one claim included in a 7/2009 settlement. Personnel file released 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 35 "reported survivors."

Br. Robert E. Beckstrom

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Beckstrom was listed as a 'former' brother as of 6/11/2014. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Beckstrom in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested. Beckstrom died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Charles Beebe

Ordained: 1970
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Monsignor. Retired in 2016. Accused in 2018 of the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy in 1981, at the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute. Beebe was placed on leave in 6/18 and police contacted. The Diocesan Review Commission investigated and deemed the allegation "unsubstantiated." Reinstated.

Fr. Joseph R. Bennett

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Archdiocese received allegations 11/12/2002 that Bennett had sexually abused three boys in 1976-1978. Oral sex alleged. Despite polygraph confirmation, Review Board found no reasonable cause to suspect. Alleged on 12/3/2003 to have abused two girls in 1967-1969, including rape. Board recommended removal 10/15/2005; Cardinal George kept Bennett in ministry until McCormack case broke. Removed 1/31/2006; at least 10 other allegations were received. Settlement 8/12/2008 released some documents. Personnel files released 1/2014. Laicized in 2014.  Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Richard L. Bennett

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Diocese learned of abuse allegation in 2004. Bennett was said to have abused a youth once in 1976 after learning of abuse by another priest. Review board deemed the allegation unfounded. Bennett was still active as of 4/2006, under supervision. A civil suit filed by plaintiff in 5/2006 was dismissed by the court in 10/2006. All supervision of Bennett was removed in 5/2007. Bennett's name was included in 5/2022 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that he left ministry in 2009 and was laicized in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Leonard Adolph Bogdan

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused in Chicago Archdiocese report 3/20/2006. Allegations made in 1983, withdrawn in 1986. Excardinated to the Kalamazoo diocese in 1/1994. Retired from Kalamazoo 6/30/2000. Moved to AZ. Added to the Diocese of Phoenix's list in 2019. Allegation was reasserted in 8/2001 and deemed credible in 9/2001. Privileges removed in 3/2002. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's report, which notes at least one "reported survivor," of abuse in Chicago 1982-1984.

Br. Dennis Bonebreak

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

One of 11 religious brothers (one unnamed) and two laymen accused by 31 men in 3 civil cases filed 4/26/13. Bonebreak was accused of abusing one boy at Leo HS in Chicago. Order agreed to $16.5M settlement with 400 plaintiffs in 5/13, perhaps including the complainants in these three cases.

Fr. Robert Peter Bowman

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Former Vicar for Administration. Retired in 2001. Removed from duties in 5/2002 after allegations surfaced in 4/2002 of sexual misconduct with a minor more than 45 years prior. Another allegation of inappropriate behavior apparently was made but was found unsubstantiated by the Fitness Review Board who termed it "horseplay that might have been misinterpreted." Files released by the archdiocese in 11/2014 show allegations of abuse of at least 11 children by Bowman, mostly during the 1950s to the 1980s. Archdiocese found 7 of the cases credible, with victims ages 8-16. Vatican ordered permanent removal of Bowman from public ministry in 9/2005. Died in 4/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. James Boyce

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Died: 02/21/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as accused by the Carmelite Order, Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, on its list in 11/2020. Spent his priesthood in DC, NJ, NY. Well-known scholar and musician. Died in 2010. No information as to when or where the abuse occurred. (Placing him for now in the Joliet diocese, where the Province is located.)


Fr. David Francis Braun

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 12/2/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Included in archdiocesan report 3/20/2006. Per documents released 11/2014, in 1963 Braun "attempted immorality " with 14-year-old male hitchhiker. Boy's father and police agreed not to press charges if church handled it. Admitted to sex with young boys as early as 1956. Would pick boys up in car after school and abuse, including sodomy, in a car or in Forest Preserves. Placed on leave, sent to treatment, reinstated as assistant at a Lincoln Park parish. Moved among a number of Chicago parishes, then made pastor in Wilmette. Alcoholic, began work with others in alcohol treatment at Lakeshore Hospital in the 1970s. Pastor in Round Lake, Palatine, North Riverside. Retired in 1992, lived in IL and FL. Allegation in 1992 of abuse in 1960 of a boy, age 13. In 1994 a woman reported abuse by Braun at age 4 in the mid-1960s. Bernardin ordered restrictions. In 1995, a man reported abuse in the mid-1960s, at age 10. Braun died in 12/1997. By 2008 two more men had come forward, one alleging abuse in 1954 at age 12, the other in the early 1980s, at age 22. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Patrick B. Brennan

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 01/21/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

In 11/2023 a 71-year-old man stated publicly that he was sexually assaulted at age 6 by group of men, including Brennan. He said the abuse happened in a house down the street from his home. He had been in therapy for childhood sexual trauma, his therapists aware that Brennan was the alleged perpetrator. The man reportedly came forward to the Diocese in 1993. He said he felt betrayed by the Diocese and obtained a lawyer, then decided to not pursue legal action after receiving anonymous phone calls from people harassing him about the allegations. Brennan was not included in the 2023 IL Attorney General's Report because the Diocese could not substantiate the allegation. Brennan died in 1995.


Fr. Walter A. Breuning

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 11/2/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Retired in 1999. Removed from public ministry in 2002 after allegation of sexual abuse of minors 20-40 years prior, at least as young as age 9. Two brothers alleged he abused them in the late 1960s-early 1970s while assigned to St. Joseph's in Pekin. Three suits filed in 12/2005 alleged child sexual abuse. Name sometimes spelled Bruening. Suit dismissed by lower court but reinstated by Appeals Court in 1/2009. Settled. At least 12 accusers. On diocese's list in 12/2018, name spelled "Bruening." Died 11/2/2009. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Kenneth M. Brigham

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 05/23/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Retired to Las Vegas in 6/05. Died 05/23/06. Brigham's personnel file was one of 30 files of priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors produced by archdiocese in 1/14 and released by plaintiffs' counsel.

Br. Joseph J. Charron

Order: OSB
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

"Brother Andre." In 9/2021 a former Marmion Academy student reported to police that he had been sexually abused by Charron, who was a faculty member at the school. Charron was placed on leave. In 4/2022 he was criminally charged on eight counts of sex abuse and assault. Pleaded guilty to battery in 4/2024. Sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months' probation. Received credit for almost 700 days of home confinement.


Br. Robert Noel Brouillette

Order: CFC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

High School teacher and counselor, active 1960s-1990s in HI, MA, MI, NM, IL. Arrested in 1998 in IL for solicitation and child porn; convicted in 2000; sentenced to 4 years' probation. Accused in a 7/2002 suit of abusing an IL high school student 1996-1998. Suit alleged sex with minors at schools in HI, MA, MI and NM previously. Second suit 1/2003. Living at Vianney Center in MO 2004; left Order and Center at probation's end. Suit 11/7/2012. Part of Order's $16.5M settlement in 5/2013. Named by a man in a 4/4/2014 suit in HI regarding abuse at Damien Memorial High. Name included on the Seattle archdiocese's 1/15/2016 list of accused. Was at O'Dea High in Seattle 1968-1970. Changed his name to Robert Sullivan. Added to the Phoenix diocese list in 2019. Reportedly in 5/2022 Brouillette was not on the MO sex offender registry; per Jefferson County Sheriff's Office his whereabouts were unknown and they think he's "dodging" registering. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Daniel Peter Buck

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed in 6/2002. Assigned to St. Francis Borgia Parish since 1979 when in 7/1984 a woman reported to the Archdiocese that she had found a love letter written by Buck to her 15-year-old daughter. Buck was moved to a different parish. Allegations reviewed by the Fitness Review Board some time after 1993; Board recommended he be allowed to stay in ministry as long as he was banned from being alone with minors. He had admitted to sexual misconduct with a child. Three more allegations surfaced in 2002 and 2003. Two were of abuse in the mid-1970s of sisters, ages 8-13. At least one claim settled in 10/2003. Vatican approved permanent removal from public ministry in 9/2005. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least five "reported survivors," of abuse 1971-1981.

Fr. Andrew L. Buczyna

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Died: 11/29/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 2008. Name first appeared on Joliet diocesan list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/2013. Pastor of St John Vianney in Lockport 6/1997-2009. Per 12/2018 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Buczyna died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Edmund F. Burke

Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 02/28/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese when added 1/28/2018 to its list of clergy with substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse. Died in 1989. Per the archdiocese, first report of abuse was in 1991. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes seven "reported survivors," of abuse 1951-1966.

Fr. John J. Burke

Order: CSV
Ordained: 1943
Status: Charged

Died: 09/4/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Abused at least eight children. Targeted low-income, at-risk children. One man told the Attorney General's investigators that Burke abused him at about age 13 in 1958. He had run away from foster care, was found and put in a jail where Burke was chaplain. Police released him to Burke's care, where he was abused for two nights. He fled to the orphanage in which he had been placed prior to foster care. He said he told church officials but was not believed. In 2017 the man reported the abuse in a letter to Pope Francis, which was forwarded to the Joliet diocese and the Viatorians. The Order acknowledged allegations made in 1985 and that the diocese also knew. Four people had came forward in 1984 with allegations of abuse as children 1980-1984 by Burke, while he was assigned to St. George in Bourbonnais. Children and Family Services investigated and found "credible evidence" and child sex abuse was "indicated." Criminally charged in 1/1985. Found not guilty. One alleged victim and his father received small settlements from the Viatiorans. By 1/2004 four people had come forward publicly. In 11/2010 the Diocese received a report of past abuse and another in 6/2011 of abuse in the 1980s. Order not informed. In 2018 a man told the Order Burke sexually abused him 1972-1975, beginning when he was 12, and that the priest would ply him with alcohol and drugs. He said Burke would pay him, and that he trafficked him to another man for abuse. Settled in 11/2021. As of 5/2023, name not included on Order or Diocese's lists of accused. Died in 1986.


Fr. James R. Burnett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2/2006. Denied. Removed. Not on diocese's 4/2006 list of accused. Suit filed in 5/2006 claiming abuse 1978-1982, when plaintiff was ages 8-12. Diocese found first allegations "not credible" but couldn't resolve the credibility of second set. Second suit filed in 2007. First suit dismissed due to the statute of limitations in 9/2007. Diocese reopened investigation in 2010. Remained on leave. Added to Joliet list 3/2013. Third case settled in 3/2013 for $600K and release of personnel files of several priests. Charges substantiated. Personnel files released 4/30/2014. Per 12/2018 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Died in 2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes five "reported survivors."


Fr. Eugene Patrick Burns

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 01/14/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse of a girl, ages 8-13 in 1962-1966, while assigned to St. Catherine Laboure in Glenview. Died in 1/2005. Claim included in a 10/2005 settlement by the archdiocese with 24 adults alleging abuse by 14 priests. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least two "reported survivors," of abuse 1962-1966 and in 1985.

Fr. Edward E. Bush

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 03/22/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

In 2002 two women accused Bush of sexual misconduct against them when they were in 6th and 8th grades in 1964 or 1965. Removed from ministry 5/2002. Bishop confronted him 4/2002; he did not deny charges, and agreed to resign from all active ministry. He sued the diocese for defamation in 9/2002. At least one woman sued him in 2005. Case withdrawn, then refiled in 1/2007. Dismissed in 6/2007 as beyond the statute of limitations. Bush died 3/22/2011. On diocese's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Donald J. Butler

Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Died: 07/27/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Entered the Jesuits in 1935. Named publicly as accused by the Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018, of abuse occurring while assigned to Holy Family Parish in Chicago 1964-1968. Died 7/27/1999. The 2/21/2020 revised list notes a single allegation. Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Eamonn Byrne

Order: SSC
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 12/12/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Born in Ireland. Spent most of career in the Philippines, beginning in 1957. In the U.S. for three years beginning in 1974 to develop Columban apostolate to the Filipino community. Accused in a 1992 lawsuit of abuse of a girl during a church outing in 1974. She claimed the abuse was reported to his superiors but no action was taken by them. Byrne retired to Ireland in 2007. Died 12/12/15.

Fr. James R. Calhoun

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 05/26/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Permanently removed from ministry in 3/1993. Died 5/26/1996. Believed to have abused several youths. One man said he was forced to "lure sex partners" from a local park for Calhoun and another priest 1981-1983. He also claimed Calhoun was part of a homosexual ring of abusive priests. Named as abuser in a 7/1994 civil suit. Another suit said he covered up abuse by Fr. Robert Vonnahmen. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes nine "reported survivors."

Fr. John Walter Calicott

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Suspended in 1994 due to accusations of sexual molestation of two 15-year-old boys in 1976. Sent to treatment; deemed "no significant risk" and allowed to return to assignment in 1995. Removed again 6/2002 after Dallas Bishops Conference. Sued in 2004. Included in 2003 on the Chicago archdiocese list of accused priests. Reportedly teaching sex ed in a parish school by 2004. Canonical court trial pending in 9/2005. Laicization announced 10/27/2009. Personnel file released in 11/2014; one man said at the time that Calicott abused him when he was a 12-year-old altar boy at St. Ailbe's on the South Side in the 1970s. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes seven "reported survivors," of abuse 1976-2002.

Fr. Alvin L. Campbell

Ordained: 1952
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 12/2/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Ordained for the Diocese of Springfield IL. U.S. Army Chaplain 1963-1977. Resigned from the Army when confronted with "a moral problem with boys/young men." Diocese was informed in 1/1978, yet assigned Campbell as parish pastor. Named pastor of another parish in 1979, where allegations surfaced in 1/1980. Admitted in 12/1981 to abuse of a girl. Reassigned. Worked 1982-1985 at St. Maurice in Morrisonville where he abused 26 children. Arrested in 1985 for abuse of boys, ages 11-15. Owned child porn. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 14 years prison. Released in 1992. Bishop requested laicization in 1989 but was denied by CDF prefect Cardinal Ratzinger because Campbell did not agree. He later agreed and was laicized, possibly in 1992. Died 12/2/2002. At least one civil suit settled in a 2004 mass settlement. Six more victims from 1970s and early 1980s settled with the Diocese in 1/2007 for $625K. On Diocese's list 11/29/18. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It notes reports that Campbell sexually abused 33 children in the diocese.

Fr. Mark A. Campobello

Ordained: 1991
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Removed from assignment at Aurora Central Catholic High School in 2/2000 due to an "ongoing and public relationship ...with a junior girl." Admitted to some "physical contact." Sent for evaluation and treatment, then assigned to a new parish. Arrested in 12/2002 after an 18-year-old girl alleged he sexually abused her at age 14 when he was assistant principal and spiritual director at her school. Placed on leave. Indicted again in 10/2003 on charges that he molested another girl 1999-2000 in a different county. Pleaded guilty in 2004. Sentenced to 8 years (4 for each girl). Two civil suits filed in 2004; settled in 5/2007 for $2.2M. At least one more credible accuser. Laicized in 6/2005. Released from prison 2/13/2008. Back in prison in 4/2008 on a parole violation; soon released. Back in 4/2009. Released 7/28/2010. Last known to be living in Crystal Lake, IL. On diocese's list 11/14/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Michael T. Carr

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Carr is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Carr in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Br. Francis C. Carroll

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Carroll is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Carroll in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Terry Cassidy

Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Diocese announced Cassidy's removal from public ministry 8/26/2015 due to accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor nearly 30 years prior. Assigned to 16 parishes 1984-2001, with leave of absences 1989 and 1992. Spiritual advisor for Teens Encounter Christ 2006-2013. Pastor of St. Ann's in Peoria 1999-2015. Shown on the diocese's list of accused in 1/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph D. Cernich

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Assigned to parishes, active in Teens Encounter Christ, taught summer school at Griffin High, and was a Christian Family Camps staff member. Faculties removed in 4/1995. Worked in Catholic Charities administration offices until 2002. Laicized in 6/2003. Went on to work for the city of Springfield. First named publicly as accused on the diocese's list released 11/29/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 4 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert Chlopecki

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Suspended from active ministry in 3/1993 due to allegations that he sexually abused multiple boys in the early 1980s. Accused of being part of a sex ring involving Fr. James Calhoun and other priests. In original petition, name was spelled "Kolpecki." On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave." Included on the diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report

Br. Thomas M. Chmura

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1982
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Assigned to St. Benedict's Abbey in Benet Lake, WI on IL border. Arrested in 4/2013, charged with trying to abduct a 14-year-old girl in Antioch IL, and with disorderly conduct. Police saw him stop near three other girls. He fled and they arrested him the next day. Admitted approaching several girls over previous six weeks. Arrested again 5/3/2013 after children found at Abbey. Pleaded guilty 12/5/2013 to one count of child abduction. Sentenced to six months of periodic imprisonment, plus 24 months of felony probation. Had been sent previously to St. Luke institute for treatment related to viewing internet pornography. Living in 10/2022 in MO at a facility for troubled clergy. Included 1/24/2023 on the St. Benedict's Abbey list of credibly accused. 


Fr. Christopher Ciomek

Ordained: 1998
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From Poland. Arrived in the U.S. in 1988, ordained 1998. Worked at St. Monica's in Chicago, St. Theresa in Palatine and Mundelein Seminary. Pastor of St. Peter Damian in Bartlett when suspended in 4/21 due to allegations received by the archdiocese of the sexual abuse of a minor, occurring about 30 years prior. The archdiocese announced in 10/21 that Ciomek would be reinstated due to insufficient evidence of abuse.

Fr. Harlan B. Clapsaddle

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Removed from ministry in 2002. Accused of inappropriately touching three brothers over three years, beginning in 1977. Their mother reported the abuse to the Diocese in 1993. Clapsaddle denied the allegations, which the Diocese accepted. The brothers contacted the Diocese in 12/1996; he was removed from his parish in 1/1997 and sent for treatment. Reassigned in 11/1997, as chaplain to a nursing home in a "monitored setting." The Diocese paid the three victims a total of $80K. In 3/2002 he was removed from the nursing home assignment after a new claim, of abuse over three years in the mid-1980s. Nursing home officials said they knew nothing about his past record. On diocese's list 11/14/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 6 "reported survivors."

Fr. John W. Clemens

Ordained: 1972
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Placed on leave in 9/2022 pending the investigation of allegations against Clemens of the sexual abuse of minor(s), occurring about 50 years prior. Reinstated in 6/2023 after the Archdiocesan Review Board determined there was "no reasonable cause to believe" the allegations.


Fr. George H. Clements

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 11/25/2019
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Pastor of Holy Angels in Bronzeville 1969-91. Assigned to the Diocese of Naussau, Bahamas 1991-93, then Washington DC 1993-2006. Retired in 2006. Clements admitted to a reporter in 1994 that he had been the subject of rumors of sexual misconduct. In 8/19 he was suspended from ministry pending the investigation of an allegation that he sexually abused a child, ages 7-12, 1974-1979. Clements died in 11/19. The alleged victim received a settlement from the archdiocese in 2/22. Another man who accused Clements of sexually abusing him as a boy  received a settlement, as announced in 4/22 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian. 


Fr. William J. Cloutier

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of sexually abusing at least three boys in 1979. Kept in ministry. Removed in 1991, sent to an archdiocesan retreat house at Mundelein Seminary. A civil suit filed in 1991 claimed abuse in 1979. Admitted abuse and that after 14 years of therapy still used his position to abuse. New allegation in 2002. Part of a large 2003 settlement involving 12 priests. Left the priesthood in 1994. Died in 8/2003. Also included in a 10/2005 settlement by the Archdiocese involving multiple priests. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 23 "reported survivors."

Br. Alan S. Cobb

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Cobb was listed as a 'former' brother as of 6/11/14. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Cobb in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. J. George Cody

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Order: IC
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/1964
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Born in Wales, U.K. Worked in Peoria for many years as a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria , and  on faculty of Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg. Died in 1964. In 2011 a woman publicly alleged that Cody abused her and other girls in the 1950s when she was a 12-year-old polio patient at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. She said that when she complained to the nurses, she was told to be quiet or the nurse could lose her job. At some point in the past she refused an offer of $17K in exchange for gag agreement.

Br. Donald Cecil Collins

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Collins is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Collins in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Br. Eugene Laurence Condon

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Condon listed as former brother as of 6/11/14; cf. Charleston diocesan priest, Eugene L. Condon, who died on 5/24/14. Christian Brothers did not provide assignment info; until we establish assignments, we have placed Condon in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Louis Condon

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 02/17/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Diocese statement of 11/30/2005 said Condon was removed from active ministry in 1986 "due to circumstances not related to abuse of a minor." His death notice said he "retired" then. He was accused in a 2005 civil suit of improperly touching and fondling a girl between 1958 and 1960 when she was ages 6-9. He denied the allegations. Suit dismissed in 6/2007 by Court as filed beyond SOL. Died 2/17/2009. On Peoria's list in 12/2018.

Fr. Thomas Considine

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 03/31/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 11/14/2018. Noted to have been removed from ministry in 4/1980. Died in 3/1988. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 5 "reported survivors" and that the Diocese claims it first received a report in 2002. Sexually abused three brothers in the 1970s, whose father had recently died. Plied them with alcohol. One died by suicide in 1978. One called the Diocese several times in the late 1980s to report the abuse, but no response. The Attorney General's Report states "Considine was a serial abuser who preyed on young boys in vulnerable circumstances."

Fr. Thomas A. Corbino

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 8/11 the diocese learned of allegations of possible inappropriate behavior with a minor at two parishes 1987-2008. After months of investigation, the Review Board found actions did not rise to the level of sexual abuse of a minor but were inappropriate. He resigned from St. Pius X and was sent to treatment. Soon began work as volunteer chaplain at Central DuPage Hospital "under restrictions." Removed by Hospital 4/13 after it learned of past allegations.

Br. Edmund Corrigan

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

One of 10 brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil case of abuse at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers' North American Province. Order agreed to massive $16.5M settlement in late 5/2013 with 400 plaintiffs claiming abuse by multiple order priests and brothers. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Eugene E. Costa

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 11/2/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 11/29/2018. Worked at Holy Family in Decatur 1987-1993. Beaten by two males, ages 15 and 17 in a Springfield park in 12/2004 after he propositioned them for sex. Removed from ministry. Laicized 10/12/2007. Died 11/2/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Robert Craig

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused per Archdiocesan List 3/20/2006. Removed 1990 and resigned from priesthood 10/1993. Suit filed 4/2006. Several known victims claim abuse between 1982 and 1990. Previous settlement made in 1989. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. At least one claim included in an 8/2008 $12.7M settlement involving 11 priests and 16 plaintiffs. Laicized in 10/2009. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 9 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert J. Creager

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 10/25/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Creager was one of seven priests asked to step down from public ministry in 5/2002 because of allegations of sexual abuse. Allegations were brought to the diocese's attention within the preceding two months. On diocese's list 12/2018. Died 10/25/2008. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. David G. Crook

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Placed on leave in 3/1993. Permanently removed from active ministry in 1/1995 over allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager "some years ago." As of 2002, Crook had left the Illinois area. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Included on the diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. John William Curran

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 03/28/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

 Accused anonymously in 1990 and 1991 of abuse 18 to 30 years prior. Removed in 2/1993 after an internal investigation. Parishioners were told that he had taken "a sabbatical." Accused in 8/1994 of abuse 1986-1990 of two boys, who were students at Chicago's Quigley South Seminary. Sued. In 11/1994 the Archdiocese told parishioners the truth; by then the statute of limitations had expired for the plaintiffs. Curran died in 3/2000. At least one claim was included in a 10/2005 settlement by the Archdiocese. Name included on the Archdiocese's list in 2006, allegations substantiated. Named in two 4/2012 civil suits by two men who alleged abuse in 1987. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 40 "reported survivors," of abuse 1949-early 1980s.


Fr. Norman J. Czajka

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 10/26/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

In 5/2005 the  Archdiocese received an allegation of child sexual abuse 1992-1995 by Czajka. Deemed substantiated by the  Review Board. Removed from public ministry in 6/2006. Died in 10/2012. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Daniel (William Kevin) O’Brien

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Order: OCarm
Status: Accused

Died: 10/12/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Member of the Carmelite order 1953-2005. Died in 2005. Assigned in OH, PA, IL, Ontario Canada, PA, NY. Named publicly as accused on the Carmelites list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." (No information as to when or where abuse occurred; placing O'Brien in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is based.)


Fr. Richard Daschbach

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Ordained for the SVD's Chicago Province. Pittsburgh PA native. At Catholic U. in Washington DC and hospital chaplain at Fort Belvoir VA 1964-1966. Went to Timor, Indonesia in 1966 where he spent the next five-plus decades. Accused in early 2018 of sexually abusing at least two dozen girls at Topu Honis Shelter Home, which he founded in 1993. Child pornography also involved. Admitted the allegations to police. Laicized 11/06/2018. Refused to leave the orphanage and still saying mass, per SVD Superior General in 2/19. Arrested 4/26/2019. Released on house arrest. Trial started in 3/2021, postponed to 5/2021 due to covid-19, then to 6/7/2021. Reportedly threatened the life of the human rights lawyer representing the victims in 7/2021, at the district court. Indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington D.C. 8/26/2021, charged with 7 counts of illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. Found guilty in 12/2021 and sentenced to 12 years in prison. 


Fr. Phillip J. Dedera

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from hospital chaplain ministry 2002 after a credible allegation that he abused a teenager in 1974. Sued in 2006 by a person alleging abuse over 100 times at St. Pius X parish in Lombard 1975-1976. Claim settled. Name on the Joliet diocese's list in 2006. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named in a 2015 suit as having ignored an 11-year-old boy's screams while another priest, Henry Slade, assaulted him after the boy refused a sex act. Plaintiff said Dedera then offered him marijuana to "help him forget it." Permanently removed from ministry, per the diocese's list updated 12/6/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Garrett Neal Dee

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Ordained for the Springfield IL diocese. In treatment for about a year before assigned in 1988 to the Diocese of Amarillo, TX. In 4/2002 a man told the Springfield diocese that Dee abused him in the 1960s in IL. The man's attorney wrote directly to the Amarillo diocese in June, and Dee was placed on leave. Dee admitted to sexual misconduct with minors in the Diocese of Springfield. At least one more man from TX contacted local papers after story about Dee alleging he was molested by the priest in Groom, TX. On Springfield diocese's list 11/29/2019. It notes his removal from active ministry 7/31/2002. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 4 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert DeGrand

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Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Removed 9/2013 from parishes in Sigel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville after new allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor dating back to 1980 when he was assigned to Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville, IL Temporarily removed. Review Board found allegations credible 1/2014 and matter to be sent to Vatican for further action. To remain on leave. Civil and criminal authorities notified. No criminal prosecution due to SOL. On diocese's list 11/29/2018. Not in active ministry since 5/1/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Arno Dennerlein

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Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 2/2003 two brothers told Joliet police that Dennerlein had sexually abused them when they were boys in the  1970s. Dennerlein denied the allegations. Removed. In 10/2003 he challenged the credibility of his accusers but did refer to "a single, momentary incident" involving one of the boys. In 10/2003 the Diocesan Review Board deemed one of the allegations credible. Suit filed in 10/2003 by another set of brothers alleging abuse in the 1960s. Dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Review Board deemed allegations not credible. In 2006 another man alleged abuse at age 13 by Dennerlein. Review Board again said not credible. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Allegation in 2008 of abuse 1971 and 1972. Not substantiated, per Review Board. Canonical process was pending when Dennerlein died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Walter George DeRoeck

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed in 3/1999 after two men alleged abuse as minors in approximately 1986. DeRoeck was assigned to St. John Berchman's in the Logan Square neighborhood at time of the alleged abuse. Resigned from the priesthood in 8/2001. Laicized in 1/2002. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes nine "reported survivors."

Fr. Dominic Aloysius Diederich

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Ordained: 1917
Status: Accused

Died: 04/24/1977
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Monsignor. Pastor of St. Maurice 1942-1966, Pastor Emeritus 1966-1977. Died 4/24/1977. On 1/31/2006 the Archdiocese confirmed that church officials had reason to believe since 1994 that Diederich had engaged in sexual misconduct with a child. The admission came after a woman confronted Cardinal George about Diederich at a public meeting on 1/30/2006. In 1994 another woman received a settlement after reporting sexual abuse by Diederich as a child at St. Maurice School. After publicity in 2006, more women came forward with allegations of abuse by him as girls at St. Maurice. There were at least seven victims, all young girls from economically disadvantaged families. The Archdiocese refused to include Diederich on its list of priests with substantiated allegations because he was deceased. He was added to the list 11/28/2018 after the Attorney General began an investigation. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. James Diete

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Order: CM
Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in Lemont, IL and Denver, CO. Named publicly by the Vincentian Order on its list in 2020 as the subject of multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1980s. After the abuse was reported in 1987, Diete was sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment, then returned in 1988 to ministry. His faculties were removed in 1991. Included on the IL Attorney General's 5/23/2023 Report.

Fr. Francis Emil Dilla

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Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 02/2/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse at St. Simon's in Chicago 1964-1965. Removed from public ministry in 2/1992. Died 2/2/2005. First identified as an abuser in the 3/20/2002 Archdiocesan Report. Retired in 1993. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, noting three "reported survivors."

Fr. Paul F. Dinan

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Died: 12/6/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked for many years in Kankakee, Joliet and Paxton. Retired in 1980. Died 12/6/1996. Name included on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations as revised 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death were thus shown as "unresolved" on the list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Richard Dochstader

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Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Ontario, Canada. Ordained for the Missionaries of St. Charles (Scalabrinians) and worked in British Columbia. Arrived in Joliet in 1983 where he was incardinated in 1987. Assigned to parishes in Melrose Park, Frankfort, Bradley, Lockport, Naperville, Glen Ellyn Died in 2003. Added to the diocese's list of credibly accused 5/28/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Robert Dodd

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Died: 03/28/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Began a 'relationship' with 15-year-old girl which continued for several years. Her mother complained to the parish in 1968. After several months Dodd was transferred, to a parish in the city where the girl was attending college. Dodd married and left the priesthood in 1971. Became an attorney and served as mayor of Champaign 1983-1987. Civil suit filed in 1994. Court ruled in 11/1996 that case could go forward. Dodd died 3/28/2013. Name included on the diocese's 11/29/2018 list of those with substantiated allegations. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Kevin J. Downey

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Pastor of St Francis of Assisi Parish in Triangle VA from 2011. On 5/28/2016 the Arlington VA diocese quietly announced Downey's suspension during an investigation of sexual misconduct with a male minor, alleged to have occurred in 1990 'in another state.' Per the Official Catholic Directory, Downey was working at Quincy College in the Springfield IL diocese in 1990. Downey denied the allegation. He has worked in NY, IL, NJ, NC, and VA. Province announced on 4/24/2017 that the claim was found to be credible. Downey removed permanently from all public ministries. On the Raleigh diocese's list in 10/2018. On the Francisans' Holy Name Province list in 10/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. William Dugal, III

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 04/4/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Spent many years in a wheelchair. Chaplain at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison 1984-1996. Because of his health, went to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. Retired in 2000, privileges removed. Died in 2009. Name first appeared on diocese's list of priests with credible allegations 3/12/2013. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Jeremiah C. Duggan

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 07/21/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Alleged abuse occurred the in 1970s-1980s while he was assigned to Queen of Martyrs in Evergreen Park. Name not revealed until at least one claim included in Archdiocesan settlement of 10/28/05. Died 7/99, one month after he retired. Name not included on list of Chicago perpetrators released 1/14.

Br. James Claver Dunn

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Dunn is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Dunn in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Francis Engels

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Engels and two other priests were accused of abusing a boy in 1973. The victim complained directly to Bishop Myers in 1992. Engels was not placed on leave until the family went to the media in 1993. Engels also admitted to abusing a boy in the 1980s. Bishop tried to reinstate him in 2002 but did not after second victim complained. Named in a 2004 civil suit which settled in 2005. Pleaded guilty in 4/2005 to sexually abusing a teenage altar boy during trips to Milwaukee in the early 1980s. Sentenced in 6/2005 to 10 years in WI prison. On Peoria's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 5 "reported survivors."

Fr. Leonard (Jeffrey) Fairfield

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Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 11/28/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked and/or lived in Ontario Canada, PA, WDC, MA, Lima Peru, TX, IL, FL, NY, CA, VA. Died in 2005. Named publicly as accused by the Carmelite order on its list 11/22/2020. (Location of abuse not noted - placing Fairfield for now in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is located.) 


Fr. William Patrick Farrell

Order: OP
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 02/8/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Taught high school in Chicago and in Dallas TX, assigned in 1971 to a parish in Edina MN. Died 2/8/1989. Allegations surfaced in 2017 that Farrell sexually abused a 16-year-old Chicago boy in 1970, when he was a Fenwick High School faculty member and the boy was a student. Farrell's accuser wrote the Dominicans in 11/2017 and received an apology. He said he knew of at least one other student who had been molested by Farrell. In 2016 a man alleged that Farrell molested him when he was a vulnerable 21 year-old. The man said he met Farrell via a Catholic charismatic organization in MN in the 1970s. When Farrell was assigned to a chaplaincy at Southwestern U. in LA in 1973, he asked the young man to help him move. His accuser said that during stops at hotels on two nights, Farrell awakened him, naked, wanting sex. Name included on the Dominicans St. Albert the Great Province list 4/21/2022, noting that no reliable determination could be made regarding the allegations.

Fr. Richard Wayne Fassbinder

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 05/1/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Retired in 1997. Privileges were removed in 4/2002 after the archdiocesan review board determined "reasonable cause" to suspect that Fassbinder had sexually abused a male minor during his assignment at Prince of Peace Parish. Abuse was said to have begun in 1974 and ended in the mid-1980s. Allegations were first reported in 12/2001. Died in 5/2004. Name also on the 2003 Archdiocesan list of abusers. Per documents released by the Archdiocese in 11/2014, Fassbinder admitted to taking nude photos of and a "sexual relationship" with a boy, beginning in 1974 when the boy was age 16 and continuing for 15 years; he said he didn't know the boy was a minor. He was kept in ministry for two years after his admission. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Theodore Feely

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 09/25/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Feely worked in IL, CA and NV. In 2002 two men separately alleged Feely abused them as boys in IL 1968-1972. One of the men filed a civil suit in 2/2006 against the Rockford Diocese claiming Feely repeatedly sexually abused him, including rape, at age 13 in 1969. The man said the abuse started on a four-day trip to the Wisconsin Dells. He said he was awakened by the priest choking him, and was then sodomized. Feely's accuser also said he told another priest during confession, who pulled him out of the confessional, said he was evil then pushed him down the stairs. The lawsuit was dismissed on SOL. Feely died in NV in 1991. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. On Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019. On Stockton diocese's list 11/12/2020; worked there at St. George's 1981-1982. Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022 (name misspelled 'Feeley.') Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Mark A. Finan

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 11/18/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse occurring while assigned to St. Ignatius Prep in Chicago in 1944 and St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH 1964-1965. Dismissed from the Jesuits 4/13/1973. Died 11/18/1993, age 77. Per his obituary, Finan "spent his later years serving in the Los Angeles [CA] area." The Province's list revised 2/21/2020 shows dates of abuse in Cincinnati as 1963-1965. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022. Included on the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Lowell E. Fischer

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 06/19/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Trappists. Incardinated into the Diocese of Joliet. Moved to Hawaii in 1975 for an "18 year leave of absence." Worked as a hospital chaplain for a year. Became a parish priest in 1977. One person filed suit in 1994 in Hawaii alleging abuse by Fischer in 1992. Settled out of court. Returned to the Joliet diocese in 1993 on a restricted basis. Removed from ministry in 2002. Died in 6/2006 in Illinois. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in a new civil suit filed against the Joliet diocese 04/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 Illinois Attorney General's Report, which notes 4 "reported survivors."

Fr. John D. Fitzgerald

Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Died: 11/6/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Monsignor. Pastor of Ascension Church in Oak Grove 1951-1973. A woman contacted the Archdiocese in 2005 to report that she was sexually abused by Fitzgerald in 1964 when she was a teenage parishioner. Fitzgerald died in 1984. No public information released about Fitzgerald's abuse until the woman came forward at a 7/31/14 news conference after her mother, a diocesan employee, had passed away. The Archdiocese paid for her counseling.

Fr. John J. Fitzgerald

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Congregation of the Holy Cross on its list 6/12/2019. It notes an allegation in 1992 of abuse in the 1970s in IL. Removed from ministry in 1992, left the order in 1997. On the Phoenix diocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Joseph L. Fitzharris

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Criminally convicted in 1987 of child sexual abuse, sentenced to one year of supervision. Returned to limited ministry. Removed from public ministry in 1991. Resigned from the priesthood in 1/1995. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. Another man settled his claims for $875K in 7/2007 just prior to filing suit. He had alleged abuse by Fitzharris in the 1970s between ages 7-10. Laicized in 5/2009. Additional settlement with at least one man announced 8/30/2011. Personnel file released in 1/2014 as part of that settlement. Admitted by 2005 to abuse of at least 9 boys. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 20 "reported survivors," of abuse in Puerto Rico, Chicago, Kansas City MO, IN, CA, CO and other unknown locations.

Fr. Terence Fitzmaurice

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Multiple allegations of abuse of boys and girls. Accused of molesting at least 15 boys in the early 1970s. Three settled with the order and the Chicago archdiocese in 2006. In 2007 negotiations continued with other claimants. Many were participants in a job-training program run by the city of Chicago where Fitzmaurice was a supervisor. As many as 75 other claimants. Allegedly raped a girl, age 14, in 1978 who gave birth in 1979. One woman alleged abuse over a 6-year period. A suit filed 1/07 alleged abuse in Superior diocese. Other plaintiffs added 5/07. Original plaintiff settled 10/07. Died in 2009.

Fr. Alejandro Flores

Ordained: 2009
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Bolivia. Ordained for the Joliet Diocese in 6/2009. Removed 1/4/2010 from First Family after a couple accused him of abusing their 13-year-old son for five years while a seminarian. Flores attempted suicide 1/6/2010 by leaping from the balcony of an abandoned church, sustaining serious head injuries. Arrested upon release from hospital 1/20/2010. Charged in 4/2010 with attempted abuse of the first victim's brother. Pleaded guilty in 9/2010 to the first allegations. Sentenced to four years in prison. Paroled in 6/2013. Arrested by Immigration and deported to Bolivia 8/6/2013. Out-of-court civil settlement in 2012. Per the diocese's list in 12/2018, Flores was permanently removed from ministry. Laicized in 2020. Lawsuit filed 3/1/2023 claims abuse by Flores, including rape, of a boy ages 8 and 9, at St. Raymond Nonnatus Cathedral 2008-2009. The alleged victim died at age 21 in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. James Vincent Flosi

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Sued in 2005. Accused of abuse of a Quigley Theological Seminary student in 1980 while assigned to Holy Name Cathedral. Multiple reports of the sexual abuse of minors dating to the 1970s. Accused in 1991 of teaching several middle school age boys to masturbate. Resigned from the priesthood in 7/1992. Later became founder and CEO of AIDScare in Chicago. Laicized in 10/2010. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Salvatore Formusa

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 12/23/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Became a priest of the Diocese of Joliet when it was established in 1948.  Named publicly as credibly accused by the Joliet diocese on its list 4/10/2006. Retired in 1985. Removed from ministry without privileges in 2002. Died in 2006. Diocese agreed to release his personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It shows that Formusa admitted to the Diocese in 1962 that he had sexually abused a 9-year-old girl. Sent to WI for treatment. Police chief at the time said he knew of two prior incidents. Moved to another parish. Allegation in 5/1964 of abuse of a 15-year-old girl. Returned to ministry. Accused of abuse of a girl, age 9, in 7/1968. Criminally charged. In 1/1969 no longer allowed to hear children's confessions. Became a psychotherapist. Accused in 1985 of abusing a woman during therapy. Settled. In 2002 another woman alleged abuse by Formusa while he was her therapist in the 1970s and she was in her 20s.

Fr. Crescente DeRivera

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From the Philippines. "Fr. Sonny." First name sometimes spelled Cresente. Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor(s) by the Society of the Divine Word Chicago list. Included on the Archdiocese of Chicago's list 5/4/2023. The abuse occurred in Chile, South America in 1995, where he was assigned 1981-1996. Also worked in Chicago IL 1997-2006, FL in 2006, WDC 2007-2008 and Rome, Italy 2008-present (as of 5/2003). Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. James M. Frederick

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 08/6/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Included on the Joliet diocese's 4/10/2006 list of priests with substantiated allegations. Died in 1988. Per 2013 articles and personnel files, Frederick was dean of students at the former St. Charles Borromeo [minor] seminary in Romeoville in the mid-1960s. Several students complained to the seminary rector in 1967; Bishop removed Frederick. He later was assigned as CFO for the Diocese. The Diocese agreed to release Frederick's personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 2 "reported survivors."

Fr. Daniel L. Friedman

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Accused of sexual advances towards boy at summer camp in 1986. Vicar General recommended removal in 1988 but no action taken until 1994 after further investigation. He was later reinstated to parish but not to camp duties. A woman sued him in 2/02 alleging that he had fondled her during counseling sessions; suit dropped in 6/02. Removed 9/02 pending review of 1986 allegations. Again allowed to return to active ministry 4/03 after review by Fitness Review Board.

Fr. Robert D. Friese

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Teacher/counselor at Maryville Academy for at-risk youth in Des Plaines. Charged in 1984 with the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy he met at Maryville. Victim said abuse was from 1982 to 1984 and included fondling and oral sex. At the time of indictment, Friese was on leave from the Chicago Archdiocese and working as a researcher at the University of IL- Chicago's child care program. He was convicted in 1985, placed on probation for 4 years and sent to the House of Affirmation. Resigned from the priesthood in 8/1985. Laicized in 7/1987. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Rigoberto Gamez-Alfonso

Ordained: 1995
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Several chancery positions. Named pastor in 2009 of Our Lady of Tepeyac in Little Village. Assiged 2015 to Providence of God in Pilsen. In residence since 7/18 at St. Aloysius in Wicker Park. Arrested in 10/18, charged with criminal sexual abuse involving force and battery. Accused of attacking three females, ages 17, 18 and 27, beginning in 11/16. Faculties withdrawn.

Br. Stephen Justin Gardner

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Gardner was listed as a 'former' brother as of 6/11/14. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Gardner in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Jesus P. Garza

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as accused on the Chicago Archdiocese's list released 3/20/2006. In 11/1983 a mother expressed concern to the Archdiocese about Garza's interactions with her son. In 4/2000 the alleged victim met with Cardinal George. Garza resigned 7/1/00. In 2005 internal investigators deemed substantiated claims that Garza forced a boy to perform oral on him sex numerous times 1/1984-4/1984. Discovered by a news outlet in 9/2018 to have gone on to work as a counselor in the Beloit, WI public schools. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. James Gaynor

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 06/1/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

In 2000 a man reported to the diocese that when he was ages 4-5 in 1963-65, Gaynor repeatedly sexually abused him. The diocese told the man that Gaynor had died of AIDS in 1991. The man said he refused to sign an agreement offering counseling in exchange for releasing the diocese from liabilities or damages. The same man came forward again in 2002.

Fr. Michael L. Gibbney

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 09/13/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 1992. Sued in 10/2002. Accused of abuse of boy at Mary Queen of Heaven parish in Elmhurst and at St. Francis of Assisi in Bolingbrook. Suit dismissed in 2004 on statute of limitations. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 4/2006. Another suit filed in early 2006; dismissed in 11/2006 on statute of limitations with option to refile amended complaint. Named in new suit filed 5/15/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named as 1 of 5 priests in a $4.137 million settlement in 4/2015. Laicized in 2011. Died in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 12 "reported survivors."

Fr. Lawrence M. Gibbs

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Multiple accusers. Accused of abuse in 1979. Transferred. Accused of abuse of an 11-year-old boy for six years. Two civil suits filed in 1993; one was dismissed, one settled in 1998. Termed Joliet diocese's most notorious abuser. Accused of abuse in Lombard, Lockport and Glen Ellyn. Removed from ministry in 1992. No criminal charges filed. Left priesthood in the 1990s and later married. Removed from position as a counselor in St. Louis in 2002 pending investigation. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in new suits filed by a man in 6/2012 and by another man in 6/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named in a $4.137 million settlement involving five priests in 4/2015. Laicized in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 13 "reported survivors."

Fr. Leonard J. Gilman

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1998
Status: Accused

Died: 06/1/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Late vocation. Prior to entering the Order in 1994, he worked with youth as a probation officer, then had a career in marketing and became a vice president at Lockheed Corporation. Worked and/or studied as a Carmelite in WDC, NJ, IL, Ontario Canada, IL, MA. Parish priest and pastor, Vice President at Joliet Catholic Academy, Eastern Commissariat of the Province Director of Vocations, then Provincial. Died by suicide in his rectory in 2015. Named publicly as accused on the Carmelites list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." (No information as to where the abuse occurred; placing Gilman in the Joliet diocese for now, where the Province is located.)


Fr. William (Patrick) Gleeson

Donate Photo
Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 11/9/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in IL, NJ, TX, DC, MA, PA, and Ontario Canada. Died in 2000. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list of accused 11/22/2020. (Location of abuse not noted - placing Gleeson in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is located.) Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Norman D. Goodman

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 08/1/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Monsignor. Beginning 8/1998, twelve young men filed suits alleging abuse as children by Goodman, mostly in the 1980s, and claimed that at least twice diocesan officials were informed but failed to take action. Other suits followed. Goodman "resigned" from his parish in 1997. Settlement with thirteen in 1999. Placed on permanent leave in 2002. Lawsuit filed in 2005, dropped, re-filed in 1/2006. This suit was dismissed in 6/2007 as beyond the statute of limitations. Named in a 4/2007 lawsuit. This suit, with others, were dismissed on the statute of limitations in 2007 and 2008. All suits to have been possibly reinstated in 1/2009. Suit claiming abuse of a boy 1991-1994 revived in 8/2016. Goodman died 8/1/2013. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 19 survivors of abuse by Goodman shown in diocesan files.

Fr. Gary Graf

Ordained: 1984
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in 7/18 of inappropriate behavior toward a male teen, who was a parish employee. Graf was pastor of San Jose Luis Sanchez Del Rio. Placed on leave pending investigation. Graf's accuser said Graf told him over the phone that he was attracted to him, rubbed his shoulders, and offered him a free car. Graf maintained his innocence. Dept of Children and Family Services deemed the allegations "unfounded" in 11/18. Graf was found not guilty at criminal bench trial in 1/19. Archdiocese continued investigation. He was returned to ministry in 4/19.

Br. Carlos G. Griego

Donate Photo
Order: OP
Status: Accused

Died: 02/18/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Dominican Friars' Province of St. Albert the Great, USA in 2022. Removed from public ministry in 1992 due to an allegation involving a young adult male. Later accused of sexually abusing several teenage boys. Died in 2010. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. No information as to location of abuse. (Placing Griego in the Chicago archdiocese for now.)


Fr. Paul Guzman

Ordained: 2012
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

On 3/11/2023 Cardinal Cupich announced that that there was an allegation that Guzman sexually abused a minor 40 years prior, 25 years before he entered seminary. Guzman was overseas on military duty when the allegation was received and agreed to "step aside" from his parish, Most Holy Redeemer, upon his return. The Archdiocese determined there was "insufficient reason to suspect Father Guzman was guilty" He was reinstated 3/21/2023.


Fr. James Craig Hagan

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of sexually abusing at least 19, boys, 11 substantiated as of 5/2023. The abuse included rape and victims were as young as age 11. May have abused as a seminarian in 1972. First allegations were reported in 1988 when parents reported Hagan's concerning behavior to the Archdiocese and law enforcement. Kept in ministry. Made pastor in 1988 of St. Denis, where he remained until he was placed on leave in 1996 due to new allegations. Resigned from the priesthood in 4/1997. Two claims settled in 10/2003. One claim was  included in a 10/2005 settlement with the Archdiocese. Suit in 4/2006 claimed abuse 1994-1996 at St. Denis parish. At least one claim was included in a $12.7M settlement in 8/2008 involving 11 priests and 16 plaintiffs. Laicized in 4/2010. Personnel file released 01/21/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. William Harbert

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 04/24/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Publicly accused in 1993 of abusing three teenage siblings - a girl and two boys- in the early to mid-1970s. They first came forward in the early 1980s. In 6/2003 a man said that in 11/1992 he told Bishop Myers he was abused by Harbert beginning at age 14 in 1972 for two years, and by Fr. Francis Engles, and that he went to a news outlet in 2/1993 after no action from Myers. The story didn't run until 9/1993, after which the priests were removed from public ministry. They both admitted to the abuse. Harbert had been working as a nursing home chaplain. Another man said that in 10/1993 he told Myers the two priests had abused him in 1980, and another said Harbert molested him as a boy in 1969. Suit filed in 2/1004. Plaintiff claimed the Diocese knew of abuse in the 1970s. Settled in 2005. Another suit filed in 1/2007. One man said Harbert and Fr. Duane Leclercq abused him as a high school freshman in 1964, and that Harbert also abused his friends. Harbert died 4/24/2003. His name was included on the diocese's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It notes 12 reported survivors, of abuse in IL and FL.

Fr. Al F. Harte

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Died: 08/24/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

A woman filed suit 1/31/14 alleging that Harte and two other priests, "Fr. Bob" and "Fr. Allen", abused her on multiple occasions 1978-80 when she was a student at Holy Family Catholic School. Harte was at the parish 1976-89. The suit claims the diocese know of his behavior before her abuse. He died 8/24/02.

Fr. Joseph Havey

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Died: 08/21/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Accused in a 1993 lawsuit of sexually abusing at least five boys in the 1970s-1980s, ages 10-14, while pastor of St. Agnes. The boys were students at the parish school. Per the suit, Harvey provided pornography, drugs and alcohol, and that Havey forced the boys to perform sado-masochistic acts on him to "cleanse me of my sins." The suit was dismissed in 1995 due to the statute of limitations and dismissal upheld by appeals court. Two other claims were pending at that time. Havey had reportedly left the priesthood and married, and in 1993 was living in St. Augustine, FL. At least some claims settled as part of a 2004 $3M mass settlement. Laicized 2/17/2006. On diocese's list of those with substantiated allegations released 11/29/2018. Havey died at his home in FL 8/21/2017. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Gerald R. Hechenberger

Ordained: 1996
Status: Convicted

Died: 03/6/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

"Jerry." Arrested 1/08/2018, charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography, and possession of methamphetamine. Associate pastor of Holy Childhood parish and school in Mascoutah, St. Pancratius in Fayetteville and St. Liborius in St. Libory. Had taken leave in 2011 for "very serious personal, pastoral and legal challenges." In 2004 pled guilty to trespassing at a truck stop "holding his pants in his hand and [with] no shirt on." Charged in 1983 and 1989 with DUIs. It was announced 1/2019 that he would undergo a psych evaluation to determine if he was mentally competent to stand trial. Pleaded guilty in 11/2019. Sentenced to nine years in prison. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Died in jail 3/6/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John Edward Hefferan

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 01/29/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as an abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report released 3/20/2006. Removed from public ministry in 10/2003. Per documents released by the Archdiocese in 11/2014, Hefferan was accused in 3/1993 of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in the late 1970s at St. John Vianney in Northlake. Restricted from being alone with minors for four months. Two more allegations surfaced in 2002 and 2003: a person claimed sexual exploitation by Hefferan 1964-1967 at St. Anastasia's in Waukegan, and a woman filed a formal complaint that Hefferan fondled her breasts in the late 1960s, when she was in junior high school in Flossmoor. Died 1/29/2018, per the Archdiocese's updated list 11/28/2018. Included in the IL Attorney General's Report 5/23/2023.

Br. Ed Hennessey

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes least one "reported survivor." (There was a Br. Edwin Thomas Hennessy, CFC assigned to St. Leo High School 1968-1974, Brother Rice High School 1975-1981 and St. Laurence High School 1981-2000. Died 10/14/2005. Sometimes referred to as Edwin F. Hennessy. No information found about a Br. Ed Hennessey.)


Br. Gilbert Leroy Hensley

Order: OP
Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Died: 05/31/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

"Br. Angelus." Accused in a civil suit filed 10/26/2007 of sodomizing a boy, who was in 4th and 5th grade, at least four times in the late 1970s at St. Vincent Ferrer parish in River Forest IL. Hensley was assigned to the parish 1971-1986. His previous assignment was at nearby St. Thomas Aquinas Priory 1962-1971. To show prior notice, the suit alleged Hensley's jaw was broken by a minor male in a gay bar in the mid-1970s. A third boy was allegedly fondled once by Hensley at the parish school in the late 1970s and a 4th minor male was reportedly willing to testify. (Rev. Vincent Bryce, Hensley's pastor at St. Vincent's, admitted abusing a boy there.) In 1986-2005 Hensley lived at Blessed Sacrament priory and parish in the Madison WI diocese while working at Edgewood Elementary School. After the attorney for the man who filed suit contacted the Dominicans in 2005, Hensley was moved to the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters in Sinsinawa WI, where he lived and worked 2005-2014. He died 5/31/2014. Name appeared on the Order's list of accused 4/21/2022, noting that no reliable determination could be made regarding the allegations. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. George H. Hiland

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Retired in 1994. Removed from public ministry in 11/2018 due to an allegation deemed credible of sexual misconduct with a minor about 50 years prior. Assignments 1958-1994 included St. Stephen's in Steator, St. John the Baptist in Fairbury, St. Patrick in Dwight and St. James in Forrest. Included on the diocese's list in 12/2018. Known in 2014 to be living in Sebastian, FL. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's report, which shows that in 10/2018 the diocese found a 1993 memo that Hiland sexually abused a 7th-8th grade altar boy in the mid-1960s. The survivor told A.G. investigators that Hiland took interest in him after his [the boy's] father died. The abuse happened often and in many places, and Hiland would reward the boy with gifts after each incident. Also, in 1993 Hiland was accused of abusing a child in the 1970s and admitted to abusing a second, leading to his 1994 retirement.

Fr. James Allen Hoder

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as abuser on Chicago Archdiocesan Report in Fall 2009. Archdiocese received a report in 7/1985 of sexual abuse by Hoder of a teenage boy when Hoder was a seminarian. Hoder admitted to the Vicar for Priests he "had many problems from 1976 to 1980....but no involvements since 1982." Told by the Vicar to avoid unsupervised contact with young people." Hoder ignored the directive. In 1990 a housekeeper reported male minors going to Hoder's room, porn everywhere, and a young man around age 18 staying with him in the rectory. Allowed a sabbatical and assigned to another parish. Suspected of theft the same year and investigated for drugs. Removed from parish in 11/91 after three months. Allowed limited ministry. Reports to archdiocese in 11/1992 of sex abuse of a teen boy; placed on leave. Sent to a halfway house in MO. Resigned from the priesthood in 1997. Allegation in 2/2004. Another in 7/2007 of abuse by Hoder and Fr. James Flosi of a boy age 17; alleged victim had called the Archdiocese about this in 1985. Laicization in 12/2009 announced in 1/2010. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Michael J. Hogan

Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in IL, AR, TX. Newly identified as an abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report 3/20/2006. In 2/1986 a parent told the pastor at St. Barbara's Parish of "inappropriate activities" Hoder had engaged in with his sons. The pastor was then to supervise Hogan. Resigned in 7/1993. On leave as of 6/22/2002.  Per the Archdiocese's list updated 11/28/2018, Hogan was laicized 6/20/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Michael P. Hogan

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 09/29/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly by a man in 1/19 who claimed Hogan sexually abused him when he was a St. Rita High School sophomore. Hogan worked at St. Rita's 1960-70 as a teacher, Vice Principal for Guidance and Director of Public Relations. His accuser said the priest offered to take him to a camp in Milwaukee, plied him with alcohol in a hotel room and started touching him. The man said he told the archdiocese in 2006, who had him contact the Midwest Augustinians, and that the Order said Hogan was in a nursing home and denied the abuse. Hogan died 9/29/08.

Fr. John C. Holdren

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Died: 04/16/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Accused in a lawsuit filed 9/8/2015 of sexually abusing a 7- to 9-year-old boy in the early 1970s at St. Rita's of Cascia in Aurora. Abuse allegedly included fondling and sodomy. Accuser said several of his friends told him they were abused, too. Holdren denied abuse of the boy. Took a long-term leave of absence in 1994 after he was injured in a reported home invasion. Diocese stated in 9/2015 that he was no longer an active priest, but Holdren told a reporter he was still active, helping out at a local parish. On diocese's list 11/14/2018. It noted he was removed from ministry in 7/1994 "for reason not related to a child abuse allegation." Died 4/16/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. Daniel Mark Holihan

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 10/8/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Reports to the Archdiocese in 7/1986 that Holihan had fondled boys, including during overnight trips to his cottage. Other priests, nuns and teachers knew for years of Holihan's behavior. Parish children called him "Fr. Happy Hands." Kept in ministry; vicar for priests told Holihan to modify his behavior. More allegations in 1990 of inappropriate touch, including that a housekeeper twice found Holihan in bed with a young boy. Resigned from parish. Continued to be seen with young boys. Vicar for priests said they should "go a little easier" on Houlihan because the abuse was "not overly gross." Twelve known victims at that point. Moved to another parish. Settlement in 1997 for claims of abuse of a boy in 1968. Under Cardinal Bernardin, Holihan was assigned a monitor and told not to be alone with minors. Barred in 6/2002 by Cardinal George from celebrating weekend masses. Civil suit filed in 10/2003. Included in 10/2005 settlement with archdiocese. Permanently removed from ministry in 9/2005. Laicized in 7/2010. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Died in 10/2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which shows 40 "reported survivors."  


Fr. Thomas Barry Horne

Ordained: 1939
Status: Sued

Died: 05/10/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abusing Kay Ebeling (of City of Angels blog) at age 5 in the early 1950s in Bartlett, IL. He had been transferred there by the Archbishop of Chicago. He is accused of raping her in a rectory while her mother practiced  on the organ in the nearby church. A later article reported he also raped her sister. Kay and another woman filed suit against the Archdiocese 8/3/2011, alleging abuse when they were young children. Horne died in 1985. Included in 10/2022 on the Archdiocese's list of accused; allegation substantiated after Horne's death. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. James Alvarez Houlihan

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Houlihan is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Houlihan in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Carroll Howlin

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 05/5/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in a suit filed in 8/2002 of abusing a boy in 1975 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and during trips to KY. Howlin, who had worked as a mission priest in KY since 1977, was quickly removed. Another man alleging abuse as a boy by Howlin said he reported the incident to Bishop Imesch in 1993. The man's attorney said Imesch sent Howlin for therapy or a psych evaluation without telling the Lexington diocese about it, then allowed him to return to ministry. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Permanently removed after a 2010 canonical trial. Living unsupervised in KY. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Died 5/05/2015. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes two known victims from Whitley City KY in the 1990s. Multiple allegations of abuse starting in 1972. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert Thomas Hughes

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002. Hughes died 12/31/2016.

Fr. Walter Edward Huppenbauer

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 12/8/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Multiple allegations. Accused in 10/1992 of abusing a 5th-8th grade girl at St. Hilary's in the 1960s. Kept in ministry, told by vicar of priests to stay away from minors. Retired under restrictions in 1994. Removed from public ministry in 10/2002. At least one claim included in a 2003 $8M settlement by the Chicago Archdiocese. Permanently removed from public ministry in 9/2005. At least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. Laicized in 8/2010. Personnel file released by the archdiocese in 11/2014. Died in 12/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes three "reported survivors."


Br. Charles B. Irwin

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Died: 10/9/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

One of 10 brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil suit, of abuse at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North American Province. In 5/2013 the Order agreed to a $16.5M settlement with 400 plaintiffs involving abuse by multiple Order priests and brothers. Also accused of abuse at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell NJ. Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Included in a $1.9 M settlement announced in 8/2016, to be shared among 21 former Bergen Catholic students. Irwin entered the CFC Order in 1945 and made final vows in 1953. Assigned to schools and communities in West Park NY, NYC, Chicago IL, Oradell NJ, and New Rochelle NY. Died 10/09/1997. New suit in 3/2021 alleges abuse of a Bergen Catholic student in the 1960s. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's  Report.

Fr. William D. Isermann

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 12/9/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002." Isermann was removed in 1993 and died in 1996. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. Richard E. Jacklin

Ordained: 1984
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Goodrich. Arrested 10/31/2017, charged with sexual assault of a 39-year-old paralyzed man with an intellectual disability who resided at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee. A nurse reportedly walked in on Jacklin as he was performing a sex act on the resident. Lawsuit filed by the IL Office of State Guardian in 10/2019. Convicted in 9/2022. Sentenced in 1/2023 to 18 years in prison, and life parole upon his release.  Required to register as a sex offender for life. Added to the diocese's list of those with substantiated allegations 3/30/2023.

Fr. Mark Jendrysik

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 12/8/2018. Permanently removed from ministry in 2018. Admitted to "having sexual contact" with a 13-year-old girl in 1981, while a seminarian. Laicized in 2021. His victim received a settlement from the diocese in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Thomas Job

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Multiple allegations of the sexual abuse of teenage boys, occurring while a seminarian and at every parish assignment thereafter. In the early 1970s two boys told the parish school principal at St. John Vianney in Northlake of abuse by Job, one of them abused from 4th-7th grades. The principal told the pastor, who didn't believe her. She said she begged Archdiocesan officials to protect the children at her school, to no avail. She resigned. Job was arrested in 1975 after a boy reported abuse to police. No charges. Moved to St. Cletus in LaGrange. Accused in 1983 of abuse in the early 1970s at St. John Vianney. Confessed. Kept in ministry at St. Joseph in Libertyville, told to avoid young people. Continued to abuse. Stole from parish collection. Resigned from priesthood in 11/1991. Report in 2004 he was representing himself as a priest in good standing. Archdiocese did not make abuse allegations public until 10/2005. At least one claim settled in 10/2005. Laicized in 6/2010. Sentenced in 7/2011 to one year in jail and to pay restitution and fine after pleading guilty to theft of thousands of dollars from then-current employer, Lake County Health Dept. Personnel File released 1/21/2014. Per the archdiocese's updated list 6/8/2021, Job died in 3/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 22 "reported survivors," of abuse in IL, SD, Cancun Mexico, Canada, Copenhagen Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Luxumbourg.

Fr. Harold Jochem

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1930
Status: Sued

Died: 12/3/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

A man filed a civil suit in 6/2004 alleging abuse 1974-1978 by Jochem and another Franciscan friar, Jeffrey Salwach, at St. Jude's in New Lenox. Per the suit, the two priests forced the boy to engage in group sex, smoke marijuana and drink alcohol. Jochem died in 1993.

Fr. William I. Joffe

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 04/21/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Placed on leave in 12/1987 for mismanaging parish funds. Pleaded guilty in 1981 to embezzling $264K from his parish; sentenced to 1 year in prison and 5 years probation. Reassigned in 1992 to a parish. Placed on leave again in 1993 after an allegation that he sexually abused a boy in the late 1960s. Sent for a psychiatric evaluation. Lived in KY and FL for the next ten years, doing odd jobs. Another complaint received in 2002, of abuse of a freshman boy at Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling in the early 1970s, where Joffe was director of religious education. Two more allegations received in 2004, of abuse in 1979 and 1983. Five more in 7/2005, of abuse 1969-1983. Suit filed in 2/2006. "Removed from priesthood" in 8/1993. On diocese's list 11/14/2018. Noted to have died in 4/2008 in Ft. Meyers, FL. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 10 "reported survivors."

Fr. Walter E. Johnson

Order: MM
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 04/14/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Named publicly as accused on the Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. Noted to have been removed by his Order in  4/1988, reinstated in 9/1988, then removed again in 4/1993. Worked in the Chicago IL archdiocese, Bolivia, and the  Dioceses of Rockford IL and San Jose CA. Moved to Maryknoll NY in 2004. Died 4/14/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes six "reported survivors."

Fr. Augustine K. Jones

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1953
Status: Convicted

Died: 09/28/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Convicted in 1968 of abuse of a boy. Received three years probation and treatment. More charges in 1993 of abuse in 1990. Indicted in 1993. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to four years probation. Died 9/28/2007 at Blue Cloud Abbey in SD. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. Included on the Benedictines of Marmion Abbey list 2/24/2023, which notes abuse in 1959, 1960s and early 1990s. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John E. Jordan

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Ordained: 1935
Status: Sued

Died: 09/14/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Died in 1987. Accused of abuse in a civil suit filed 5/14/12 against the Archdiocese of Chicago. A former altar boy alleged abuse at St. Adrian Parish's rectory between 1983-1984. Jordan allegedly would spank the boy with a paddle while forcing him to pray before performing sex acts.

Fr. J. Eugene Kane

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 07/28/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002." Kane died 7/28/2009. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Edwin G. Kastner

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 05/1/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Removed in 9/1993 pending the investigation of an allegation that he had been involved in sexual misconduct with a male youth about 20 years prior. Permanently removed from active priesthood in 6/1994. Per the diocesan website 1/24/2009, his status was "Administrative Leave/Retired." Died 5/1/2012. Include on the diocese's list of credibly accused 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. John Kealey

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Order: CFC
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Per Jeff Anderson and Associates law firm, Kealy was accused of abuse of a minor while at Brother Rice High School in Chicago. Kealey is deceased. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report last name spelled Kealy).


Fr. Robert Louis Kealy

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Chancellor. Lawyer, handled sex abuse cases in the Archdiocese. Member of the Archdiocesan Review Board. Quietly left Chancellor position in 1992 after a young adult reported that Kealy had made a pass at him at a party.  Appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception in Highland Park. Report in 6/2001 of inappropriate sexual conduct with a 15- or 16-year-old boy in the 1970s at St. Germaine in Oak Lawn. Denied abuse, admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking with boys in the 1970s. No action by Review Board until complainant came forward again in 2002, threatening to go public. Kealy admitted to the abuse and to abusing two other children. Resigned from parish in 3/2002. Faculties removed "for at least a year" in 7/2005. Resigned from priesthood in 4/2006. As of 2014 was still a priest, working as a lawyer. Laicized in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes additional allegations of abuse received after 2006. 


Fr. John James Keehan

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Allegations against Keehan of sexual misconduct date back to 1967-1974, during his first assignment at St. Basil in Chicago. Removed from public ministry in 6/2002. Keehan said he would appeal the decision. The Archdiocese had determined years prior that there was "reasonable cause to believe" that Keehan had abused children. Keehan's computer was  taken away from him in 9/2010 as he was accessing numerous social networking sites, most child-oriented. In 1/2013 the Archdiocese recommended he enroll in a technology course to prevent his continued reliance on his "ignorance" of technology. Last known to be living at a Catholic Charities nursing home in Palos Park, IL. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Thomas Francis Kelly

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 07/15/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Died 6/15/1990. Included in Archdiocesan settlement of 10/28/2005 for claim that he abused a child at St Teresa's. At least one claim included in the 8/08 $12.7M settlement. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included on Chicago Archdiocese's list 1/21/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which states that Kelly was a serial predator. Sexually abused at least 20 boys, ages 11-17 in the 1960s and 1970s. Kelly would groom boys with dinner, movies and concerts, and let them drive his car. He plied them with alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, gave them pornographic magazines and had them sleep over in the rectory. Archdiocesan files indicate that officials knew of Kelly's behavior as early as 1967, yet claim the first report of abuse was in 1992.

Sr. Benen Kent

Order: OSF
Status: Settled

Died: 06/24/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Given name Margaret Agnes. Took first vows in 1938. Accused in a 2005 suit by a woman of abuse when she was a child 1962-67. Two more women filed suit in 2006. They claim the order knew Kent was mentally ill and had behaved questionably with children. Allegedly abused in Chicago IL and MN. Died in 2003. In 4/07 Court dismissed one suit on SOL, parts of a second and left the third intact. Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal 4/30/08. Claims settled in 9/08. Two women received $400K total. Other accusers have come forward. Suit filed in Winona MN in 4/16 alleging sexual abuse by Kent of two minors 1958-61.

Fr. John J. Keough

Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Resigned in 3/1982 to marry. Accused of abuse of both men and women. Accused in 2002 of kissing and fondling an 11-year-old girl in the 1960s, then "sex" after she graduated high school. Included in a 10/2003 $8M archdiocesan settlement with 15 individuals who alleged abuse by 12 different priests. Laicized in 11/2008. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Joseph C. Kernan

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Kernan is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Kernan in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Fr. Allan F. Kirk

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 08/11/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2019. It notes a single allegation of abuse, reported after his death, occurring while assigned to St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 1979. Kirk died 8/11/2006. The Provinces's list revised 2/21/2020 shows multiple allegations of abuse while at St. Ignatius as 1978-1979. Included in 1/2020 on the Cincinnati Archdiocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph Patrick Kissane

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Died: 04/7/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Included on the Archdiocesan list of accused updated in 2009. Included in a 10/2003 settlement. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which shows a first allegation to the Archdiocese in 6/1989, that Kissane sexually abused a girl 1978-1979 at St. Catherine's in Oak Lawn. He admitted the abuse of her and two other girls. Kept in ministry. Archdiocese didn't investigate until 1/1990. One priest said grade school girls would hang around Kissane, including in the rectory, and become "attached." Another allegation in 8/1990. Accuser filed suit. Admitted to "sexual involvement" with nine girls, as young as age 14. Faculties withdrawn in 4/91, resigned in 5/1991. Accused in 8/1994 of raping a girl 20 years prior at St. Catejan. Review board said it would not investigate and would not try to contact the victim because Kissane had already resigned. Laicized in 8/2010. Died in 4/2011.

Fr. George W. Klein

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 11/18/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

In residence  at St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Northfield when accused in 8/2011 of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the mid-1970s while principal of St. Benedict High School in Chicago. The girl was a student at the school and was sent to him for counseling. The Archdiocese said Klein was retired as of 7/2010. Review Board determined in 12/2011 that Klein's conduct was not sexual abuse but was inappropriate. Restrictions placed - prohibited from public ministry and being alone with or functions involving minors. Restrictions eventually loosened; re-established by new Archbishop Cupich in 2015. Died 11/18/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Leonard Paul Kmak

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 07/16/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Left the priesthood to marry in 8/1968. Laicized in 1/1969. Died in 7/2002. Accused of having abused in 1960-1963. Allegations first public when a claim was included in a 10/2005 settlement by the Archdiocese involving 24 plaintiffs and 14 priests. Archdiocese also settled at least one claim in 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. J. Robert Koch

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 12/6/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Also known as Robert J. Koch. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 1966. Died 12/6/1996. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Peter D. Kohler

Order: MS
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 06/28/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Assigned in LA, MO, MI, Madagascar. Lived at the La Salette House in Hartford CT 2011 until his death in 2014.  Named publicly as credibly accused by the the Diocese of Rockford on its list 11/14/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which shows that in 2017 a man reported that when he was 12 years old in 1999, Kohler raped him during confession at St. Joseph's in Lena, IL. Kohler was filling in for an absent priest. The boy told his father the same night, who said he would take care of it. Kohler did not return to the parish. 


Fr. Raymond F. Kownacki

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 08/19/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 3/1995 of abuse and rape of a teenage girl over several years, beginning in 1970. The girl was hired in 1971 as Kownacki's housekeeper and moved into his rectory. Per the suit, when she told Kownacki in 1973 that she had sex with a boy she was dating, he held a knife to her throat, forced her at gunpoint to drive him around, then raped her. She later found she was pregnant; Kownacki made her drink something to induce abortion, then squeezed her uterus with his hand. She passed out and woke up in a pool of blood, and lost the fetus. The woman said that she and her parents reported the abuse in 1973 to Bishop Albert Zuroweste. Kownacki was kept in ministry; permanently removed in 11/1995. The suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Two men filed suits in 2002 and 2003 claiming abuse in the 1970s. Jury award of $5M to 2002 plaintiff in 8/2008 trial. Decision appealed. Diocese paid $6.33M (with interest) in 8/2011. The 2003 suit settled in 10/2009 for $1.2M. Two men sued in 4/2009. Two suits settled in 3/2012. New suits in 10/2011 and 8/2012. Laicized 1/11/2013. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Per the list updated in 9/2022, Kownacki died 8/19/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes nine "reported survivors."

Fr. Albert E. Kreher

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Diocese said it learned in 1997 of allegations that Kreher sexually abused a boy for one and a half years in the early 1980s, starting when the boy was age 14. Kreher admitted to regularly sleeping with the boy, but denied abuse. The boy, Steven Poole, said he told another priest in the early 1990s. Poole went on to become a priest of the diocese. Poole said Kreher slept naked, kissed, fondled, and rubbed his genitals against him. In 2010 Bishop Braxton made Kreher write Poole a letter of apology, but allowed Kreher to continue as head of Boy Scouts Council. The letter was leaked to media. The Boy Scouts removed Kreher in 2016. Police launched an investigation.

Fr. Robert (Barry) Kremer

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Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 03/18/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in Ontario Canada, PA, DC, MA, IL, TX, KY, CA, FL. Died in 2004. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." Location of abuse unknown. (Placing him in the Joliet diocese, where the Province is based.)


Br. Richard Kuhl

Order: MSC
Status: Sued

Died: 07/1/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Professed final vows in 1954. In about 1996 five women filed four lawsuits alleging abuse by Kuhl when they were children. All dismissed in 1/2000 by the IL Supreme Court due to the statute of limitations. A woman filed a suit 11/2003 claiming Kuhl abused her 1974-1982. The suit also says the mother of another victim had complained to the Order before 1974 and that nothing was done, and that there were at least six victims. Kuhl died in 2009. Included on the Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. On the Sacred Heart Missionaries USA Province list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John H. Lane

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 02/21/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in the Patna Province, India for over 30 years, beginning in 1932. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse noted, occurring while assigned to Holy Family Parish in Chicago 1966-1976. Died 2/21/2000. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least two "reported survivors."

Fr. Ronald Lange

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Chicago Province of the Society of the Divine Word on its list in 4/2021. Abuse occurred in Ghana, Africa over "multiple years" and in Iowa in 1987. Worked in Ghana 1968-1991 and 1996-2013, in the U.S. 1991-1996. Living in Dittmer MO from 2013 at least through 4/2021. Per his order, Lange is monitored and is prohibited from public ministry and contact with minors.

Br. Ronald Justin Lasik

Order: CFC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in a suit filed on 4/26/2013 of abusing two boys at St. Laurence High School in Chicago. Convicted on 6/5/1999 by a Canadian jury of sexually assaulting 6 boys at Mount Cashel Orphanage and assaulting a seventh. Lasik was convicted of anally raping two of the boys, one of them five times. That boy was between 9 and 12 years old during the abuse. Obtained early release from prison and was deported in 2003 to the US, to live in a Christian Brothers facility in NY. Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Lasik died in 2/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. M. Duane Leclercq

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Retired in 2008. Admitted in 10/2018 to fondling a boy, age 16, in 1985. The boy informed police and Leclercq and then vicar general Myers were called to the station. There was no action and Leclercq was transferred to a new assignment. Admitted to also abusing another boy. Removed in 11/2018 from public ministry. On diocese's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It shows three reported allegations, including that  that Leclercq and Fr. William Harbert sexually abused a high school freshman boy in 1964. 


Fr. Roland J. LeCompte

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Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 06/24/1969
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 10/2022. Died in 1969, age 46. Allegation(s) noted to have been substantiated after LeCompte's death. Per his obituary, LeCompte was assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Parish 1951-1952, Quigley Preparatory Seminary 1952-1964, and St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island 1964-1967. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Frederick A. Lenczycki

Ordained: 1972
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed in 2002. Pleaded guilty in 2004 to abuse of three boys. Sentenced to five years prison. Also worked in MO and CA. Admitted to abusing up to 30 boys over 25 years. Deemed too dangerous to release. Released 9/2009 on parole. On IL sex offender registry. Included in 4/2006 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. New lawsuit 5/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named in at least one new suit 4/30/2014. Named as 1 of 5 priests in $4.137M suit settled 4/2015. Laicized in 2016. New charge in 2/2019 of assault of a boy in the early 1990s in St. Louis. Living in Berkeley, IL. Pleaded guilty in 5/2019 to abusing two boys in MO in the early 1990s. On St. Louis archdiocese's list 7/26/2019. Sentenced in 8/2019 to 10 years in prison. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. James Lewnard

Order: CSV
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Joined the Clerics of St. Viatore (Viatorians), Province of Chicago, as a brother in 1978. Ordained for the diaconate in 12/1995. Named publicly as the subject of a substantiated allegation on the Order's website 10/31/2020. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring in 1978. Also, suspended from ministry and living in a structured environment on a safety plan. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. William R. Leyhane

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Ordained: 1919
Status: Accused

Died: 08/16/1982
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Leyhane died at age 86 in 1982. In 2019 an archdiocesan deacon came forward publicly with allegations that Leyhane sexually abused him in 1971, when he was in eighth grade at St. Ethelreda. He had an after-school job in the rectory and said the abuse happened a few times. He said he reported the abuse to the Archdiocese in 1995 and that Cardinal Bernardin apologized to him. The man again approached archdiocesan officials in 2001. The Review Board found that the abuse was "possible." Lehane's victim tried for many years without success to get the Archdiocese to include Leyhane's name on its list of those with substantiated allegations. It was finally added in 10/2022 after pressure from IL Attorney General's investigators. Included in the 5/23/2023 Attorney General's Report, which shows that there were other allegations against Leyhane: one in 10/1994, and others in 4/2004, 3/2006, 11/2007, 12/20077/2008 and 9/2008. 


Fr. Eugene G. Linnemann

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Died: 03/1/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Linnemann had just taken a health leave for "stress and depression" when he was removed in 5/1993 from duties as pastor of St. Patrick Church in Ruma. Permanently removed from active ministry in 1/1995. Per diocesan records, he sexually abused a minor more than ten years previously. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave." Died 3/1/2011. Included on the diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Raphael Lino

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Order: OP
Ordained: 2000
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Albert the Great Province on its list 4/21/2022. Noted to have been removed from public ministry in 2002 after the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz in Bolivia substantiated an allegation that Lino had abused there. Dispensation from vows in 2005. (Placing Lino in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where the Province is based.)


Fr. John Edward Lohan

Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 11/24/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002. Lohan died in 1993. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. William L. Lupo

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 04/30/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Pastor of St. Peter Damian in Bartlett 1990-2003. In 4/1993 the Archdiocese received a report of 'inappropriate relationships' with two girls, ages 12-17, in the mid-1980s, while assigned to St. Mary's Parish in Des Plaines. He denied the charges. The Archdiocese knew at the time of allegations of the same behavior over six years with at least three teenage girls. After treatment and evaluation by the archdiocese's Fitness Review Board he was allowed restricted ministry at St. Damian Peter. He was to be monitored by a retired priest and was never to be in the presence of minors without another adult present. He nonetheless required girls to meet alone with him in the rectory for 'confirmation preparation.' Report in 6/1994 of past abuse of a high school girl. Restrictions were lifted in 1995. Ministry again restricted in 1998 after a new allegation. New investigation in 10/2001 after a woman claimed inappropriate sexual behavior against her by Lupo in 1984 when she was age 23. Resigned from the priesthood in 12/2002, writing to Cardinal George that he feared continuing to fight the allegations would harm his health. Laicized in 12/2014. Died 4/30/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Walter E. MacPherson

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Removed in 2/1994 from position as pastor of St. Martin of Tours in Washington Park after allegations of sexual misconduct with a boy in his early teens "more than 20 years ago." In 1/1995 the Diocesan review board permanently removed him from active ministry and he retired. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Died 7/16/2011. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes four "reported survivors."

Fr. Norbert J. Maday

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Arrested in 1993. Convicted in 1994 for the sexual assault of two boys. Sentenced to 20 years. Sued. Included in a 10/2003 settlement. Second suit in 5/2006. At least one claim included in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people claiming abuse by 12 priests. One claim included in an 8/2008 $12.7M settlement involving 11 priests and 16 plaintiffs. Laicized in 12/2007. New settlement in 7/2009. Spent 9 months in a secure treatment facility in WI, as a violent sexual predator; released in 8/2013. Registered sex offender. Personnel file released in 1/2014. New suit in 1/2014. Last known to be living in WI. Died in 3/2019. New suit in 9/2016 claimed abuse over two years starting in 1979 of a boy, age 10. Settlement in 6/2021 with two men alleging abuse beginning age 10 at St. Bede's on the South Side. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 72 "reported survivors."

Fr. Edward J. Maloney

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 06/11/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Retired in 1999. Removed from active ministry in 5/2009 after allegations in 2007 and 2008 that he sexually abused two boys while assigned to St. Mark's Parish in Chicago. Accusers did not want to testify before the Review Board because they were afraid Maloney would sue them; they went ahead and testified in 2009. The Review Board deemed the allegations credible. Matter referred to the Vatican for further action. Name added to the Archdiocese's list 1/14/2010. Died in 6/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes eight "reported survivors."

Fr. Thomas W. Maloney

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 08/7/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Accused in a 6/08 civil suit of abusing an 8-year-old altar boy 1995-96. Assigned to Epiphany parish in Normal. Lawsuit says a woman reported abuse in 1995 or 1996 and a second woman came forward to say Maloney had molested her as a child in the 1970s. Maloney retired in 9/02 because of "health reasons" and died 8/7/09. Authorities found insufficient evidence to file criminal charges. Civil suit settled 8/13 for $1.35M.

Fr. John D. Malzone

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 02/26/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Left ministry in 1970. Died in 2008. Named publicly by the Joliet diocese on its list revised 3/12/2013 of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."

Fr. Robert E. Mayer

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

A civil suit filed in 1982 alleged Mayer exposed himself to several boys. Settled. No criminal charges. Moved to another parish. A parishioner in 1984 reported that Mayer had porn and photos of children passed out. There were also concerns that Mayer supplied teenagers with alcohol. Same concerns in 1987. Transferred to another parish in 1988 and again in 1990. Same behavior; a fellow priest told the Archdiocese there were kids "all over the place" at the rectory. Removed from ministry in 7/1991 after an allegation of sexual advances toward a young adult man. Convicted in 1992 of abuse of a girl, age 13. Sentenced to three years in jail. Resigned in 1/1994. New civil suit filed in 6/2006 by four men alleging abuse by as boys by Mayer. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in 5/2007 in a $6.65M settlement. At least one claim was included in an 8/2008 $12.7M settlement. Laicized in 7/2010. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Died in 10/2019, per the archdiocese's list updated in 6/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes that the Archdiocese reported 51 allegations of sexual abuse by Mayer. Most alleged that Mayer gave alcohol to children, exposed his genitals and engaged in mutual masturbation or fondling.  


Fr. Kevin McBrien

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Also known as Dennis Kevin McBrien. Removed from position at St. Matthew's In Glendale Heights in 5/2010 after allegation that he abused a boy on a single occasion about 30 to 35 years prior, while assigned to Joliet Catholic High School. The same person also alleged abuse on multiple occasions by Fr. Lee Ryan at Providence High School. Investigation by diocese. Living in a supervised setting in 8/2010. Included on the Carmelites' list of credibly accused 11/22/2020. Added in 2/2021 to Joliet's list. Noted to be on a safety plan, since 2011. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Vincent McCaffrey

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Per the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, the Archdiocese knew of McCaffrey's abuse of children as early as 1979, yet kept him in ministry, moving him parish to parish. Forced children to drink alcohol and drugged them. Estimated to be hundreds of victims. At least one died by suicide. Noted to be "one of the most well-known and notorious sex abusers in the country." Removed in 1991 after allegations. Resigned in 12/1993. Convicted on child porn charges in 2002; 20-year sentence. Civil suit filed in 9/2002. Four claims settled in 7/2003. At least one claim in 10/2005 settlement with the Archdiocese. Admitted under oath to abuse of as many as 40 young boys. Sued in 5/2006 by for abuse 1982-1986 of boy, ages 8-12. At least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement. Laicized in 7/2010. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Released early from prison on 7/19/2019.

Fr. Daniel McCarthy

Ordained: 1967
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Retired. Pastor emeritus of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity when suspended in 10/2020 due an allegation that he sexually abused a child while assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage 1967-1974. In 6/2021 Cardinal Cupich announced that, per the Archdiocesan Review Board, there was "insufficient reason to suspect" McCarthy was guilty, and that McCarthy would be reinstated.

Fr. David F. McCarthy

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 02/28/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province list on its list 12/17/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring while assigned to Holy Family Parish in Chicago, 1963-1978. Died 2/28/1999. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Daniel J. McCormack

Ordained: 1994
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Admitted in 1992 to making sexual advances toward a boy as a seminarian in Mexico, where he was studying Spanish. Seminary officials knew of this and allegations from two adult seminarian classmates. Ordained in 1994. Targeted vulnerable boys in Black parishes in Chicago's West Side. Accused in 10/1999 of abuse of an altar boy. The Archdiocese ignored a 9/5/2003 warning that there were boys in the rectory. Arrested 8/30/2005. Assigned as dean 9/1/2005. Arrested 1/20/2006; removed. Pleaded guilty 7/2/2007 to abuse of 5 boys at St. Agatha's in Chicago, some after first arrest; 5-year sentence. Multiple settlements, over $12M. Laicized in 11/2007. Settlements 11/2011, 1/2014, 3/2014, over $4M. More accusers in 2010-2014 suits. $2.7M to 2 brothers in 1/2017. Paroled in 2009; ruled danger to public, sent to a state mental health facility. Arrested 5/21/2014 for 2005 abuse of a 10-year-old. Pleaded not guilty. Charges dropped in 2/2016. Suit filed 3/25/2016 for abuse of a boy 2003-2004; settled 4/20/2017. Suit 10/2016 claimed abuse of a boy 2002-2005, beginning when the boy was age 10. Settlement of $2.3M in 1/2017. Settled with 3 for $3.15M 3/17/2017. Suit 6/15/2017. In 9/2017 ruled sexually violent. Suit filed in 10/2017. Fraudulent claim found in 2015, withdrawn in 2017; claimant fined $60K. McCormack was committed to a sex offender facility in 7/2018. Settlement in 9/2018 for $2.9M. Another in 12/2020 for $1.5M. In 5/2021 a court overturned judge's ruling which lead to commitment to detention facility; released in 10/7/2021. Reportedly living in the Near North neighborhood. Settlement of $1.2M in 5/2022 to a man claiming abuse at age 12 at St. Agatha's in 2005. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes over 100 claims of sex abuse against McCormack.

Fr. Robert Joseph McDonald

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as accused in Chicago archdiocesan report of 3/20/2006. At least one allegation substantiated by the Archdiocesan Review Board. Limited ministry with restrictions and monitoring in 5/1987. Resigned in 6/1990. Laicized in 12/2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. William M. McFarlane

Ordained: 2005
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed from active ministry in 7/19 after the archdiocese was informed by the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Cook County state's attorney's office of an allegation of sex abuse by McFarlane, occurring in 1997. The allegations were deemd "unfounded" by DCFS and "unmerited" by the archdiocesan review board. McFarlane was reinstated. Per DCFS, they could not investigate because McFarlane's accuser is no longer a minor and that the term "unfounded does not reflect the validity of allegations."

Fr. Richard J. McGrath

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in a 4/2018 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a boy ages 13-15 in 1995-1996. The abuse allegedly included rape and occurred at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, where McGrath was President. Police investigating. Had been investigated in 12/2017 after a girl reported she saw at a wrestling match that McGrath had a photo of a nude boy on his cellphone. McGrath refused to give the phone to police; investigation closed. McGrath resigned from the high school. The man who filed suit in 4/2018 came forward to police in 1/2018. Per news in 9/2018, moved to his Order's St. John Stone Friary in Hyde Park, across an alley from a preschool and near a Catholic grade school. The Augustinians agreed to move him after outcry. Sent to a friary in Chicago. Reported in 12/2018 to have "gone missing" from Order. Thought to be living alone in a Chicago apartment. Lawsuit settled in 11/2023 for $2M.

Fr. Donald J. McGuire

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1961
Status: Convicted

Died: 01/13/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Prominent scholar/teacher, Mother Theresa's spiritual advisor. Ran numerous retreats for Mother Teresa's Sisters throughout the U.S., Africa, Central America South America, Europe, Australia, India and Mexico. Complaints began in the early 1960s. Three men alleged abuse on trips to WI in 1967 and 1968, when McGuire was their teacher at Loyola Academy in Wilmette IL. Convicted in WI in 2006 of indecent behavior with a child; sentenced to 7 years' prison. Convicted in 2008 on federal charges of taking a teen outside of the US and across state lines for sex; received a 25-year sentence. Per federal authorities, sexually abused teen boys and young men through the 1990s until 2003. Jesuits settled for $19.6M with 6 men alleging abuse by McGuire 1975-early 2000s. Laicized in 2008. Died in federal prison 1/13/2017. On the Jesuits West list 12/7/2018. On the Midwest Province list 12/17/2018. Suit filed in CA in 12/2019 by a man claiming abuse by McGuire for 40 years, beginning when he was age 11 in in 1970 in Chicago. McGuire had the boy "assist" him, live with him and accompany him on trips throughout the U.S. and abroad. On the Diocese of Stockton's list 11/12/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Peter John McNamara

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Resigned in 8/1971. Laicized in 11/1972. Newly identified as accused in Archdiocesan Report 3/20/2006. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people claiming abuse by 12 priests. Whereabouts unknown in 5/2007. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. J. Anthony Meis

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Meis left his position in Joliet in 1994 after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the late 1980s. A secret settlement was paid to the alleged victim. After therapy, in 12/1994 he became chaplain at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis. Removed in 2002. Hospital president said Bishop Imesch told him about past allegations against Meis in 1994 but the Archdiocese of St. Louis said it had no knowledge of claim. There was a letter of good standing from Bishop Imesch. Included in 4/2006 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2015, per diocese. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Gary M. Miller

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

The Archdiocese announced on 7/15/2012 a recent allegation against Miller of sexual misconduct with a minor while assigned to St. Leonard Parish in Berwyn over 30 years prior. He voluntarily stepped aside from St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park pending investigations by the archdiocese and police. The Review Board found the allegations credible; Miller resigned 9/23/2012 from St. Bernadette's, privileges were removed and the Archdiocese sent a report to the Vatican. Miller agreed to a Prayer and Penance program. Included on the Archdiocese's list in 9/2012. Documents released by the Archdiocese in 11/2014 show that Miller was frequently warned about sexual misconduct. Died in 1/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors," of abuse 1973-1977 in Berwyn. 


Br. Henry Miller

Donate Photo
Order: SVD
Status: Accused

Died: 04/27/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Entered the the Divine Word Missionaries in 1939. Worked in the Southern Province 1939-1947, in Ghana Africa 1948-1985, Kenya 1986-1989, St. John's Antigua 1990-2001, Washington DC 2002-2004, Bordentown NJ 2005-2011. Resided in Techny IL 2012 until his death in 2017. Named publicly as credibly accused by Order's Chicago Province on its list 4/19/2021. Abuse occurred in Ghana in the 1960-1970s.


Fr. Thomas R. Miller

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Parish priest and head of two parochial schools. Placed on leave in 2004 after a man alleged that he had been sexually assaulted as a mnor by Miller in 1979 in Bloomington. Others came forward with similar allegations. Review board found at least one allegation credible. Laicized per 11/06 article. His appeal to Rome to reverse laicization was denied in 7/10. On diocese's list in 12/18.

Fr. Thomas W. Miller

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Died: 01/6/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese when added to its list of accused 6/17/2020. Monsignor. Parish priest in Olney, O'Fallon and Anna. At time of death was also chaplain of Anna State Hospital, Shawnee Correctional Center, Vienna Correctional Center and Dixon Springs Work Camp. Died 1/6/2004. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Phillip T. Mooney

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 03/19/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to Holy Family Parish 1953-1954. Mooney was dismissed from the Order  11/7/1989. He died 3/19/1917, at age 90. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Charles A. Mrowinski

Order: CR
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 09/27/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in 2013 of abuse occurring in 1984 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where he was pastor 1982-1986 of St. Hedwig's. His Order deemed the allegations credible. Included in 4/2021 on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese's list of accused, where he was pastor 1964-1971 of Sacred Heart in Salem, MO. Mrowinski died in 2008. Included on the Resurrectionists' list of credibly accused 10/27/2021. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list (name misspelled Mrowisnki). Named in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Lawrence W. Mullins

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

First allegations received in 1986. Kept in ministry until 1993. Five men filed suit in 9/2002 alleging Mullins molested them as children and that the diocese should have known he was unfit. Suit dismissed under statute of limitations; four of the plaintiffs refiled under a new law. Dismissed again in 1/2004. Included in 420/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. A sixth plaintiff filed a civil suit in 7/2004 alleging abuse 1978-1980. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Laicized in 2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 12 "reported survivors."

Fr. Donald John Mulsoff

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Died: 11/3/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed in 5/2002 after an allegation was reported that Mulsoff fondled a boy, age 10, once during his assignment at St. Catherine of Alexandria in Oak Lawn, sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Mulsoff's accuser had first reported the abuse anonymously in 1992 and was told that Mulsoff was being monitored. Permanently removed from ministry in 9/2005. Died in 11/2005. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes seven "reported survivors," of abuse 1969-1974 in Oak Lawn, 1983 in Oak Lawn, and 1978-1988 in Chicago.

Fr. Octavio Munoz Capetillo

Ordained: 2004
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From Mexico. Director 2009-2015 of Casa Jesus, a program to recruit young men from Latin America to the priesthood. Was new pastor of St. Pancratius in Brighton Park when removed 7/27/2015, pending investigation of "sexual images and material" on his computer. The Archdiocese waited over a week before notifying police, and did its own investigation. Sent to St. Luke's in MD for treatment. Arrested in 9/2016, charged with one felony count of child pornography. Video of pre-pubescent boys doing sex acts found; also child-sized underwear, written child erotica and magazines showing young boys.

Fr. John Daniel Murphy

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

At least six plaintiffs filed suits in 2003 accusing Murphy of sexually abusing them as children. Settlement with 13 plaintiffs in 2004. The Augustinians knew of abuse of at least one by 1981. Murphy resigned from Order in 1993. Named in a 1/2006 class action suit. Named in new suit filed in 3/2008 by a man who alleged Murphy and music director, Br. Mark Thedens, abused him 1976-1979. Reportedly in 6/2023 was married and living in a senior complex in West Dundee, near a parish and school. A man claiming abuse by Murphy when he was a 10-year-old altar boy said in 2023 that he knew that Murphy raped some people, and that two of his victims later died by suicide. In 6/2023 Bishop Stika stated that Murphy sexually abused him as a high school seminary freshman in 1971.

Br. John E Murphy

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Murphy was listed as a 'former' brother as of 6/11/14. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Murphy in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested.

Br. Thomas Ignatius Murphy

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Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Murphy is deceased. The Christian Brothers did not provide assignment information; until we are able to establish assignments and location of the alleged abuse, we have placed Murphy in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Christian Brothers state that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested. On the Diocese of Peoria's list by 1/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Felipe Navarrette Diaz

Donate Photo
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Carmelite Order on its list 11/22/2020. Assigned in Tlalpan Mexico, Lima Peru, Middletown NY, Coahula Mexico, and 2014-2015 in Washington DC. Separated from the Order in 2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. (No information as to when or where abuse occurred. Placing him in Chicago, where the Province is based.)


Br. Walter D. Neary

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Included on the Order's list of former and deceased brothers with at least two claims of sexual abuse against them, as required by its bankruptcy settlement in 2014. Neary was accused of sexually abusing at least two students at Brother Rice High School in the 1960s. Deceased. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Richard Niebrugge

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

A woman filed suit in 2004 alleging that Niebrugge abused her for many years, beginning when she was 10, and that he had fathered her child which was born in 1978. The woman had been taken from an abusive family and lived with Niebrugge for many years in various rectories. Niebrugge died in 1983. Suit dismissed on statute of limitations and dismissal upheld by 5th District Appellate Court in 8/06.

Fr. Arthur W. Niemeyer

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 04/26/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

First named publicly as accused by the diocese when added to its list 6/17/2020 of accused clergy. Parish priest in Belleville, Shiloh, Kinmundy, Salem and Cahokia. Director of St. John's Orphanage in Shiloh in the 1950s and 1960s. Chaplain of St. Joseph Hospital in Breese 1976-1988. Died 4/26/1988. A former priest came forward shortly after Niemeyer was named in 2020 to say that in 1966, when he was a seminarian and volunteering at the orphanage, he and the orphanage's mother superior reported to Bishop Zuroweste suspicions that Niemeyer was sexually abusing grade-school boys. Niemeyer was transferred, and kept in ministry. The former priest said he knows that one of the boys died by suicide. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It details abuse by Niemeyer in the late 1970s of a boy he had met while a hospital chaplain. The boy was a patient's brother. Niemeyer groomed the boy for a year, giving him special treats and taking him on camping trips. He sexually abused the boy under the guise of playing a game that would make him strong for upcoming high school basketball tryouts. After the abuse, Niemeyer let the boy drive his car then threatened him, saying that if he told, no one would believe him, he would go to hell, and that he (Niemeyer) would tell on Luke for driving his car without a license. At least two other men have come forward, one in 1987 and the other in 1993, to report abuse as children by Niemeyer while hospitalized.


Fr. Jacques (Nijssen) Nyssen

Donate Photo
Order: SVD
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Divine Word Missionaries' Chicago Province on its list 4/18/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least two "reported survivors," of abuse in Ghana in the 1960s and in 1980s in the Caribbean. Worked also in the Netherlands, Washington DC, St. Kitts, FL, IL NJ. Died in 2015.


Fr. James A. Nowak

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 09/30/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Retired in 2007 from SS Peter and Paul in Naperville. Member of Montini Catholic High School board of directors. Removed without privileges in 8/2012 after an allegation of sex abuse of a minor occurring about 25 years prior. Per the 1989 Official Catholic Directory, he was assigned to St. Anthony's in Joliet. Review Board deemed the allegation credible. Matter sent to Rome. Still pending in 4/2014. Named in new suit 5/15/2013. Named as one of five priests in a $4.137 million lawsuit settled in 4/2015. Settlements with eight men claiming abuse by Nowak as minors. Per diocese's list updated in 12/2018, Nowak was permanently removed from ministry. He died 9/30/20. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 28 "reported survivors."

Fr. Joseph Cullen O’Brien

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Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 03/27/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 11/29/2018. Died 3/27/1978. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. The Diocese claims it first received an allegation of abuse by O'Brien in 2004. In 2015 a man reported sexual abuse by O'Brien at age 12 in 1968, saying O'Brien was charismatic and a "master manipulator." Another man reported that O'Brien abused him as a teenager in the 1970s. The priest groomed him with expensive meals and trips to FL, where the abuse occurred. He later gave the boy $500. As of 5/2023, more than a dozen people had come forward with allegations that O'Brien sexually abused them young boys, from the 1940-1976.

Fr. William John O’Brien

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed from public ministry in 6/2005. Sued in 4/2006 by two alleged victims. Included on the Archdiocese's list of accused 3/20/2006. Laicized in 7/2006. The Archdiocese settled at least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. Included on the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes four "reported survivors," of abuse in Chicago 1975-1981 and in 1983. 


Fr. Michael W. O’Connell

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Suspended in 12/13 from St. Alphonsus Parish after the Archdiocese received an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor at Our Lady of the Woods in Orland Park nearly 20 years prior. Allegations reported to Child and Family Services and Cook County DA. On 4/15/14, Cook County Sheriff's Dept deemed the allegation unfounded. Archdiocese also said it found no reason to suspect that the abuse occurred and that O'Connell would be reinstated to St. Alphonsus. New allegation received in about 4/18/14 claimed abuse of a different boy in in the 1990s at the same parish. Police reopened the investigation; O'Connell had yet to be removed for a second time. He was to avoid the parish school and not be alone with a child.

Fr. Donald G. O’Connor

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 11/15/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

O'Connor's mental stability had been questioned when he was a seminarian. Removed from ministry in 5/2002 after the diocesan officials learned of allegations that he abused an adolescent boy 1967-1970. Allegations were substantiated and O'Connor "acknowledged that the incident had occurred." Other accusers also known. Former police chaplain. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2011. Revealed 5/16/2013 that even after privileges were removed, he was paid to say mass intentions (stipends). Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 6 "reported survivors."

Br. Jack O’Dell

Order: CSV
Ordained: 1988
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in a civil suit filed in 1996 of abuse of a youth at St. Viator High School 1980-84 and for four years after the boy graduated. Suit dismissed by court on SOL. A second man came forward in 2002 alleging abuse as a minor in about 1974. The order said in 2003 that it could not substantiate the allegations. Order settled with this man in 2005. O'Dell died in 9/1998.

Fr. Thomas O’Gorman

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse of a minor and placed on leave in 8/92. Police investigated; no charges filed. "Officially resigned" from priesthood in 1994. In 2004 it was learned that O'Gorman was working as a speechwriter for husband of Anne Burke, head of the U.S. Catholic Bishops' oversight board on sex abuse.

Fr. Frank J. O’Hara

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 04/19/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Two women filed suit in 9/2008 accusing O'Hara of sexually abusing them as girls between 1971 and 1978 while he was assigned to St. Kevin's Catholic Church in Rosewood Heights. He died in 4/2006 at age 90. Included on the diocese's 1/29/2018 list of those with substantiated allegations. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 5 "reported survivors."

Br. Patrick O’Hara

Order: MSC
Status: Accused

Died: 05/17/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Named publicly as accused by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart USA Province on its list of credibly accused in 2020. It notes allegation(s) reported in 2005. It does not reveal when or where the abuse took place. O'Hara died in 5/17/2008. Per his obituary, he entered Sacred Heart Mission Seminary in 1957 and professed final vows in 1969. He taught in Geneva and St. Charles IL early on, then spent many years in Papua New Gunea, Diocese of Kavieng. He returned to the U.S. in 2004 "due to poor health" and soon "took up residence" at the Paraclete's Vianney Renewal Center in MO.

Fr. Donald J. O’Shaughnessy

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 07/8/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed in 2004 after credible allegations of sex abuse while assigned to Loyola Academy in Wilmette; worked there almost continually 1958-1992. The Jesuits' Chicago-Detroit (Midwest) Province settled in 2013 for $750K with a man alleging O'Shaughnessy abused him 1977-1979 at the school. O'Shaughnessy was the boy's advisor and reportedly pulled him out of class daily. Died 7/8/2013, age 89. Settlement announced in 2015 for $950K with another former Loyola student. Also worked in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Milford OH, Indianapolis IN, Oakland CA, and Clarkston MI. Settlement with another former Loyola Academy student for $925K announced 5/2017. On Indianapolis archdiocese's list 10/12/2018. On Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Paul L. O’Toole

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

A woman announced in 2006 that she had received a $125K settlement from the Chicago archdiocese in 2004. She alleged that O'Toole sexually abused her in 1966 when she was age 16, and that Revs. John F. Rohrich and Howard Strum abused her until she was 19. She said she first reported the abuse to the archdiocese in the early 1990s, but nothing was done. She reported to the archdiocese again in 2002; in 2004 the Review Board stated of the allegation against O'Toole, "there is reasonable cause to suspect that the alleged misconduct occurred." O'Toole reportedly left the priesthood to marry.

Fr. John M. Onderko

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Retired in 2005. Removed in 11/2018 from public ministry due to allegations deemed credible of sexual misconduct about 55 years prior. Onderko adamantly denied the allegations and, as of 3/2020, was suing the diocese. Shown in 1/2020 on the diocese's list of accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. John Baptist Ormechea

Order: CP
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

"J.B." Removed from ministry in Louisville, KY in 12/2002 after allegations by four people of abuse in Chicago 1978-1981. Accused by a fifth person in a 2003 lawsuit of molesting him as a boy in Chicago in 1983. Per the lawsuit, the boy told his parents about the abuse in 1993 and they met with the Passionists' provincial, who said Ormechea had been removed in 1988 after another allegation. They said the provincial decided the boy was abused by a priest, but not Ormechea. Sent to Rome in 2003 to work in the Passionists' archives. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019. In 3/2021 Ormechea remained in Rome, and was still a priest. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes five "reported survivors," of abuse 1963-1966 and in the late 1970s-early 1980s.

Fr. Dana Harold Ostdiek

Order: OP
Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 05/26/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Also known as Dan. Died in 2009. Named publicly as accused on the St. Albert the Great Province Dominicans list 4/21/2022. It notes that an allegation was received in 2016 of abuse of a minor in 1983-1984. Shown as credibly accused in the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Victorian Ostmeyer

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 09/11/1970
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

In 2010 a woman reported to the Franciscans' Province of St. John the Baptist that Ostmeyer molested her as a child, beginning when she was in third grade at St. Mary's Parish School in Bloomington IL, and continuing for about four years. Ostmeyer died 9/11/1970. Included on the Franciscans' list as the subject of substantiated allegations. Included in 2/1022 on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list. Added to the Peoria diocese's list in 6/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Joseph Owens

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Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly in 3/20/2006 Archdiocesan Report as a priest with a substantiated allegation. Resigned in 4/1970; laicized in 4/1971. Accused of abuse at St. Philomena in 1969. At least one claim included a $12.7M settlement involving 11 priests and 16 plaintiffs in 8/2008. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes seven "reported survivors," of abuse 1965-1968 in Chicago and 1965-1967 in Minnesota, and that the Archdiocese first received a report of abuse by Owens in 1968.

Br. Frank Paduch

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1989
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Initially an Augustinian Brother, Paduch was working as a religion instructor and coach when he allegedly abused a freshman boy at St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1980-1981. Assigned in 1988 to St. Charles Borromeo in Nederland, TX. Ordained a priest for the Beaumont TX diocese 1989. A civil suit was filed in 1997 in IL and settled around 1999. Left Beaumont in 2000. Several complaints were received there. Faculties were revoked in 10/2001. There are at least four known accusers. Began working for the city of Berwyn, IL in 2005. Placed on leave from his city job 1/15/2010. Laicized in 1/2005. On Beaumont diocese's list 6/11/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Emmanuel Pallikunnen

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 02/17/1978
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Extern priest from India. Member of (Indian) Vincentian of Syro-Malabar Rite of Kerala Province. Arrived in Chicago in 1955 to study education. Worked in seven parishes until 6/66. Accused by at least one woman of abuse when she was a child in 1966 and he was at St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove. Died 02/17/78 in India. Personnel file is one of 30 files of priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors produced by Archdiocese in 1/14 and released by plaintiffs' counsel.

Fr. Eusebio Pantoja Segura

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Died: 10/22/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

"Chevy." Ordained for the Claretian Missionaries in Mexico. Left the Claretians in 1973. After working in Chicago, Pantoja had assignments in NJ and TX, then spent nearly a decade working as priest in Mexico. Found in 1994 and 1996 in Guanajuato, México, Diocese of Celaya, Archdiocese of Leon. Placed on leave by Diocese of Claya in 2004 after a lawsuit was filed in 2003, claiming abuse of a 14-year-old boy in the 1970s at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago. Settled. Added to Chicago archdiocese's list 11/28/2018. On Corpus Christ diocese's list 1/31/2019. On San Antonio's list 1/31/2019; noted to have been accused in 2002 of abuse of two children in the in the early 1970s. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which shows four "reported survivors."

Fr. Thomas Paramo

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 05/15/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

A woman filed suit in 5/2005 against the Claretians, alleging they protected Paramo after he abused her when she was ages 11-15, beginning in 1966. Paramo was assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Chicago at the time of the alleged abuse. He died in a nursing home in 2004; the woman had confronted him there before his death. Civil suit settled. A second accuser reportedly also contacted the plaintiff's attorney. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Alfredo Pedraza-Arias

Ordained: 1992
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Arrived in diocese in 2013 from Colombia. Worked in Hispanic Ministry and in two Aurora parishes. Arrested 2/11/2016, charged with criminal sexual abuse of two girls between 1/2009 and 11/2014. The girls were under the age of 6. Under investigation since 10/2014, when allegations were reported to civil authorities and the Diocese of Rockford IL. Suspended from ministry 10/30/2014. Pleaded not guilty in 9/2016. Trial scheduled for 9/18/2017. Delayed, set for 11/27/2017. Delayed, set for 2/2018. Detained by US immigration and faced deportation to Columbia in 7/2017. Police looking to charge him also with fondling a 3-year-old girl when he worked in DeKalb. In a 2/9/2018 plea deal, not required to register as sex offender; pleaded guilty to misdemeanor. Released from jail 2/10/2018. Deportation expected. Deported to Colombia 2/26/2018. Included in the 6/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Carlos Enrique Peralta

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1989
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Allegations of sexual misconduct began while Peralta was a seminarian in Chile in the 1980s. Other allegations followed in Guatemala and Peru. Accused in 1991 and 1995 in Peru of the sexual abuse of boys. Sent to Argentina for sex offender treatment 1997, then transferred to Chicago in 1998. Peralta arrived with permission papers from a top Salesian official in Peru saying Peralta "enjoys a good reputation and has no problem working with minors." In Chicago, he was accused of abusing four children in one family in 1998-1999. Order again transferred him before any investigation could begin, first to a treatment facility in VA, then to a monitored residence in NJ. After a year he returned to the Salesian Provincial House in Mexico City. Allowed active ministry in Mexico in 2001. Sued in 2002. In 2004 he was still working as priest in Mexico. Laicized in 2006, per the Salesians list of accused in 3/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It notes evidence that Peralta may have molested many other minors in Chicago.

Fr. Toussaint J. Perron

Order: WF
Ordained: 1959
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/23/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

"Fr. Jeff." From Canada. Worked in diocese since early 1970s. Removed from public ministry in 1992. Convicted 1993 of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of boy, age 14, in rectory at St. John's in Walnut, IL during the summer and fall of 1992. Served three years. Also accused of abusing a 16- to 17-year-old boy 1982-1984 while at St. John's in Galva. Civil suit filed in 11/2005 by second victim, later dropped and refiled in 1/2007. Settled in 5/2008. Perron died 8/23/2011 in Quebec City. Included by 1/2020 on the Peoria diocese's list of accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's report.

Fr. Louis P. Peterson

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Accused of molesting a teenage boy sometime 1992-1994. Stepped down voluntarily in 1/1994 during investigation. Permanently removed in 11/1995 from active ministry by the Fitness Review Board. Not enough evidence for police to prosecute. By 7/2002 he had requested a "third stage review" by Bishop Gregory, who found no reason to return him to active ministry. Peterson appealed to the Vatican. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Leo Petit

Order: MSC
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 03/21/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Petit's name appeared in 2020 on the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart USA Province list of those with credible allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. It notes allegation(s) against Petit reported in 1993. He retired in 2001. Died 3/21/2014. Per his obituary, Petit taught for 14 years at Sacred Heart Seminary, was director in communication/vocation positions, and did mission work in Colombia, South America. Added 10/21/2020 to the Diocese of Rockford's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Michael L. Pfleger

Ordained: 1975
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Pastor of St. Sabina's on Chicago's south side from 1981. Prominent anti-violence and social justice advocate. Suspended in 1/21, accused of abusing a boy 40 years prior. The accuser's brother soon also said the priest abused him as a boy. The brothers said the abuse occurred for years, starting when they were ages 12 and 13 in the 1970s and Pleger was a seminarian and their choir director at Precious Blood parish. In 3/21 a third man said Pfleger made an unwanted sexual advance toward him when the man was 18 in 1979. Pfleger "strongly denied" all accusations. Pfleger wrote to the Auburn Gresham community that he would "seek other ways...to minister" to them. In 3/21 a fourth person reportedly may have come forward. Reinstated after the Review Board said in 5/21 there was "insufficient reason to suspect.... Pfleger is guilty... ." Again suspended in 10/22 due to a new allegations of abuse of a boy in the late 1980s. Pfleger denied the accusation. Reinstated in 12/22 after the Review Board "found no reason to suspect" Pfleger was guilty.

Seminarian Kevin Phan

Donate Photo
Order: SVD
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Native of Vietnam. Student at the Society of the Divine Word, a Catholic missionary organization. Charged with having 300 images of child pornography on his computer and posting 30 of them on the Internet. Expelled from the Seminary after charges filed. Pled guilty 12/04 to 1 count; balance of charges dropped.

Fr. Jerome Pilon

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Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Placed on leave in 1/2009 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor dating back about 12 years, occurring outside of the diocese. Pilon denied the allegations. He was assigned to St. Anthony's in Hoopeston 1992-1998; Diocese said the victim was not associated with the parish. On diocese's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 6 "reported survivors" of abuse, occurring 1997-2003 in TX and MI.

Fr. Gregory J. Plunkett

Ordained: 1988
Status: Settled

Died: 10/2/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Removed in 5/2002 after allegations that Plunkett fondled a 13-year-old boy prior to his enrollment in seminary. Plunkett denied all allegations. Suspended after other allegations were received. Person with original complaint was also allegedly abused by priests Francis Engels and William Harbert. Filed suit in 2/2004. Settled in 3/2005. Criminally charged in 2003 with recently fondling a youth under age 17. Trial in 10/2004. Found not guilty. Died 10/02/2011, age 66. Included on the diocese's list in 2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. Donald P. Pock

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 05/18/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Pock told parishioners at St. Peter's parish in Itasca in 1987 that he was a recovering alcoholic. Removed from ministry at St. Peter's in 2002. Accused of abuse of a minor in the early 1970s. Allegations substantiated by the Review Board. Died in 2004. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in 2006 litigation by another man who claimed abuse in 1970 at age 16 at Divine Savior in Downers Grove, when he went to Pock to discuss becoming a priest. The man told the Diocese in the mid-1970s. Pock was sent for counseling then reassigned. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. Edward F. Poff

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Per news in 5/2002, Poff was accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1994. Allegation substantiated by church authorities and Poff was sent for therapy. Reassigned to restricted ministry as a hospital chaplain until retirement in 2001. Poff still occasionally helped out at parishes until his faculties were removed in 5/2002. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list revised in 12/2018, Poff was permanently removed from ministry. In 2/2021 it noted that Poff had died in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Sleeva Raju Policetti

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Ordained: 1987
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From India, working in Chicago beginning in 1986. Fled the U.S. in 2002 after a report to Archdiocese that he was having an "inappropriate relationship" with 16-year-old girl. Warrant issued in 5/2002. Arrested in India in 6/2003; extradition pending in 3/2012. The girl's attorney indicated that she might not want to pursue criminal charges. Chicago was to drop plans to extradite as of 5/1/2012. The Archdiocese previously reached an out-of-court settlement with the accuser. Laicized in 2008. Added to the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 11/28/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes three "reported survivors."

Fr. Franklin (Felix) Prior

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in MA, PA, Ontario Canada, DC, TX, IL, NJ. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Removed from public ministry in 2017 and put on a safety plan. (No information as to when or where the abuse occurred; placing Prior for now in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Order's Province is based.)


Fr. Chester Przybylo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Died: 02/6/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Also known as Czeslaw Przybylo. Ordained in Poland. Worked in Syracuse NY, Allentown PA, Dane WI, Whiting IN, and Chicago IL. Removed from public ministry in 1993. Sued in Chicago in 2006; accused of abuse of a boy, ages 13-17, during 1987-1991. Auxiliary bishop allegedly was told at the time and rebuffed the victim. Przybylo filed suit 3/20/2007 against the plaintiff and SNAP, alleging defamation of character. Diocese settled in 12/2008 with the plaintiff for $1.375M. Przybylo denied all allegations. Chicago said he was never part of the archdiocese. Court dismissed suit against him in 12/2009. He filed suit against the plaintiff in 1/2010. Added to the Chicago archdiocese's list of those with substantiated allegations 11/28/2018. Przybylo died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors," of abuse in Chicago 1982-1984 and 1987-1991.

Fr. Konstanty Przybylski

Order: CR
Ordained: 1975
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Ordained in Poland. Worked as priest in Chicago area between 1980 and 1988. Transferred to Canada. Pleaded guilty in 2/2006 and sentenced 7/4/2006 to five years in prison for the sexual assault and sexual exploitation of two teenage boys in the Port Dover area between 1995 and 2000. Some of the abuse occurred when he took the boys on trips to Chicago and Europe. Later laicized. May have returned to the Chicago area after release from Canadian prison. Both plaintiffs filed civil suits in 2006. Included on the Resurrectionists' list in 10/2021. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Named in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Samuel D. Pusateri

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1979
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Pusateri worked as teacher, chaplain and counselor at St. Bede Academy near Peru, IL for 20 years. He received a 6-year jail sentence after pleading guilty in 1991 to abusing a teenage student 1989-1990. Moved the Joliet diocese as chaplain for the Franciscan sisters in Wheaton in 1995, there until 2004. Still a Benedictine and working in Rome per a 9/2010 newsletter from Most Rev. Marcel Rooney O.S.B., Abbot Primate. Moved by 2017-2018 to the Benedictine community at Sant'Anselmo. Included by 1/2020 on the Peoria diocese's list of accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes that he was still in active ministry in Rome in 2018.

Fr. Jerome B. Ratermann

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

The diocese knew of Ratermann's sexual abuse of boys in 1968 while he was principal of Mater Dei High School in Breese. Placed on leave and, per the IL Attorney General's Report in 5/2023, "the case was resolved by the bishop, parents and the State's Attorney." Assigned to parish ministry. Per the A.G., the diocese claimed it first received a report of abuse by Ratermann in 1986. Ratermann admitted that the abuse "could have happened." Kept in ministry, moved to another parish. Suspended in 3/1993 after another allegation. Permanently barred from ministry. Denied all allegations. Appealed his case to Rome in 2002 when the bishop refused to reinstate him. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/ Retired." Suit filed in 4/2009, settled in 3/2012. Name included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 12/19/2018. One man told the A.G. he was abused as a Ss. Peter and Paul altar boy, at the parish and on house boat trips. Ratermann was assigned to the parish 1971-1985. At least seven accusers. 


Fr. James M. Ray

Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Multiple allegations. Accused in 1990 of abusing a boy while assigned to St. Peter Damian parish 1984-1989. Removed from parish work in 1991. Allowed to live 2000-2002 at an Augustinian Friary in Hyde Park, near a day care center and a Catholic grade school. Removed from his job in Office of Health and Hospital Affairs in 6/2002. Permanently removed from active ministry in 9/2005. Included on the Chicago Archdiocese's list in 2006. Resigned in 3/2009. Laicized in 1/2012. Claim in 1/2014 of abuse of a boy in Wauconda 1989-1991. Allegations of abuse of three others received in 2009 and 2013. Per documents released in 11/2014, Ray was accused of sexually attacking two boys, starting when they were ages 10 and 11, while assigned to St. Anastasia in Waukegan 1975-1982. In 2008 he was living with eight other accused priests at Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein. Laicized in 2012. A 2020 lawsuit alleged abuse and sexual torture 1983-1987 of a boy while assigned to St. Peter Damian. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 13 "reported survivors."

Fr. William F. Rensing

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 03/13/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Removed in 10/2002 on recommendation of Review Board after an allegation that he abused a minor three decades prior. Allegation received in 7/2002 but delayed because the man told the Diocese that he himself was under investigation for child abuse (he was later convicted). Matter referred to Rome and then returned to Diocese in 2003. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Died 3/13/2017. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. M. Lawrence Reuter

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

President of Loyola Academy 1975-1990. Removed from active ministry in 2010 after admitting to an "inappropriate relationship" with a senior at the school after the boy turned 18. Settlement in the 1990s. A second man came forward in 2010, alleging abuse at Loyola Academy as a student in the late 1980s. On the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/2018. It noted that he was living in a Jesuit Community 2010- to the present. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Paul Reycraft

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

One of 10 religious brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil suit claiming abuse at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers' (Irish Christian Brothers) North American Province. Order agreed to a $16.5M settlement with 400 plaintiffs in 5/2013 with claims of abuse by multiple priests and brothers. Included on the Order's list of former and deceased brothers with at least two claims of sexual abuse against them, as required by its bankruptcy settlement in 2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Claire J. Risse

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 12/14/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in IL, New Guinea, OH, PA. Died in 1998. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Divine Word Missionaries Chicago Province on its list 4/18/2021, which notes abuse occurred in the 1950s in Papua New Guinea. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. John Allen Robinson

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Associate pastor of Queen of Rosary parish in Elk Grove Village 1994-2003. Removed from public ministry in 1/2003 after an allegation in summer 2002 that he had been involved in sexual misconduct with a teenage boy in the late 1970s, while assigned to St. Priscilla's in Chicago. Included in a 10/2005 settlement with the Archdiocese involving multiple plaintiffs and 14 priests. Permanently removed from public ministry in 9/2005. Included on the Archdiocese's list in 2006. Died in 3/2016, per the Archdiocese's 11/28/2018 updated list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes three "reported survivors."

Fr. John F. Rohrich

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Resigned in 6/1975. Accused of abuse of a 16-year-old girl. Included on the Chicago Archdiocese's list in 2006 of those with substantiated allegations against them. Claims settled in 2004 for $125K. Victim released copies of settlement. Laicized 1/20/2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Russell Lawrence Romano

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Died: 02/21/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as an abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report of 3/20/2006. Resigned from priesthood in 10/1991. At least one claim included in a 7/2009 settlement involving 4 priests and 6 claims. Laicized in 5/2009. In 2013, was working as a licensed counselor in Illinois for a healthcare provider. The health care provider began an investigation. Had "retired" as of 6/2013. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Died in 2/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 17 "reported survivors."

Fr. Andrew M. Ronan

Order: OSM
Ordained: 1951
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse of a seminarian in Ireland. Sent to the U.S. Accused of abuse of male high school students in Chicago in 1963-1964. Sent to Portland OR; abused in the mid-1960s. Suit filed in 2002 in OR claiming abuse in 1966. Laicized in 1966. Died in 1992. Documents released by Portland AD in 11/2008 (see last page). Plaintiff sued Holy See; US Supreme Court said suit could go forward in 6/2010. Vatican posted some files on its website in 8/2011. Judge ruled in 8/2012 that Vatican was not employer. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Anthony J. Ross

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Joliet diocese. News in 2002 that Ross molested a 15-year-old boy twice in 1981. His victim had letters he had received from Ross, which the boy's parents found in 1983. They confronted the bishop. Ross admitted the abuse, was sent to treatment, then returned to Joliet. The victim's family discovered in 1993 that Ross was still in ministry. Ross subsequently moved to the Santa Rosa diocese and worked as a prison chaplain. Incardinated into Santa Rosa 8/1/1997. Permanently removed in 4/2002 by the Santa Rosa diocese when allegations became known. Included on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused in 420/06. Sued in 2006. The Joliet diocese agreed to release personnel files in 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Richard M. Ruffalo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 02/21/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Died in 1997. Accused in 2002 by at least two men of abusing them when they were boys. He allegedly gave them beer and wine, took them on trips to Las Vegas and molested them. Ruffalo was also accused of stealing from collections. He was over $95K in debt when he died. One man filed a civil suit 1998 which later settled. Two more plaintiffs filed suit in 2003. A fourth man came forward in 2006. Ruffalo's name was included on the diocese's 4/2006 list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report

Fr. Kenneth Charles Ruge

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 05/25/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse said to have occurred prior to 1985. Received treatment and reassigned. Removed in 1991. Died in 5/2002. Included in a 2003 settlement by the Archdiocese. Included on the Archdiocese's list of abusers in 3/2006. New suit filed in 4/2006 alleges abuse by Ruge and another priest. Archdiocese settled at least one claim in a 5/2007 $6.65M settlement with 14 people alleging abuse by 12 priests. At least one more claim was included in a 8/2008 $12.7M settlement involving 11 priests. Another settlement in 7/2009. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 24 "reported survivors."

Fr. E. Alan Ruppert

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Removed in 10/1998 from duties as pastor of St. Clement in McLeansboro and St. John Nepomucene in Dahlgren due to an allegation he engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor in 1990. On 1/24/2009 the diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Bishop Daniel L. Ryan

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Chancellor and auxiliary bishop of the Joliet diocese. Elevated to Springfield IL bishop in 1983. Named as a co-defendant in a 1999 lawsuit by three men who alleged he failed to act against sexual misconduct by clergy because he was involved in homosexual relationships. Resigned as Bishop of Springfield when the suit was filed. Suspended from all public ministry in 2002 amid allegations that he had abused a minor in 1984. Died 12/31/2015. Included on the Springfield diocese's list 11/29/2018. Added to the Joliet diocese's list 12/12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. One man told investigators that Bishop Ryan sexually abused him, including rape, over a few years, beginning when he was an 11-year-old altar boy in 1984. Another man said that when he was 15, Ryan offered him $50 if he would allow the Bishop to strip naked massage him with baby oil. He resisted and escaped when Ryan tried to have sex with him. Ryan was also accused in 1995 of sexually abusing two children, with no action by the Diocese. He continued to abuse one of them for four more years. 


Br. Daniel Peter Ryan

Donate Photo
Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Included on the Order's list of former and deceased brothers with at least two claims of sexual abuse against them, as required by its bankruptcy settlement in 2014. Referred to as Bro. D.P. Ryan in a lawsuit filed in WA State, and is included as such on the Seattle Archdiocese's list 1/15/2016 of credibly accused. Worked at Briscoe Memorial School in Kent WA 1949-1956. In the early 1960s and mid-1970s Ryan was in Chicago IL, on staff at Brother Rice High School and Leo High School. He was reportedly also principal of Brother Rice High School in MI in the 1960s. Claim settled by the Archdiocese in 7/2023. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Died in 2009.


Fr. David F. Ryan

Ordained: 1979
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish and School in Lake Zurich when suspended in 11/2020. Accused of sexually abusing minors about 25 years prior, while assigned to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. Ryan began working at Maryville in 1985 and became acting executive director in 2003. Had also been director of the Catholic Children's Home in Alton. In 9/2021 the archdiocese announced that Ryan was being reinstated, due to "insufficient evidence" that he abused a minor. A week later Cardinal Cupich announced that Ryan was not to return to ministry, pending the result of an investigation of new information received. In 11/2021 he was again reinstated, for "insufficient reason to suspect" he had abused minors. Ryan denied ever abusing a child. In 9/2022 he was suspended again after the archdiocese received two more allegations. Again, in 2/2023, Ryan was reinstated, the archdiocese stating that his accusers stopped cooperating with the investigation.

Fr. Francis Lee Ryan

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 09/2/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from St. Edmund in Watseka in 5/2010 after he was accused of sexual abuse on multiple occasions of a boy at Providence High School, about 30-35 years prior. The same man also alleged abuse by Fr. McBrien once at Joliet Catholic High School. On 'special assignment' per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Denied the allegation. In summer 2012, the Vatican said Ryan could not be permanently removed. Diocese said he would return to limited ministry, but a week later, on 9/18/2012, his privileges were again withdrawn. Canonical process was still pending in 4/2014. Named in a new lawsuit against Joliet filed on 4/30/2014. Included in 4/2014 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 9/2/2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John J. Ryan

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 02/19/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002." Ryan died in 2000. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Jeffrey Salwach

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1984
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Placed on leave in 5/2003 after he was accused, along with another friar, of abusing a boy, ages 9-13, at St. Jude in New Lenox 1974-1978. The two Franciscans were said to have forced the boy into oral and group sex, drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. Salwach was a Franciscan brother and teacher at the time of the abuse. After his accuser filed suit in 2004, Salwich was sent for evaluation, where he admitted to fondling the boy and "a number of [other] minors" in the 1970s. The lawsuit settled. Per the Franciscans in 2005, "There is no reason to suspect Jeffrey to be a risk for offending minors." After ordination Salwach worked in Quincy IL, Galena AK, Parma and Cleveland OH, Joliet IL, San Antonio TX and Ruston LA. Still shown as an active priest per Catholic Times 5/10/2009. Reportedly in 11/2011, Salwach had recently been assigned to work at LaVerna Friary in a residential neighborhood in St. Louis, MO. Dismissed from the Order in 4/2016. Remains a priest in 5/2023. Included in the IL Attorney General's 5/23/2023 report. On the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list of credibly accused as of 1/2024. (Member of the Sacred Heart Province.) Noted to have left the Province and Order 4/9/2016.

Fr. Joseph E. Savage

Ordained: 1918
Status: Accused

Died: 06/22/1974
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report 3/20/2006. Forced to resign from an Illinois parish in 1936 for sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. Accused in 2002 and 2003 of having sexually abused numerous WI children, both boys and girls, in the 1950s. His victims were said to have been between the ages of 8 and 16. Shown as absent with leave from 1938-1960 and retired as of 1960. Died in 6/1974. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Louis Schlangen

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Retired in 2007. Accused in a 10/18 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a girl 1973-75, when she was about 5 to 7 years old. The girl and her family were parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul in Springfield. Schlangen's accuser said she met with Bishop Lucas in 2007, and that no action was taken against Schlangen. He celebrated his 60th anniversary as a priest in 4/17. Per news, he was deceased by 10/18.

Fr. Roger Schoenhofen

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Died: 02/25/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Accused in a 1995 civil suit of sexually abusing a student at St. Henry's Preparatory Seminary. Per the lawsuit, Schoenhofen was among three Belleville priests, a deacon and two O.M.I. priests who abused the plaintiff. The lawsuit claimed a ring of homosexual priests lured young men and wined and dined them in exchange for sex. Schoenhofen was assigned to the Preparatory Seminary 1967-84. He was still an active priest in Alton, IL in 2008. He died 2/25/09.

Fr. Daniel R. Schulte

Order: CM
Ordained: 1987
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Charged in 2006 with downloading child pornography from the internet. He had been removed from his position as hospital chaplain in 2005 and sent to St. Louis, MO for treatment. Pleaded guilty in 6/2006. Sentenced to 7 years, 3 months in prison in 10/2006 and ordered to register as a sex offender upon release. Remained a priest; faced possible laicization. On Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese's list updated 4/1/2019. On the Vincentians list in 2020, which notes he died the same year. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Laurence C. Schumacher

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Died: 01/8/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Named publicly by the diocese on its list sometime after 12/2018. Categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002. Schumacher died in 1980. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph R. Schwaegel

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 07/13/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Former Vicar General. Monsignor. The "singing priest." Civil suit filed 8/1999 alleging abuse of an 8-year-old boy in 1973. Refiled as federal case 2001. Some charges dismissed on SOL in 2003. Case settled 2/2003. Admitted to being "a sex addict." At least two arrests for solicitation. Left ministry 1994 due to his sex addition, not his alleged abuse of minors. Other alleged victims have come forward. Testified in Kownacki trial 8/2008. Diocesan website gave his status 1/24/2009 as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Died 7/13/2016. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Suit 7/19/2019 claims abuse 1987-1989 of a boy, beginning when the boy was a 6-year-old kindergartener at Cathedral Grade School. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Gary Sebescak

Ordained: 1994
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Removed from assignment as associate pastor of St. Mary's in Mount Vernon by Bishop Gregory 4/1995 after an allegation that Sebescak had sexually abused a minor six years prior while at St. Meinrad Catholic Seminary. Bishop Gregory deemed the allegations credible. No criminal charges filed. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Louis C. Shea

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 11/5/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Added on 6/18/2019 to the Springfield IL diocese's list of accused priests, as a 'substantiated case of sexual abuse of a minor.' No abuse facts given. Two survivors contacted BA. One stated Shea visited her home and took her to her room at bedtime to "pray over me," molesting her weekly 1962-1965 at age 7-10, touching her sexually skin-to-skin. She informed the diocese in 2002, 2004, 2019. Shea was already abusing her sister, who stated he sexually touched her 60-100 times in 1960-1964 at age 6-9, until she pushed him out of her bed. A therapist suggested she call Shea. She did so circa 1985. He said, "I have no recollection." The girls were abused during Shea's 2nd and 3rd assignments and while he started work as a Catholic Charities official. Shortly after the abuse ended, Shea was temporarily pulled from his Catholic Charities position and worked as a hospital chaplain, then back at Catholic Charities and as a pastor. One sister has been contacted by other Shea victims. Shea died 11/15/1996. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Gerald J. Simonelli

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Simonelli's name appeared on the diocese's 6/24/2015 list of "Diocesan Priests With A Credible Allegation(s) of Sexual Abuse of Minors Made Against Them While Serving in the Joliet Diocese." The list notes a continuing canonical process. Simonelli was removed from ministry in 5/2010 after a 21-year-old man accused him of "inappropriate conduct" that occurred more than two years prior. Bishop Sartain stated Simonelli's removal was due to "homosexual activity" and that he was "unfaithful to his vows on more than one occasion." As of 12/2018, process still pending and status was "on leave." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 2/2021, and shown to have been laicized in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Br. Jerome Skaja

Order: OSB
Status: Settled

Died: 01/30/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

In 10/2022 a man publicly stated that Skaja sexually assaulted him numerous times in the 1980s when he was a prepubescent student at Marmion Military Academy in Aurora. The man said he told the dean of students, Rev. Vincent Bataille, who told him to keep it quiet. He said he also told some classmates and that the mother of one of them allegedly confronted the abbot, Rev. David Cyr, to no avail. Skaja remained at the school. His accuser received a settlement from the Benedictines at some point. The Order was reportedly investigating allegations against Skaja as of 10/2022. Skaja died in 2016. In 2/2023 the Order admitted that Skaja was accused multiple times of molesting minors in the 1970s and 1980s, and that the allegations were "true." He was dismissed from the Order in 1988. Included on the Benedictines of Marmion Abbey list 2/24/2023. Included on the Rockford diocese's list 3/6/2023. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 5 "reported survivors."


Fr. Wilton L. Skiffington

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1936
Status: Settled

Died: 09/25/1988
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of abusing a boy at Loyola Academy in Wilmette IL in 1962. The boy's parents found a letter from Skiffington to their son in 1968 and told the archdiocese. Transferred to Los Angeles/San Diego in 1965. Died 9/25/1988. Suit settled in 10/2005. Included on the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/2018 which notes an allegation of abuse occurring 1963-1964 in Wilmette. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 1/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Timothy Sklopan

Order: OCarm
Status: Accused

Died: 11/11/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Entered the Order in 1962. Made his solemn vows in 1966. Spent his early years with the Order in food management, at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton MA, Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson AZ, and DeSales High School in Louisville KY. Briefly did parish ministry in In Englewood NJ. Taught religion 1980-1990 at DeSales, then at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago 1990 until his death in 2004. Included on the Carmelites' list of credibly accused 1/20/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."


Fr. Raymond Francis Skriba

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of abuse of at least three girls while assigned to St. Walter in Morgan Park in the 1960s. The Archdiocese in 3/1970 determined "there was guilt here," and quietly moved Skriba to another parish. Remained in ministry until 6/2002, when he took administrative leave after allegations that he abused two girls at St. Gertrude's in the 1960s; removed from public ministry in 7/2002, several months after the Review Board found reasonable cause to believe the allegations were true. At least one claim was included in a 10/03 $8M settlement. Permanently removed from public ministry in 9/2005. Brother of accused priest Richard Skriba. Personnel files released in 1/2014. Died in 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 9 "reported survivors."


Fr. Richard L. Skriba

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 03/11/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in 7/2002 of molesting a girl for several years. His alleged victim said she reported the abuse to the Archdiocese in 1998 but the allegations were not made public because Skriba had died in 3/1998. Brother of accused priest Raymond Skriba. Included in 10/2022 on the Archdiocese's list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Henry Slade

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1984
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Birth name Slaboszewski. Arrested and removed from ministry in 1/1990. Pleaded guilty in 2/1990 to sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old disabled man. Sentenced to 12 months probation. Victim filed suit in 12/1991. Suit later settled. Accused in another lawsuit filed in 11/2015 of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1976. Plaintiff said he refused to perform a sex act on Slade, who then physically attacked him; further, he said Rev. Phillip Dedera ignored his screams, but later offered him marijuana "to help him forget it." Slade's name was included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list in 12/2018, Slade died in 2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 9 "reported survivors."

Fr. Richard Slavish

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 02/18/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Slavish and six other priests were placed on leave by the bishop in 5/2002 after allegations of abuse involving minors. Privileges were revoked. Slavish was scheduled to retire in summer of 2002 but he reportedly retired in April. Slavish apparently held parish assignments during his entire career except 1969-1971, when he was chaplain at East Moline State Hospital. Died 2/18/2016. Included in 2018 on the diocese's list of accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Fr. John C. Slown

Ordained: 1959
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Sexually abused at least twenty children, according to diocesan files. In and out of treatment, moved from parish to parish. Convicted of sexually abusing a boy in DuPage County in 1983. Sent to treatment. Reassigned. Removed from ministry in 1986 in New Mexico, where he had gone for treatment and was then assigned to a parish. Slown said he left the priesthood because he was an alcoholic. In 10/2003 two brothers filed suit alleging abuse by Frs. Slown, Richard Ruffalo and Arno Dennerlein. The suit claimed the abuse occurred in Illinois for several years and, for the younger boy, later in New Jersey. May have also abused the boys' three brothers. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. The diocese agreed in 3/2013 to release personnel files as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Per the diocese's list in 5/2022, Slown died in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. John P. Smyth

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 04/16/2019
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Assigned in 1962 to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, which was a residential treatment facility for abused children; superintendent 1970-2003. Removed in 2003 after a resident's suicide and allegations of abuse among residents. President of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles 2007-14. Retired. Suspended in 1/19 after allegations of sexual abuse of two boys, ages 13 and 14, occurring in 2002-03. One of the boys reportedly came forward shortly after the alleged abuse, but no action. Smyth's lawyer said the allegations were "false." Smyth died 4/16/19. The Dept. of Children and Family Services deemed the allegations to be "unfounded," saying, in part, that Smyth's death meant he could no longer be a threat to children, so there was no reason to investigate. Suit filed in 9/19, claiming abuse of a boy at Maryville 2001-04, starting age 11.

Fr. Marion Joseph Snieg

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of sexual abuse of at least one boy in 1959 while at St. Jane de Chantal parish. The boy told his father who notified the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese reportedly said it would "take care of" Snieg. The accuser came forward again in 2001. Snieg was removed from active ministry in 6/2002. He died in 6/2005. At least one claim was included in a 10/2003 settlement involving 15 accusers and 12 priests. At least one other claim was included in a 10/2005 settlement the with Archdiocese. Name included on the Archdiocese's list in 2006 of those with substantiated allegations against them. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 16 "reported survivors."

Br. Ruben Soto

Order: OFM
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Soto, a Franciscan brother in training, was accused in 1995 of molesting three boys at St. Anthony's Church in Cicero IL. Soto told another friar who alerted authorities. Soto was arrested in 6/1995. The LINKUP (survivors group) later reported that that Soto may have also abused youths in Texas. Included as of 1/2024 on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list of credibly accused. (Member of the Sacred Heart Province.) Noted to have left the Province when his temporary vows expired 6/6/1995.

Fr. William J. Spine

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in Peru, Brooklyn NY, Moline IL, Chicago IL, and Lexington KY. Spent time 1990-1991 in Berkeley, CA. He was a teacher, parish assistant and pastor, and associate director of a diocesan hispanic ministry office. Removed from active ministry in 2/2006, several months after the Jesuits received a credible allegation that Spine sexually abused a teenage boy while assigned to Peru in the mid-1970s. The boy was Spine's student. The Official Catholic Directory shows that Spine was living in Rome from 2007 to at least 2010. Included on the Jesuits Midwest Province list in 12/2018. On the Diocese of Lexington's list in 8/2020, where he worked 2001-2006 at St. Paul's. Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least three "reported survivors," of abuse in Lexington KY, Tacna Peru, Bronx NY and Brooklyn NY.

Fr. David Stalzer

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 06/18/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

A 1993 civil suit claimed that Revs. Stalzer and Lawrence M. Gibbs abused the plaintiff as a minor in 1981. The suit was dismissed in 1994 by the court after the plaintiff claimed to have been treated by two psychologists and both denied having seen the man. Stalzer was returned to ministry in 4/93, under supervision and with limited contact with minors, prior to resolution of the suit. He died in 2000.

Fr. James R. Steel

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Steel left the priesthood in 5/1992 and was laicized in 3/2001. A man came forward in 2002 to allege abuse in 1982 when he was age 13 by Steel and Donald Ryniecki, a school principal at St. Joseph the Worker. In 11/2006 the Archdiocesan Review Board determined that there was reason to believe the allegations were credible. One claim was included in an 8/2008 $12.7M settlement involving 11 priests and 16 plaintiffs. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Also believed to have abused the same boy in northern WI. No criminal charges were expected to be filed in WI as of 5/1/2014, due to the statute of limitations. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Edward A. Stefanich

Ordained: 1965
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Stefanich abused a 15-year-old girl for 16 months 1985-1986. The Church was warned by a counselor about the relationship in 1986; they promised to handle it but did nothing until 1987, after Stefanich proposed marriage and the girl's parents complained. He was removed then. Stefanich was indicted and pleaded guilty. He was sentenced in 1987 to six months in jail and a year of counseling. Laicized in 1988. Police admitted they knew he had also abused another girl. Settled with family in 4/1988 for $450K. In a suit filed in 9/2003 a man accused him of abuse 1969-1970. His name was included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Stefanich died in 2016, per the diocese's list updated in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 5 "reported survivors."

Fr. Robert A. Stepek

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Died: 06/25/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused in 5/2006 of sexually abusing two brothers, ages 9 and 16, during his first assignment 1981-1983. He denied the allegations. A Review Board finding of reasonable cause was announced 11/4/2006; permanently removed. He filed a $4M defamation suit against the brothers in 11/2006 and petitioned the Vatican. The brothers sued Cardinal George 12/13/2006 alleging violation of confidentiality and sued Stepek on 8/29/2007. Included in 2008 on the Archdiocese's list of those with substantiated allegations. A suit filed in 5/2009 claimed abuse of a minor in 1987. Reinstated with no assignment and limited privileges after a canonical trial in 2013. Died 6/25/2016. Included in the IL Attorney General's Report 5/23/2023, which notes three "reported survivors."

Fr. Victor E. Stewart

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Died: 06/6/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Alleged to have sexually abused of boys throughout his priesthood. Some lived with him in his parish rectories, with Cardinal Bernardin's knowledge. Accused in 1991 of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from his parish; archdiocesan officials had long been hearing complaints about this from parishioners, and about young men and young boys in the rectory. Made to resign in 8/1991. Assigned in 6/1992 as chaplain to a Rehab Center. Died 6/6/1994. By 7/2005, 14 alleged victims had settled claims against the archdiocese for a total of $3M and settlements were pending for 8 others. In 2005 several alleged victims filed a complaint accusing Chicago police of complicity in their abuse by silencing some of them when they tried to tell in the 1990s. There were a total of 33 claims against Stewart by 2009. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 4/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 47 "reported survivors."


Fr. James O. Storm

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 06/20/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Died in 1974. Name included on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown as "unresolved" on the list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Ralph S. Strand

Ordained: 1964
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 04/6/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Multiple allegations. Removed from public ministry in 3/1993. Pleaded guilty in 1995 to criminal sexual assault of a child for abusing a boy over three years, beginning when the boy was age 15 in 1990. Received a 4-year sentence in a plea bargain. Paroled in 4/1997 after serving 21 months. Included in a 10/2005 settlement with the Archdiocese. Last known to be living at University of St. Mary of the Lake seminary campus in Mundelein. Registered sex offender. Allowed to wear his Roman collar in public by the Archdiocese in 1999, after parole was completed. Accompanied Cardinal George on a pilgrimage to Mexico in 2001. Died in 4/2013. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. By 5/2023 seven more people had come forward with allegations against Strand.

Fr. Gerald A. Streeter

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 10/31/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. A single allegation was received after Streeter's death of abuse occurring while assigned to Loyola Academy in Wilmette 1963-1964. Taught religion, speech and drama at Brebeuf Prep High School in Indianapolis 1969-1994. Died 10/31/1996. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Walter Strus

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Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

A woman filed suit in 10/01, claiming Strus raped and impregnated her in 1999 after he persuaded her to leave Poland and follow him to the U.S. Suit dismissed and refiled in 4/02. Amended suit also accused him of sexual harassment of parishioners and of abuse of minor girls in Poland after he became a priest. Strus denied the allegation, saying the relationship was consensual. DNA tests proved he fathered her child. Second suit later dismissed on legal technicality.

Fr. Lawrence J. Sullivan

Ordained: 1992
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Suspended in 4/21 pending investigation of an allegation recently received by the archdiocese that Sullivan sexually abused a minor in 1984, at age 18, just before entering seminary. Sullivan admitted to making "unwelcome verbal comments" to a girl, but denied "physical interaction." His accuser said that Sullivan and another man followed her to an alley outside of the restaurant where she was working, then "attacked" her and "the intent was to sexually assault me." She said Sullivan said, "Come on baby, let's have some fun" and that she fought them off and police were called. Reinstated in 5/21 after the archdiocese determined that it could not substantiate the allegation.

Fr. Thomas J. Swade

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Removed from public ministry in 1992 after he was accused of improperly touching a 14-year-old boy years prior. Five other accusers also came forward. Sent to treatment for four years. In 1997 the Archdiocese wanted to have Swade live in a parish and assist with duties, but parishioners protested and the idea was nixed. Continued working in an administrative position for the Archdiocese until his removal in 6/2002. Church trial underway in 12/2004. Included in a 10/2005 settlement with the Archdiocese. Laicized in 10/2009. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes ten "reported survivors."

Fr. Henry Peter Swider

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 08/4/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Newly identified as an abuser in the 3/20/2006 Chicago Archdiocesan Report. Left active ministry in 1/1969. Resigned in 2/1974. Died in 8/2007. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes six "reported survivors."


Fr. Albert Tanghal Rimando

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Ordained: 1991
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From the Philippines. Newly identified as abuser in Chicago Archdiocesan Report of 3/20/2006. Suspended from active ministry in 5/2000. Killed by suspected robbers while in the Philippines in 12/2003. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Deacon Francis Theis

Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Died: 07/13/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Deacon. Removed in 1993. In 1/1995 the Diocesan Review Board deemed Theis unfit to continue in the employment of the diocese. In a 1995 civil suit, Theis and four priests were named as abusers of a youth 1981-1983. Name is spelled "Theiss" in original petition. The suit also alleged that Theis was part of a sex ring of priests. Died 7/13/2010. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Included in the 5/23/203 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes three "reported survivors."

Fr. Richard Gregory Theisen

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 01/21/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Resigned in 5/1998. Went on to marry. Laicized in 4/2001. Name appears on Archdiocesan list in 2010 of priests with credible allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. Report made in 2003 of sexual "misconduct" with a 15- to 17-year-old girl 1962-1965. Theisen died 1/21/2013. Included on the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph Stephen Thomas

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 08/24/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Retired in 1997. Removed from public ministry in 10/2002 after allegations against him of sexual misconduct with a pre-teen boy more than 15 years prior, while assigned to St. Margaret Mary Parish in Rogers Park. Review Board found reasonable cause to sustain the allegations; Cardinal George placed Thomas in a "monitored and restricted" setting where he would not be alone with minors. Review Board still investigating as of 9/2005. Included on the Archdiocese's 9/15/08 list. Died in 8/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least three "reported survivors."

Fr. Bernard Tomaszewski

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Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Added in early 2019 to the diocese's list, categorized under "removed from ministry due to allegation of abuse of a minor before 2002 or, determined to have substantial evidence of abuse of a minor before 2002. Removed from ministry in 1946. Deceased. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Br. Michael Trujillo

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Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

One of 10 brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil case of abuse as minors at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers' North American Province. Order agreed to massive $16.5M settlement with 400 plaintiffs with claims of abuse by multiple Order priests and brothers in 5/2013. Unclear if the Order has substantiated any of the allegations against the eight newly-accused brothers, including Trujillo. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph J. M. Tully

Ordained: 1925
Status: Accused

Died: 12/18/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Named as accused on the Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. Noted to have retired in 1971 and died 12/18/1982. On the Diocese of Beaumont, TX list 1/31/2019. On Galveston-Houston's list 1/31/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 7 "reported survivors," and that the diocese claims its first allegations against Tully were reported in 1948.

Fr. Walter Joseph Turlo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Resigned from parish and placed on leave in 6/2005 after allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor at St. William's Church in Chicago about 30 years previously. Laicized in 10/2009 per Chicago archdiocesan report accessed 1/14/2010. Lawsuit filed 6/8/2017 alleging sex abuse of a boy, ages 9-10, in the late 1970s. Found by a news outlet in 10/2018 living around the corner from a grade school in Lyons. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes four "reported survivors."

Fr. John B. Turnbull

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Placed on leave in 2005 after Turnbull's order learned of allegations that he abused a boy in the late 1970s. The boy was a student at St. Anthony's School in Streator, IL. Turnbull also worked in IN and OH. He was pastor of Holy Family in Oldenburg, IN in 2005. Name included on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese's list updated 4/1/2019, noting that he died in 2017. (Some news reports state that he was still living in 2019 at a Franciscan retirement community in Cincinnati). On Peoria diocese's list by 1/2020. On the Franciscan Friars, St. John the Baptist list of those with substantiated allegations against them. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. David Tushar

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 12/23/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Tushar was placed on leave from ministry in the Diocese of Duluth in 7/2019 after allegations of abuse dating to 1978-1979, when he was a Holy Cross Father and school teacher in Niles IL. He was in the Duluth area from 1985 and incardinated there in 1988. The allegations were deemed credible. Permanently removed by the Diocese in 2020. Name included on the Holy Cross Fathers list of accused in 10/2020. Added to the Duluth diocese's list in 1/2021. Tushar died 12/23/2021 in Las Vegas NV, where he had been living. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Donald Francis Ulatowski

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 06/30/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as the subject of substantiated allegations in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report 3/20/2006.  Personnel file released in 1/2014. Documents show Ulatowski would take 2-3 boys at a time to his cottage in Wisconsin and abuse them. In 1994 he was placed on restricted ministry and ordered not to be alone with children. Died in 6/1999. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Anthony Joseph Vader

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Long involved with the Filipino American community. Allegations received in late 2002 that he sexually abused girls more than 40 years prior at Holy Cross Parish. Placed on leave in 2/2003. Violated restrictions placed on him by showing up at his parish and mission, presenting himself as a priest. Allowed to travel to the Philippines in 2004. Resided in a "monitored and restricted setting" after the Archdiocese permanently removed his privileges in 9/2005. Name included on the Archdiocese's 6/2003 list of credibly accused. Two women filed civil suit in 5/2009 after futile mediation. Died in 7/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Referred to as a serial predator, with 13 "reported survivors" and at least five claims substantiated by the Archdiocesan Review Board. 


Fr. Michael R. Van Acker

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Medical center chaplain and former chaplain at several high schools. Placed on leave in 6/2002 when the diocese received allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor in the early 1980s. Reportedly went on leave of absence in 1992 prior to his assignment to the medical center. On the diocese's list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

Fr. Charles Van Duren

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 08/30/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in MA, PA, St. Joseph Indian School in SD, and MS before arriving in the Joliet diocese in 1970. Worked in several parishes, retired in 1995, and died in 8/1997. Credible accusation was received after his death. Name appeared on the Joliet diocese's 6/2008 list of accused priests with a credible/substantiated allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. David H. Verhalen

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 09/11/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly as accused by the Congregation of Holy Cross on its list 6/12/2019, which notes an allegation in 2007 of abuse in IL in the 1970s. Permanently removed from ministry in 2001. Died 9/11/2012. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Clovis Vilchez Parra

Ordained: 2012
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

From Peru. Arrived in the U.S. in 2007. Ordained in 2012. Assigned to Our Lady of Mercy in Chicago, then to Mission San Juan Diego Catholic Church in Arlington Heights. Charged 2/24/2015 with felony possession and reproduction of child pornography. Removed from ministry pending outcome. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced in 4/2017 to four years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender. Given 460 days credit for time served on electric monitoring. Laicized in 5/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. William D. Virtue

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2006 of abuse in the Joliet diocese in 1980-1981. Not included on Joliet diocese's list of confirmed abusers released 4/09/2006. Civil suit filed 5/2006. Worked in Joliet, Rockford and Peoria dioceses. Joliet settled suit as of 9/2007. Left Joliet and incardinated into Peoria in 1988. Peoria diocese removed his privileges in 2006. Canonical process pending 4/2014. Joliet diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. Noted to have been removed from ministry by Peoria and Rockford in 2/2006. Per Joliet list updated 12/2018, "on leave," canonical process still pending. On the Peoria diocese's list as of 2/2020. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Robert J. Vonnahmen

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 05/8/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

Founder and long-time director of Camp Ondessonk. Accused of abusing boys and girls, spanning most of his career. Per the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, Vonnahmen sexually abused as many as 23 children 1956-1973. Abuse involved "fondling and kissing to violent oral and anal sex." In 1968 or 1969 fellow priests reported child sex abuse by Vonnahmen at Camp Ondessonk to the bishop, to no avail. Further reports in 1976 or 1977, no action. Investigated by the Diocese in 1985 - removed from the camp, kept in parish ministry. Removed from active ministry without privileges in 1993. Named in civil suits in 1993, 1994 and 1995. Laicization announced in 4/2007. In 10/2013 was in charge of San Damiano Shrine in southern IL and was running ads for the Shrine in the archdiocesan newspaper. Accused in new lawsuit 3/17/2014 of abuse of a child at camp in 1970 and 1971. Died 5/8/2016, at a Highland IL nursing home. On diocese's list 12/19/2018. Subject of settlement(s), per Attorney Garabedian in 4/2022.

Br. Phillip Vorlick

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Died: 01/14/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Died in 1998. One of ten brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil case of abuse at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North American Province. Order agreed to massive $16.5M settlement in 5/2013 with 400 plaintiffs claiming abuse by multiple order priests and brothers. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Br. Karl J. Walczak

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Principal of Damien High School in Honolulu for 10 years. President of Brother Rice High in Chicago for 12 years. Also worked in California. Appointed principal of O'Dea High School in Seattle in 2011. Took leave in 8/12 to assist in resolving Order's bankruptcy in New York. A man filed a claim in the bankruptcy case alleging that he was abused by Walczak in 1970-71 when he was a freshman at Br. Rice in Chicago. Walczak resigned 10/31/12. Denied abuse.

Br. Jeremiah Walsh

Order: SVD
Status: Accused

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

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


Fr. Oliver T. Walsh

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

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

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

Fr. Walter M. Weerts

Ordained: 1960
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

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

Fr. Bruce Wellems

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1986
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

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


Fr. Frank D. Westhoff

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

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

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

Fr. Michael Howard Weston

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

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


Fr. Myles Patrick White

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

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

Fr. Wayne E. Wigglesworth

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

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

Fr. Joseph Wilk

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Recalled from sabbatical in 2007 to assume new post. Left priesthood in 9/10. Named as abuser in civil suit filed 5/13. Accused of abusing one youth at St. Matthew Church in Schaumburg beginning in 1995 when the boy was 10 and continuing for 8 years. Would allegedly give the boy alcohol and occasionally money. Accuser's father told Archdiocese in 2010 but nothing done. In 2/14, Archdiocese added Wilk's name to their public list of priests with credible allegations of abuse. As of 7/24/14, the Archdiocese of Chicago said it had reinstated him as a priest in good standing after new information found relating to allegations against him. No announcement made as to status of civil case against him except that the civil case still existed and active in the courts.

Fr. Michael Winkels

Order: OP
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Named publicly by the Dominicans on 4/21/2022 as accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The allegation was received in 2021, of abuse in 1978. Removed from public ministry 8/10/2021. Per the Order's list updated in 11/2022, the preliminary investigation indicated some semblance of truth, but the allegation was not able to be canonically established. Remained removed from ministry. Dispensed from vows 4/18/2023. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. The Order's list updated in 6/2023 shows that the allegation had been deemed credible by its Review Board. (No information as to where the abuse occurred; placing Winkels for now in the Chicago Archdiocese, where the Province is base.)


Fr. Stanley T. Wisniewski

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

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

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

Deacon Louis Wojtowicz

Status: Accused

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

Ordained a deacon 4/19/1997. Removed from public ministry 7/1999. Dismissed from Mundelein Seminary in 2/000. Died in 4/2013. Added to the archdiocese's list 11/29/1208 of clergy with substantiated allegations against them of child sexual abuse. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Fr. Michael T. Yakaitis

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of an abusive relationship with an 18-year-old student at Niles College in the early 1990s over a one-year period. Victim complained to officials two years later. Yakaitis admitted the relationship and was sent for therapy. In 2002, the victim discovered that Yakaitis was still an active priest at the University of Chicago and went public with his allegations. Yakaitis resigned from his position. Died in FL in 5/10.

Fr. Francis (Lambert) Yore

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Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 10/11/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in Ontario Canada, PA, DC, MA, IL. Died in 2004. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 1/20/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. No information as to when or where the abuse occurred. (Placing Yore in the Joliet diocese for now, where the Province is based.)