Fr. James Edward Fritsch

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Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of raping a girl, age 13, in 1966. Complainant demanded release of diocesan file. Settlement in 12/04 revealed Covington diocese had hospitalized Fritsch in 1965 after he had “contact with about 9 to 10 girls,” one age 15. He was assigned in 1965 to St. William’s in Lancaster, KY. Behavior continued in treatment. Fritsch was returned to work, then suspended. Sent to the Owensboro diocese. Complainant alleges abuse there and in the Evansville IN diocese. Left priesthood; married in 1969. Went on to work in NJ with delinquents and on school board. Included on the diocese’s list 7/31/20 of those with substantiated allegation(s). On Lexington diocese’s list in 8/20.


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