Fr. James J. Behan

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1973
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Placed on leave in 4/02 by Raleigh bishop after “credible allegation” of abuse 25 years prior. Behan admitted to the allegations in 2005; convicted and sentenced to 12 years probation. The abuse occurred 1978-1980, when Behan was a Northeast Catholic High teacher in Philadelphia. His victim was a 15-year-old boy and freshman at the school when the abuse began. Incidents took place in the rectory of a Germantown parish and on trips to North Carolina and Quebec. Behan worked in Raleigh 1980-2002. He was the only priest indicted by the Philly Grand Jury. On MD sex offender registry 7/10. On Raleigh diocese’s list in 10/18.


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