Fr. John Paul Blankenship

Ordained: 1963
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Richmond VA

Admitted in 1988 that he sexually abused a 14-year-old boy in 1982. He apologized to the victim and paid for his college education and counseling. Worked at the Petersburg Federal Correctional Center as chaplain for many years. Per a 1989 note, the Catholic chaplain regional superintendent for prisons knew of history. Forced to retire 8/02 after victim came forward. Criminally indicted; pled guilty to sodomy 1/03 and sentenced to indefinite supervised probation. On Sex Offender Registry. On diocese’s list 2/13/19. Laicized.


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