Fr. James J. Brennan

Ordained: 1989
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Accused in 1/06 of abuse 8 years prior; removed. Permanently removed 8/06, case referred to Vatican. Named in Philadelphia Grand Jury report 2/10/11. Charged in 2/11 with attempted rape of a 14-year-old boy in 1996, whose report led to Brennan’s 2006 removal. Denied guilt. Tried with Msgr. Lynn, who was charged with child endangerment. Jury deadlocked on Brennan 6/22/12. Lynn convicted. Retrial of Brennan scheduled and delayed several times. Brennan freed on bail. In a 10/16 plea deal, pled no contest to second-degree misdemeanor assault. Given two years’ probation. Laicization pending.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.