Fr. Leo R. Burchianti
Publicly accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused. Diocese knew in 1967 of claims Burchianti abused at least eight young boys. May have been evaluated and treated at St. Luke and/or St. Michael’s Institute at least three times in 1989, 1993 and 2012. Reportedly told boys he wanted to rape them. Admitted in 1980 to all allegations except those “concerning abuse.” Leave of absence 1993. Settlement 3/18/1994. No further assignments granted. Early retirement in 10/1994. At St. John Vianney Manor 2/1995 until at least 2012. Permanently removed from ministry in 1/2003. Admitted in 2007 to past “sexual contact” with an eighth grade boy, and that he had a sexual relationship with the boy’s mother. Diocese gave this accuser $24K for counseling in 2008. Burchianti admitted that he and Revs. Bob Castelucci and Rudy Smoley would take boys to the seminary pool and brag about them. Died in 2013. Claim settled in 4/2020 in the low five figures.
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