Fr. Robert N. Caparelli

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/24/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

Many allegations. Report to diocese in 8/68 from Hazleton police of abuse of two brothers, who were 11- and 12-year-old altar boys at Most Precious Blood. Mentioned “other situations.” Pastor had told Bishop McCormick prior November. Caparelli admitted to acting “too freely” with the boys. Sent to Padua Retreat House, assigned to St. Mary’s in Old Forge. Admitted to State Police in 1974 to molesting children. No charges. Made pastor in Milford in  1981. Arrested in 1991 for 1985 abuse of a boy. Pleaded guilty. In 12/91 a man alleged abuse by Caparellii at St. Mary’s at age 11 or 12, along with other boys. Suit filed in 12/91 alleging rape of boy 9/85-6/86 at St. Vincent de Paul. Sentenced in 7/92 to 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison. Another charge for abuse of a boy added time to his sentence in 1993. Had AIDS. Died in prison 12/24/94. Two suits settled in 1996. A 2005 suit settled in 1/07. New suit in 7/20 claims abuse of a boy, ages 10-13, starting around 1974.

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