Fr. Benjamin Cieply

Donate Photo
Order: LC
Ordained: 2008
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Named publicly as accused by the Legionaries on 9/6/2018. Ordained in Dallas TX in 2008, transferred to the Archdiocese of Miami in 2015. Report to Child Protective Services in late 2016 of child sexual abuse. CPS could not substantiate the allegations. The Archdiocese removed Cieply from ministry after their internal review. Returned to the Legionaries. Cieply would not participate in the Order’s investigation, claiming innocence. In 6/2018 the Order determined a “high probability” that abuse occurred and Cieply was not to return to ministry. He was dismissed from the Legionaries. Case sent to the Vatican, which in 2023 determined that it could not “reach moral certainty that abuse occurred.” In 4/2023 Cieply remains a priest, but without faculties.


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.