Fr. Richard Colbert

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Omaha NE

Per news reports in 2003, Colbert was accused of abuse of a boy in 1988 at Boys Town. The priest reportedly left Boys Town for MO abruptly and quietly in 1988 during an investigation of the allegation. He had been a Boys Town teacher and counselor for three years. Per his order, the case was reviewed in 2002; Colbert was allowed to remain in ministry after a determination that the incident was not sexual misconduct. A civil suit filed in 10/2005 claimed Colbert sexually abused a boy in the mid-1980s at Boys Town, and that he also abused other boys there. Placed on leave by the Jefferson MO diocese where he was working. The suit was dismissed by court in 5/2006 after the plaintiff’s attorney withdrew. [Some earlier news articles had Richard as first name; others had Robert. Richard is correct, per the 1989 Official Catholic Directory].


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.