Fr. Joseph D. Galko

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Diocese was aware of issues as early as 1984. Galko admitted to sex with an 18-year-old male parishioner and to incidents with other males over the years, pre- and post-seminary and ordination. Concerns in 1987 about his spending too much time with altar servers and interaction with adolescent boys. Sent to Downingtown for treatment. Placed on leave in 1988. Report to the diocese in 2002 of abuse of male, age 17-18, in 1980 or 1981. Another report in 2007 of abuse of a 13-year-old 8th grade boy from St. Anne’s in Bethlehem. Galko acknowledged the abuse. Both victims said Galko plied them with alcohol. Laicized in 2010.


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