Fr. David A. Ghiorso

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of San Francisco CA

In a 10/20/2021 letter to his parishioners, the Archdiocese announced that Ghiorso had been accused in a civil claim of the sexual abuse of a minor 30-40 years previously. Placed on leave pending investigation. Returned to ministry in 12/2021. Three suits reportedly were filed by 6/23/2022. One claims Ghiorso plied an altar boy with wine and raped him at St. Vincents School for Boys for a year beginning in 1989. Another suit, filed in 4/2022, claims Ghiorso raped a boy multiple times at St. Vincents 1988-1991, beginning when the boy was age 10. One accuser said he reported the abuse at the time to the school and was then placed in a foster home. Ghiorso’s attorney denied the allegations.


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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.