Fr. James J. Gildea
In 1991, a man reported to diocese abuse by Gildea 1976-79, beginning age 13 when a student at Notre Dame HS, during trips Gildea took to Wilkes-Barre PA to visit his sick mother. Diocese settled 7/31/06. Gildea allegedly used his power as guidance counselor to threaten the boy. Another man went public 8/4/06 about a $60K settlement the diocese offered him in 8/02 when he reported abuse by Gildea 1958-66, starting at age 7 or 8 and continuing into his first 2 years at Notre Dame HS. Victim’s attorney in the 7/31/06 settlement stated she knew of a third victim. Gildea died 7/5/86. Five cases re 4 priests of diocese, including Gildea, settled 5/17. On order’s list 6/12/19. A 2019 report commissioned by the diocese states there were 9 victims, all boys ages 14-15, abused 1965-82. (The report mistakenly says Gildea was removed in 2002.)
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