Fr. Anthony G. Herdegen

Ordained: 1946
Status: Settled

Died: 03/17/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Fresno CA

Monsignor. Retired in 1995. A 12/2003 lawsuit claimed of abuse of two brothers, ages 5-19 and 10-15, starting in 1959. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Appeals Court ruled in 5/2008 that the lawsuit could go forward because Cardinal Mahony’s testimony indicated the church was or should have been aware that Herdegen might have been an abuser. The CA Supreme Court declined to hear appeal on decision to go forward. Trial began in 3/2009. Herdegen died 3/17/2009. Jury found for the Diocese on the statute of limitations 4/3/2009. One plaintiff was to get a  new trial. The younger brother received a settlement. Herdegen’s name was included on the Fresno diocese’s list of credibly accused in 8/2021.


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.