Fr. Joseph Palanivel Jeyapaul

Ordained: 1982
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Crookston MN

From India. In Crookston diocese 2004. Diocese knew rumors by 8/04. Abruptly returned to India 9/05; given job by bishop overseeing schools. In 2006, girl told diocese he abused her many times 2004-05, age 14, including rape and forced oral sex. Per diocese, allegations credible. She sued 7/09; settled 9/11 for $750K. Another girl said he sexually assaulted her on her 16th birthday, 2005. Sued; settled. Vatican recommended laicization; Bishop in India refused. Suspended from ministry in India 2010. Arrested 3/12 on Interpol warrant. Extradited to US 11/14 to face charges in both cases. Pled guilty 5/15 to the 2005 sex assault of 16-year-old girl; sentenced to 1 year; freed due to time served. No conviction in other case due to plea deal. Deported to India. Bishop Arulappan Amalraj in Ootacamund, India lifted suspension 1/16, citing consultation with Vatican’s CDF. MN victim filed fed suit 4/19/16 vs India diocese. She won 10/16. As part of terms, diocese removed him.

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