Fr. Robert F. Johnston
In 2002 a man said Johnston abused him as a teenager in about 1978, at Sacred Heart parish in Valley Park. Johnston admitted the abuse and resigned from current parish. Two men filed suit in 12/04 alleging abuse 1977-80. Arrested in 1/05; criminal charges filed 6/06 related to alleged abuse of a youth in 1978. Four suits moved to federal court. One of six priests named in settlement announced 7/08. Laicized in 2002. In 6/11 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled the archdiocese not responsible for his behavior. On the archdiocese’s list 7/26/19. Allegations substantiated. Removed from ministry. Included on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese’s list updated 4/13/21; assigned 1962-64 to a Poplar Bluff parish. Died 4/4/21.
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 12.23.02
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 12.29.02
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 12.16.04
- Webster-Kirkwood Times 01.16.05
- Times (Shrewsbury, MO) 03.06.05
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 06.14.06
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 07.08.08
- Belleville News Democrat 01.13.09
- Riverfront Times 06.10.11
- Archdiocese of St Louis List 07.26.19
- Springfield-Cape Girardeau List updated 04.13.21
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 04.20.21
- Moore Funeral Homes Obituary 04.04.21
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