Fr. Michael Joseph Kelleher

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

From Ireland. Trappist monk in Ireland and New Zealand for many years prior to leaving Order. Incardinated into Raleigh diocese in 1966, then Charlotte diocese when it was created in 1971. Retired 7/99. Removed 7/10 from assignment as chaplain at Bishop McGuinness High School after accusation of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old boy in 1977 in Albemarle, NC. Assigned there 4/73 – 8/77. Police notified 9/09 and told diocese shortly thereafter. Charges filed 7/10. Arrested, released on bail 7/8/10. Second accuser a week later. No criminal charges filed. Both men sued 9/11. Kelleher admitted to 1977 abuse. Multiple other accusers. Two more men filed suit 2012; dismissed on SOL 6/20/14. Criminal charges to which Kelleher had confessed were dismissed 7/1/14 due to his dementia. Died 8/20/14. Charlotte bishop was to preside at memorial mass. On Raleigh diocese’s list in 10/18. On Charlotte list 12/29/19. Suit filed 4/13/20.

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