Fr. Richard M. Lelonis
Diocese announced in 11/2018 that Lelonis was suspended from ministry 9/12/2018 after two men told the diocese he abused them as children in the early 1970s to about 1980. Allegations deemed credible, but not yet substantiated. Lelonis denied them. Lelonis was reportedly included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury report, his name redacted. The alleged victim in the GJ report said Lelonis abused him for years and threatened to kill him if he told. It also said Lelonis admitted to “an attraction to minors.” Sent to St. Luke’s for evaluation, returned to ministry. Lelonis’ ministry was restricted in 2002. He was assigned to the diocesan Tribunal from 1995. Died 10/20/2019. Included on the diocese’s list of accused.
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