Fr. Francis M. Lesniak

Ordained: 1943
Status: Settled

Died: 02/28/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Retired in 1987. Died in 1991. Per 8/14/18 PA G.J. Report, diocese received report in 3/04 of sex abuse by Lesniak of a boy, age 13, in about 1977. The alleged victim said Lesniak invited him to a sleepover for altar boys, found he was the only boy there, and Lesniak fondled him. Sued. Settled in 1/06 for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 9/04 of sex assault of a boy in 1962 during an overnight at the rectory. Settled for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 5/05 of fondling a boy on an overnight rectory stay; in 1/06, same settlement as the previous two. Report in 2007 of abuse of a boy over 4 years, beginning 1983 when the boy was age 7 or 8. Accuser said Lesiak took him for a walk to his car during a picnic , then forced him to perform oral sex. He said he became an altar boy, and the abuse continued including anal rape. He said Lesniak gave him wine and that by the age of 12, he was an alcoholic. The diocese offered him $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Included on the diocese’s list in 2018 of credibly accused.


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