Fr. James McGonegal

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Cleveland OH

Named publicly as credibly accused of child sexual abuse by the diocese on its list 6/21/2019. Noted to be on administrative leave pending the Vatican’s decision regarding laicization. Per the list in 2022, McGonegal was laicized. In 2014 McGonegal pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a Cleveland park ranger – a felony because he was HIV positive. In a plea agreement he was to participate in a yearlong intervention program and to serve 50 hours of community service. He was also ordered to stay out of Cleveland’s Metroparks. 


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