Fr. Arthur R. Merrell
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused in 2019. Merrell’s diocesan file showed an allegation in 1997 that he had “inappropriately touched” a boy younger than 15. He admitted to his behavior and withdrew from ministry in 2/1998. A note written in 2/1998 told of a sexual relationship Merrell had with a mentally ill man, which Merrell acknowledged to be true. Per a 7/2014 memo Merrill “minimized his inappropriate actions with minors.” He also asked the diocese for and was given money. Became licensed counselor in 2003. Charged in 2011 with fondling a 14-year-old boy, pleaded no contest. License revoked. Named in a 6/2020 lawsuit.
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