Fr. Joseph Irvin Mouser
Placed on leave in 5/2002. Beginning in 6/2002, five men filed separate civil suits accusing him of abusing them as minors in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Mouser allegedly took several of the boys to drive-in movies at various times, gave them alcohol and assaulted them. Settled in 2003. The Review Board deemed the allegations credible in 6/2004. The Vatican ordered Mouser to live life of prayer and penance, per a 10/2005 announcement. Archbishop Kelly reportedly knew in 1992 of credible allegations. In 1/2020 Mouser was discovered working as chaplain for the Sisters of Loretto in KY, despite the Vatican’s directive that he no longer wear clerical garb, celebrate mass publicly, administer sacraments or present himself publicly as a priest. The Sisters of Loretto’s website showed photos of Mouser dressed as a priest and celebrating mass. After publicity in 2/2020 the Sisters said they were going to remove him. Criminally charged in 1/2025 with child sodomy and sexual abuse, of a child younger than age 12 in 1989-1993. Per the archdiocese in 1/2025, Mouser was living in a nursing home.
- Loretto Magazine Winter 2018
- Courier-Journal 06.07.02
- Courier-Journal 06.27.02
- Courier-Journal 07.06.02
- Courier-Journal 07.31.02
- Courier-Journal 09.29.02
- Courier-Journal 09.29.02
- Courier-Journal 06.14.04
- Courier-Journal 10.25.05
- Courier-Journal 01.31.10
- BishopAccountabiliity Page on Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up in the Louisville Archdiocese, part 1 04.22.11
- Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19
- The Courier-Journal 02.14.20
- National Catholic Reporter 03.24.20
- WDRB 01.02.25
- Courier Journal 01.03.25
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