Fr. Joseph Nicholas Muench

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington when it was created in 1988. In 3/2009 three men told the Lexington diocese that Muench abused them in the 1980s, while assigned to Good Shepherd in Frankfort. Suspended in 7/2009. Indicted in 10/2009 for the abuse of two of the accusers 1980-1981 and 1984-1985. Named in a 11/2009 civil suit by a victim in a criminal case. Entered Alford Plea in 3/2010. Sentenced to two one-year terms in prison, to run concurrently. Released 9/30/2010. Living in 2019 in Independence, KY. Included on the Covington diocese’s 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington diocese’s list in 8/2020. It notes five known victims in the 1980s in Frankfort. Case sent to the Vatican.


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