Fr. Richard W. Nichols
Parish priest, child psychologist. In 2009 a man stated publicly that Nichols raped him at age 13 in 1966 when he was an altar boy at SS. Peter and Paul, where Nichols was assigned. He said he told his parents who felt they couldn’t challenge the Church. In 1980 two boys told their parents they were abused by Nichols as altar boys at St. Aloysius in West Allys in the 1970s. The parents went to the pastor, who suggested the boys write a letter to Archbishop Weakland. At least one did. The Archdiocese offered counseling but allowed Nichols to continue in ministry. One of the two in 2002 said the abuse started in 1974 and included rape. Nichols admitted in 1984 to sexual abuse of a boy, who was his patient, in 1978. Complaints filed in 1983 and in 1985. After publicity, Nichols surrendered his psychology license and was removed from ministry. He died in 1996 at age 63.
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 04.13.02
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 05.19.02
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 07.10.03
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 01.21.04
- Statement by Archdiocese of Milwaukee 07.09.04
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 07.10.04
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 06.07.09
- Correction in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 06.08.09
- Archdiocese of Milwaukee List of Clergy Offenders 03.03.12
- SNAP Wisconsin 12.13.12
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