Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien
Phoenix bishop 1982-2003. In 6/2003, to avoid indictment on a charge of obstructing justice, admitted to covering up child sex abuse by priests, a felony. Arrested days later, charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident. Resigned. Convicted in 2/2004, received probation and community service. Accused in a 1/2016 lawsuit of repeated sexual abuse of a boy, grades 2-5, at St. Aquinas in Litchfield and St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, 1977-1982. The abuse allegedly including oral sex. O’Brien denied the allegations. The Diocese was notified in 9/2016. Died 8/26/2018.
- Washington Post 06.03.03
- Arizona Republic 06.17.03
- New York Times 02.18.04
- East Valley Tribune 03.27.04
- Joseph W v DIocese of Phoenix et al 01.10.17
- Arizona Republic 08.03.17
- Star Tribune 08.03.17
- New York Times 08.04.17
- 12 News 08.04.17
- Phoenix New Times 08.07.17
- USA Today 08.23.17
- Arizona Republic 08.25.17
- Arizona Republic 08.26.18
- KJZZ 08.27.18
Sources:
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