Fr. Eamon O’Dowd
Ordained in Ireland for the Diocese of Grand Island, NE. Later transferred to the Diocese of Orlando, FL. Investigated in 1977 for fondling two 12-year-old girls; no charges filed after he apologized and said he meant no harm. Arrested in 1983 for fondling another girl, age 12. Those charges dropped after he agreed to psychiatric treatment. Reportedly had an affair with the girl’s mother. A civil suit settled in 1986 for $250K and files sealed. Still an active priest until he “retired” without privileges in 1995 after news of the 1983 incident became public. Died 11/29/2009 in Dublin, Ireland. Included on the Orlando diocese’s 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.
- Tampa Tribune 09.03.83
- Tampa Tribune 04.28.84
- San Jose Mercury News 12.31.87
- San Jose Mercury News 12.31.87
- Orlando Sentinel 02.25.95
- Palm Beach Post 03.06.95
- Orlando Sentinel 03.07.95
- Orlando Sentinel 03.22.95
- Orlando Sentinel 09.17.95
- Lakeland Ledger 04.08.02
- Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel 04.24.02
- RIP.ie 11.30.09
- Diocese of Orlando List 10.06.21
Sources:
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