Fr. Donald J. Ophals

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 8/2/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Albany NY

Accused in 2003 of ‘improper sexual advances’ in the late 1970s with a male teen, allegedly supplied by Rev. Jupin. Ophals was accused in a 5/7/2003 lawsuit of intimidating the complainant and a 8/25/2003 suit claimed the Diocese slandered him. The District Attorney investigated the intimidation claim at the bishop’s request. The suits were dismissed 1/30/2004 without the validity of the charges decided. In 2004 the Diocesan Review Board found no ‘reasonable grounds’ for the 2003 allegation; the Board did not interview the complainant. Ophals was reinstated. He was placed on administrative leave in 3/2011 after another alleged victim came forward, and was again reinstated in 11/2011. He died 8/2/2021.


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