Fr. Thomas James Pagni, III

Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused in a 1995 lawsuit of sexually abusing two young boys, who were brothers, when he was their counselor in the late 1980s-early 1990s. The diocese put him through school for a mental health counseling career in 1986 in exchange for leaving the priesthood. Suit says the diocese lied to the state about Pagni’s background. Diocese agreed it helped him change careers but denies deceiving the state.  Also sexually abused girls. Arrested in 2/95 and again in 6/95. Facing charges of molesting the two brothers and another boy. Two more suits filed in 1996. Pleaded no contest in the case of the third boy in 1/96. Sentenced to 10 years prison. Released in 7/2000. Still on sex offender registry in 12/09. Per the FL Attorney General’s report 11/6/20, Pagni is deceased. Included on the Orlando diocese’s 10/6/21 list of credibly accused .


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.