Fr. John J. Palko
Per the PA A.G.’s 3/1/16 Grand Jury Report, Palko sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in the 1980s. She was a Bishop Guilfoyle High School student while he was assigned to St. Mary’s in Gallitzin. Palko’s victim informed the diocese in 2002. Bishop Adamec kept Palko in ministry and began an investigation of the victim, using intimidation tactics against her. The Grand Jury found that ‘in the Allegation Review Board the Diocese holds all the rights, and the victim holds only the right to be harassed and questioned.” Palko died 5/31/05.
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