Fr. Joseph J. Pilger

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Pled guilty in 1995 to sexually abusing three brothers and their cousin in the 1960s. Received five years probation, beginning in 1/95. Sued in 2003 for abuse 1960-62. Suit settled 12/03 as part of $5.2M settlement with 27 accusers involving six priests. Murdered in 12/03 by a 26-year-old man who had been living with him. Included on the Owensboro diocese’s list 4/12/19, which notes 13 substantiated allegations. Included on the Covington diocese’s list 7/31/20. On the Lexington diocese’s list in 8/20. One known victim there, at St. Paul’s in 1962.


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