Fr. William George Poole

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington when it was created in 1988. Charged with public indecency in 1990 and 2001. Placed on leave for a year in 9/02 when diocesan officials learned of Poole’s second arrest. Reinstated in 1/04, even after a 2003 accusation that he had sexually abused a 15-year-old boy in 1972. The Lexington diocese’s review board deemed the allegations not credible, but the Covington diocesan board disagreed and paid a settlement to the plaintiff. Not reported to police until 2004. Died 12/28/18. Included on the Covington diocese’s list 7/31/20. On the Lexington diocese’s list in 8/20, allegation noted to be “unsubstantiated.”


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