Fr. Franklin T. Richards

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Nashville TN

Principal of Knoxville Catholic High School. Confronted by parents of three children in 1984. Per the  Diocese and Richards, they paid the parents a settlement. Sent for treatment. Left the priesthood in 1989. Richards and Edward McKeown abused many of the same boys. Richards confessed to molesting 25 boys. No legal action due to the statute of limitations. Living in FL at last report. In a deposition, he admitted to sexual relationships with two priests. Included on the Nashville diocese’s list 11/21/2018, which notes he was “dismissed from the priesthood of the diocese” 3/1/1989. On Knoxville diocese’s list as of 3/6/2020.


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