Fr. Leo P. Riley

Accused on 12/10/2014 of sexually abusing a 4th grade altar boy in Dubuque IA starting in 10/1985 at morning Mass. A 2/18/2015 letter by Dubuque Archbishop Jackels about allegation was reprinted in the 3/1/2015 bulletin of the parish where the abuse is alleged to have been committed, after Archdiocese received the accuser’s lawsuit on 2/10/2015 and the review board deemed the allegation “not manifestly false or frivolous” on 2/11/2015. A preliminary investigation began then. Riley worked in 16 Dubuque parishes from 1982 until 2002, when he transferred to the Venice FL diocese; incardinated in 2005. Placed on temporary leave by Venice Bishop Dewane sometime between 1/4/2015 and 1/11/2015, pending the results of Dubuque’s investigation. Riley “strenuously denie[d]” the allegation. Jackels announced 7/12/2015 that his investigation did not find the allegation to be true; survivor stated the inquiry was incomplete. Riley reportedly passed a polygraph test. He was reinstated, took a leave, and then returned to St. Peter the Apostle in Naples in 10/2015. In a 7/2020 lawsuit, Riley was accused of abusing a boy in the 2000s at St. Charles School in Port Charlotte FL, along with the school’s music teacher, Alan Klispie. Per the suit, the boy had reported to Riley that he was being abused by Kilspie and begged for help. The abuse is said to have occurred when the boy was in pre-K through 8th grade. He said Riley silenced him with threats. Kept in ministry. Accused 5/5/2023 of abuse between 1985-1986 in Dubuque. Placed on leave by Venice bishop pending investigation. Another allegation was reported 5/23/2023 to Dubuque. Arrested in 4/24/2024 in FL for the abuse of four altar boys, all under age 12, in Dubuque 1984-1986 at Resurrection Parish. Pleaded not guilty 5/28/2024. Trial set for 7/30/2024. The case was dismissed 7/15/2024, due to the statute of limitations. Three new civil lawsuits were filed in FL in 10/2024 by three former Iowa altar boys, claiming abuse by Riley in the 1980s.