Fr. Donald Rooney
Died by suicide in 4/2002 after being asked to come to diocesan offices to discuss an allegation that he had sexually molested a girl in 1980. Four more women and the father of another came forward with similar charges. One woman filed a class action suit in 6/2002 alleging that Rooney abused her and about twenty of her female classmates after the 1984-1985 school year. Another woman filed suit alleging that Rooney had groped and kissed her. Court denied the suits and Court of Appeals agreed. Rooney’s name is included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused.
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