Fr. William A. Rosensteel

Per PA AG’s 3/1/16 Grand Jury Report, Rosensteel was accused in 2006 of 1970s “almost constant” sex abuse of boy, ages 9-15, at St. Patrick’s in Johnstown. Fr. Dennis Coleman and Rosensteel played sex comedy albums for victim and other boys. Victim refused to join him and other men in sauna at Seminary, so Rosensteel told boy’s parents he was bad and needed drugs. An older boy in special Rosensteel group raped victim who said, “this is for Fr.” In 2007 a man told diocese he and 8 other boys were abused by Rosensteel at St. Patrick’s. Boys slept in rectory and went with Fr on trips; all would sleep in underwear, one boy chosen to sleep with Fr. Boys showered with him. Abuse included deep tongue kisses and fondling. Victim’s mother told Msgr. Finn in mid-90s of abuse. Finn kept no record of it. After a 4th victim emerged in 2007, Rosenteel committed suicide. Bishop Adamec said after the death, he might have retired “with some type of ministry.”