Fr. Anthony J. Ross

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Joliet diocese. News in 2002 that Ross molested a 15-year-old boy twice in 1981. His victim had letters he had received from Ross, which the boy’s parents found in 1983. They confronted the bishop. Ross admitted the abuse, was sent to treatment, then returned to Joliet. The victim’s family discovered in 1993 that Ross was still in ministry. Ross subsequently moved to the Santa Rosa diocese and worked as a prison chaplain. Incardinated into Santa Rosa 8/1/1997. Permanently removed in 4/2002 by the Santa Rosa diocese when allegations became known. Included on the Joliet diocese’s list of credibly accused in 420/06. Sued in 2006. The Joliet diocese agreed to release personnel files in 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. On Santa Rosa diocese’s list 1/12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes two “reported survivors.”


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