Fr. Thomas S. Schaefer
Abused at least 21 boys. Arrested in 1995. Convicted in 1996 of abuse of 5. Sentenced to 16 years in prison. Judge reconsidered after he had served about 4.5 months and reduced the sentence to time served and treatment in MO. Sent to live at St. John Vianney in St. Louis. At least one claim was included in a $1.3M settlement with the Archdiocese in 12/2006. Died 7/22/2009 in MO. Included on the Archdiocese’s list 10/15/2018. It noted abuse was first reported in 1967 and that Schaeffer was sent for evaluation and treatment, then returned to ministry. Another report in 1982; again evaluated and treated, then returned to ministry in 1983. Permanently removed from parish ministry in 1986, assigned as a nursing home chaplain.
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.