Fr. Herbert J. Shank

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Harrisburg PA

Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/19. Multiple allegations against him of sexual abuse of boys. One alleged victim said he was a 12-year-old altar boy at St. Patrick’s in Carlisle in the 1980s when Shank began sexually abusing him, and that it went on for a year and a half. Another claimed abuse 1971-74. Also took pornographic photos of altar boys and videos of himself assaulting boys. Sent to Institute of Living for treatment in 1994. Shank told a news outlet in 8/18 that he was involved with not “more than very few” and that he had been in treatment. He said, too, that the diocese told him to resign in 11/94. The diocese said it turned the case over to DA’s office in 2/95.

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