Fr. Arthur J. Smith

Smith was suspended in 2011 after complaints about his behavior toward a boy. He refused to stay away from the boy’s school. Sent to the Vianney Center for treatment. In 11/2012 he was given a nursing home ministry by new bishop Malone. There were reports in 10/2013 of Smith inappropriately touching two young men there. Malone wrote glowing recommendations in 2015 and 2016 for Smith for work which would put him in contact with children. He was found to be a cruise ship chaplain in 2018. Per the Diocese in 6/2018, the allegations were substantiated. Smith’s nephew said in 2/2019 that Smith sexually abused him at age 9. A lawsuit filed in 9/2019 claimed abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1976. Accused in 2003 of sexually assaulting a seminarian, who told Auxiliary Bishop Grosz. Grosz allegedly blamed the seminarian for not locking his door, and warned him to keep quiet or he’d lose his vocation. Smith was removed from the diocesan payroll 5/1/2019 in a bankruptcy agreement. He filed suit against the Diocese in 4/2022 to restore his pension. Smith died 10/17/2023.