Fr. Thomas W. Smith

Accused in 1988 of the sexual abuse of a boy. Admitted the abuse to Archdiocesan officials and said that he had sexually abused multiple boys in the 1960s. Sought counseling in the mid-1960s from another priest for his “sexuality issue.” Kept in ministry in 1988, parishioners not informed of the allegation. No report to law enforcement. Sent for a psych evaluation. Accused in 6/1993 of molesting an 8th grade boy in 1980, while Smith was pastor at St. Stephen’s in Bradshaw. The victim also alleged abuse by Fr. Marion Helowicz, who was associate pastor at the parish. (Helowicz pleaded guilty in 12/1988 to abuse of a boy 1982-1984.) Smith denied the allegations. He was scheduled to leave his parish and go for evaluation and treatment but killed himself with shotgun the day before. He   left a note referring to depression from his mother’s death. Bishop Newman told a reporter there were “no allegations of sexual impropriety or other wrongdoing” against Smith. After his death five men came forward accusing Smith of molesting them when they were in 7th-8th grades. By 4/2023 40 people had come forward alleging abuse and rape by Smith. Their ages when abused range from 6 to 16, and occurred at every one of Smith’s assignments. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report.