Fr. Matthew Michael Sprouffske
Accused in 1986 of abuse in the 1950s of a female relative under age 14. Arrested in 12/2002. Criminal charges dropped in 7/2003 due to CA Supreme Court ruling. Died in 1/2005. At least one claim included in 11/2006 $10M settlement with Order, L.A. archdiocese and 7 people alleging abuse by 5 priests. Archdiocese was to release personnel files as part of 2007 $660M settlement with 508 plaintiffs. Personnel files on 25 priests (including his) was to be released in Fall 2012 after CA Supreme Court rejected appeal by the priests. Included on the Carmeiltes’ list 11/22/2020. Added in 2/2021 to the Joliet diocese’s list, where he was assigned in 2002 to Carmelite Carefree Village. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
- Carmelite Review May 2005
- Carmelite Newsletter April-June 2005
- L.A. Times 11.26.02
- Chicago Tribune 12.04.02
- Chicago Tribune 01.14.03
- Contra Costa Times (AP) 06.20.03
- City News Service 07.03.03
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune 07.03.03
- L.A. Archdiocesan Report 02.17.04
- L.A. Archdiocesan Report Addendum 11.15.05
- The Catholic Key 11.10.06
- L.A. Daily News 10.12.12
- Carmelites List 11.22.20
- Diocese of Joliet List Updated 02.22.21
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
Assignments:
Sources:
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.