Fr. Eric Swearingen
Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish when sued in 2002; briefly placed on leave. Accused of abusing a teenage altar boy at Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Bakersfield 1989-93. Diocese deemed allegation not credible. Allowed to return to ministry after DA’s office did not pursue criminal charges 11/02; said no evidence and no witnesses. Mistrial in civil case 12/20/06 due to split decision: jury ruled Swearingen did likely abuse the boy, but that diocese did not have prior knowledge. The suit required both claims to be true. Case went to binding arbitration 5/07 to settle the suit. Named rector of diocesan high school in 12/07. In 6/14, named pastor of the Catholic Church of Visalia, also called Good Shepherd. Placed on leave 6/5/19 due to new information from the 2006 civil case. Reportedly ill with brain cancer. Died 1/18/20, age 58. Included in 8/21 on the diocese’s list of credibly accused.
- Fresno Bee 10.04.02
- Fresno Bee 11.13.02
- Fresno Bee 12.17.03
- Fresno Bee 11.29.06
- St Luis Obispo Tribune (AP) 11.30.06
- ABC 30 12.04.06
- Fresno Bee 12.05.06
- Fresno Bee 12.06.06
- ABC 30 12.06.06
- Fresno Bee 12.07.06
- Fresno Bee 12.08.06
- Fresno Bee 12.12.06
- Fresno Bee 12.21.06
- Fresno Bee 12.21.06
- Fresno Bee 01.15.07
- Fresno Bee 05.05.07
- California Catholic Daily 12.27.07
- Mercury News 12.28.07
- SNAP Statement 11.12.08
- Injury Board 03.19.09
- NPR 03.31.10
- SNAP Statement 12.10.10
- Visalia Times-Delta 07.10.14
- SNAP Statement 07.11.14
- Visalia Times-Delta 07.18.14
- Visalia Times-Delta 07.18.14
- Visalia Times-Delta 05.08.19
- Visalia Times-Delta 05.22.19
- KGET TV 06.10.19
- Sun Gazette 06.19.19
- Visalia Times Delta via Legacy 01.22.20
- Visalia Times-Delta 01.22.20
- Visalia Times-Delta 08.11.21
- The Sun-Gazette 08.11.21
- Diocese of Fresno List accessed 01.17.22
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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.