Fr. Thomas H. Teczar

Worked a summer job in the 1960s, prior to ordination, at Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester, MA. Fired after multiple allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior with boys. Ordained in 1967. Accused in the 1970s of abusing boys at St. Mary’s Parish in Uxbridge. Sent to the House of Affirmation for treatment late 1973-1975 then returned to parish ministry. Continued to abuse. Removed from parishes in the Worcester diocese in 1984 after demands by the parents of a 15-year-old victim.  Removed from the diocese in 1986 for sexually abusing boys. Was a visiting priest 1988-1993 in the Fort Worth, TX diocese whose bishop, Joseph Delaney, knew of Teczar’s history and acknowledged the risk in hiring him. His sexual abuse of boys continued. Teczar was convicted in 2007 of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old TX boy in 1990. That conviction was overturned in 2007, but a retrial in 2009 resulted again in conviction. Sentenced to 50 years in prison. His victim testified that Teczar had shown him pornography and plied him with alcohol and marijuana. Subject of multiple lawsuits: In 10/2002 a MA jury found for a plaintiff who had filed a suit in 1996; no damages awarded. Civil suits by five plaintiffs in Fort Worth and Amarillo settled in 2005 and 2007. Another claim settled in 2/2008. Laicization announced 9/9/2011. Teczar sought early parole for medical reasons in 6/2013; denied after public outcry to the parole board. Died in prison in 3/2015.