Fr. Joseph Stephen Thomas

Retired in 1997. Removed from public ministry in 10/2002 after allegations against him of sexual misconduct with a pre-teen boy more than 15 years prior, while assigned to St. Margaret Mary Parish in Rogers Park. The Review Board found reasonable cause to sustain the allegations; Cardinal George placed Thomas in a “monitored and restricted” setting where he would not be alone with minors. Review Board was still investigating as of 9/2005. Included on the Archdiocese’s 9/15/2008 list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Died in 8/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes at least three “reported survivors.”
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.