Fr. Joseph Stephen Thomas

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 08/24/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

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. 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 still investigating as of 9/2005. Included on the Archdiocese’s 9/15/08 list. Died in 8/2011. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes at least three “reported survivors.”


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