Fr. Donal D. Ward
Placed on leave 5/02 after being identified as active priest with past accusations of abuse of minor. In 9/02 Attorney General referred to one priest who “groomed” a young man until he was 17 (legal age), then began a sexual relationship with him. On 9/26/02 Ward admitted in statement to a consensual sexual liaison with a young adult male. He resigned from parish but denied grooming, saying instead that the youth had been sexually active for several years before he began the relationship. Resigned and faculties revoked 10/4/02. Died 2/20/18. On the diocese’s list of credibly accused 8/22/19.
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