Fr. William C. Wert
Assigned in Ontario Canada, Milwaukee WI, Middletown NY, Houston TX, Washington DC, Encino CA, Joliet and Chicago IL. Charged in 2007 in D.C. with the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy. Convicted in 9/2007 of simple assault; sentenced to 180 days in jail and 5 years’ probation. Living at Order’s retirement home in FL when arrested in Venice FL 2/1/2011; accused of sexually abusing another 14-year-old boy between 9/2010 and 1/2011. The boy’s father contacted police after finding improper messages on the boy’s phone. Civil suit filed in 3/2011. Order paid $1.75M to settle in 7/15/2011. Criminal trial held in 2/2013. Convicted 3/1/2013. Sentenced to life in prison 5/2013. Laicized in 3/2015. Included in 2020 on the Los Angeles archdiocese’s list and in 11/22/20 on the Carmelites’ list. Added in 2/2021 to the Joliet diocese’s list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
- Documents from Herald-Tribune related to 2007 Conviction & Arrest
- WTSP 02.02.11
- Herald-Tribune 02.03.11
- Harold-Tribune 02.04.11
- Herald-Tribune 02.04.11
- Herald Tribune 02.06.11
- Washington Examiner 02.06.11
- WWSB 02.07.11
- Herald Tribune 03.03.11
- LA Times 03.15.11
- Chicago Sun Times 03.17.11
- Harold Tribune 03.31.11
- Statement by SNAP 04.05.11
- Herald-Tribune 06.09.11
- Fox 59 07.15.11
- WWSB 07.16.11
- Herald Tribune 03.01.13
- Herald Tribune 05.16.13
- Joliet Patch 05.17.13
- Southtown Star 05.17.13
- SNAP Statement 05.17.13
- SNAP Statement 05.20.13
- Carmelites List 11.22.20
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles List 12.21.21
- Diocese of Joliet List Updated 02.22.21
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
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.