Br. Paul West
On 7/29/2018 the Jackson diocese announced a credible allegation that West had sexually abused a minor while working at St. Francis of Assisi in Greenwood, where he was teacher and principal 6/1993-11/98. On diocese’s list 3/19/2019. Abuse reported in 1998 and 2018. Accused of abuse of two brothers and their cousins starting when they were ages 9 and 10 and St. Francis students in the mid- to late 1990s. The abuse reportedly included rapes and beatings. One of the three also alleged abuse by Bro. Donald Lucas, OFM. One boy told church and police in 1998; West was sent for a psych evaluation. He taught 4th and 5th grades at St. John’s in Little Chute, WI 1999-2010. Left the Order in 2002. The Franciscans settled with two accusers for $15K. The alleged victims filed a federal suit in 11/2019 claiming the Order pressured them into a small settlement requiring their silence. Indicted in 8/2020 in MS. Pleaded not guilty. Charged also in WI. Suit in 6/2021 claims racial discrimination. Convicted 4/13/2022. Sentenced to 30 years on one count and an additional 15 years on a second count.
- Diocese of Jackson Statement 07.29.18
- AP via Clarion Ledger 08.01.18
- Diocese of Jackson List 03.19.19
- Associated Press 08.27.19
- Associated Press 08.27.19
- Assumption of BVM Franciscans Statement 08.28.19
- Black Entertainment Tonight 08.28.19
- WLUK 08.28.19
- Green Bay Press Gazette 08.29.19
- Associated Press 08.29.19
- Clarion Ledger 10.04.19
- Clarion Ledger 10.11.19
- Post Standard 11.22.19
- The Clarion Ledger 02.24.20
- Associated Press 02.26.20
- Associated Press via WJTV 11.23.20
- Associated Press 02.07.21
- WDJT 06.08.21
- Associated Press 04.13.22
- WTOK 04.14.22
- Diocese of Jackson Statement 04.14.22
- SNAP 04.15.22
- Charlotte Observer 04.15.22
- Scott County Times 04.15.22
- Associated Press 05.12.22
- Associated Press 08.02.23
- Added article, edited notes 8/28/23 SN
Sources:
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