Fr. Alfred Willis

There were complaints from parishioners to Bishop Marshall in 1978 that Willis molested their sons. He was then transferred twice, and accused during both assignments. In 1980 he was placed on leave and sent to the Paracletes in NM for treatment. Tried to have his suspension lifted to transfer to Seattle – denied in 2/1982 and in 7/1983. Admission to the Diocese of Brooklyn was also denied. He was laicized in 1985. A lawsuit was filed in 2003, claiming abuse in the 1970s. One suit settled in 2004 for $170K. At least two suits were pending 4/2006. A new suit was filed in 3/2007. Willis previously settled with this plaintiff. A mistrial was declared in 6/2007. A new trial began 11/26/2007. Another case settled in 2/2008 for $170K. Willis appealed to the VT Supreme Court. A new trial was ordered in 10/2009. A new suit was filed in Fall 2010. One case settled in 1/2013. Willis is last believed to be living in VA. Another suit was filed in 12/2018 and settled the same month. Another was filed in 8/2019. Included on the Diocese’s 8/22/2019 list of credibly accused.