Fr. Gary P. Wolken

Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis MO

Convicted in 2002 of abuse of a boy over a three-year period beginning when the boy was age five in about 1997. Sentenced to 15 years in prison. Tried for early release in 2006. Had abused another boy 25 years prior; not prosecuted. Sent for therapy. Civil suit filed in 4/2004, settled for $1.675M. Laicized in 2007. Released from prison after 12 years, in 2/2015. On the Archdiocese’s list 7/26/2019. Settlement of $1M in 6/2023 with a man who filed suit in 2018, alleging abuse, including rape, by Wolken beginning when he was a 4th-grader and continuing through 1995.


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.