Diocese of Birmingham AL

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

7 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Frances Mary (David) Stone

Order: MFVA
Ordained: 1998
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Arrested 10/09/2013, charged with the sexual abuse of a minor. Per the Archdiocese, Stone is no longer with the MFVA order and "they are following canonical procedures in the case." The alleged victim is Stone's son born in 2008. The boy's mother is a former EWTN co-worker; Stone is a former EWTN TV show host. Stone and the boy's mother were in a custodial dispute. The mother said the boy told her Stone put his finger in son's anus, causing him to defecate on a bed. Stone denied the allegation. Trial in 5/2016. Found not guilty. Granted custody of his son in 1/1208.

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Fr. Charles Joseph Bordenca

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 06/28/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

"Fr. Joe." Accused of molesting a 12-year-old boy in the 1960s. Retired in 1991 but continued to work part time in the Mobile archdiocese. Removed by Bishop Foley in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops' Conference. Also accused of inappropriately touching several men during counseling situations. Other minor victims known. Bordenca died 6/28/2017. Included on the Diocese's list 12/14/2018, which notes that he was removed from ministry in 1989.

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Fr. Kevin Cooke

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Removed in 2002 due to an allegation of inappropriate contact with girl, age 14, occurring more than 25 years previously. Cooke was a seminarian during the time in question. Faculties withdrawn in 2003. Included on the diocese's list 12/14/2018.

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Fr. Charles V. Cross

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 04/24/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Not allowed parish ministry after 1985 due to an allegation that he of sexually assaulted a "transient" man. Sent to Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment. Worked after 1985 overseeing maintenance at diocesan headquarters, on the Tribunal, and as a diocesan spokesperson. In 1993 a man reported to the Diocese that Cross sexually abused him as a boy during 1960-1964. The man filed a lawsuit in 1995, which was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Cross allegedly molested at least four teenage boys in the early 1960s. Resided 1986-2002 at Blessed Sacrament Parish. Removed from ministry in 5/2002. Forced to retire in 6/2002 without privileges. Died 4/24/2010. Included on the diocese's list 12/14/2018.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Br. Grant-Michael Fitzgerald

Order: SDS
Status: Accused

Died: 11/10/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Professed vows for the Salvatorians in 1969. Worked in WI, Germany, WDC, PA, AL. Died of AIDS in 1986, at age 39. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Birmingham in 1/2025, which notes that Fitzgerald was removed from ministry in 1984.

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Fr. Robert Sullivan

Ordained: 1993
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Vicar general, administrator of Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood, former president of John Carroll High School. Went on 'personal leave' 8/4/2025 pending the investigation of an allegation that he was sexually involved with a young woman for years, beginning when she was age 17 in 2009. His alleged victim said that she met Sullivan when she was a dancer at a strip club that he frequented. She said she was raised in foster care, worked at the club to make ends meet, and that Sullivan told her he was a doctor and offered her financial support in exchange for the 'relationship.' He allegedly also offered her money to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The case was referred to the Vatican and to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

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Fr. John J. Ventura

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 06/3/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

"Jack." Ordained in 1968 for Diocese of Paterson NJ. Incardinated 1974 into the Diocese of Birmingham. Removed in 1985 due to allegations. Included on the Birmingham diocese's 12/14/2018 list of credibly accused. Ventura died in 6/2023.

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