Diocese of Phoenix AZ - BishopAccountability.org

38 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Solomon Bandiho

Ordained: 1994
Status: Arrested

Priest of the Bukoba diocese in Tanzania. Administrator of Holy Cross parish in Mesa AZ 7/14-12/14. Caught in a sting seeking to pay for sex with a 16-year-old girl. Arrested 12/12/14 on suspicion of child prostitution. Also assisted at St. Helen in Glendale. Removed from ministry. Doctoral student at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley CA; AZ assignment was part of work-study.

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Fr. George V. Bredemann

Ordained: 1983
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Attended three seminaries; one said he should never be a priest. Former executive for Boy Scouts. Abused 15 boys before becoming a priest and at least 8 after. Arrested in 1988. Sentenced to a year in jail in 1989 and lifetime probation (after intervention by Bishop O'Brien). Victims were ages 8, 10 and 14. Arrested in Miami trying to flee to Brazil. Sentenced to 45 years. Civil suits filed in 1990 and 1992; settled in 1991 and 1994. Bishop knew of past allegations prior to ordination. Laicized 2003. Died in prison in 4/12.

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Fr. James Bretl

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Died: 10/6/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused in a lawsuit filed in AZ in 2/20 of sexually abusing a girl in the late 1970s or early 1980s while assigned to St. Mark's parish in Phoenix. His accuser also claimed she was abused by Rev. Donald Verhagen. Bretl died 10/6/2010 in Tennessee. Per his obituary, worked in Tanzania, Carson City NV, Phoenix AZ, "various locations in the Midwest," and Smithville TN.

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Fr. Joseph Cervantez Briceno

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 1992 after allegations that he abused a young brother and sister in early 1980s. Fled to Mexico. The bishop of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Jose Ulises Macias Salocedo, appointed Cervantes Briceno deputy priest of the Parroquia de Cristo Rey in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora. Subsequently, Cervantez Briceno moved to the Diocese of Mexicali where he continued in active ministry. The Diocese of Phoenix asked him to return but he refused. Indicted in 2003 in AZ. Disappeared until captured in Mexicali in 12/2005. Waived extradition and was returned to Phoenix in 1/2006. Trial started 10/11/2006. Pleaded guilty 10/16/2006. Sentenced to two years in prison and three years probation, and to register as sex offender. Reportedly released from prison in 2007 and was believed to be living in Phoenix, AZ. Laicized in 2010.

Fr. Patrick J. Colleary

Ordained: 1974
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused in 2002 of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1979. Arrested in 12/02 but released on technicality because incident had been reported to police more than 7 years previously. Fled to Ireland. A woman said he 'seduced' her in the mid-1970s when she was age 17. Accused of abuse of another boy in the 1970s and indicted in 2003. Extradition denied. Civil suit filed and settled.

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Fr. Adrian Cristobal

Ordained: 1989
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

From Diocese of Agana, Guam; former Chancellor under Archbishop Apuron, later found guilty by Vatican of child sexual abuse. Added to the Diocese of Phoenix list 12/23/19, where he had faculties 12/17-4/18. No known allegations in Phoenix. Recalled to home diocese 4/18; defied orders to return to Guam. Location unknown as of 3/20. Sued by four men in Agana alleging abuse as boys 1995-2013. Archdiocese seeking laicization. Cristobal took appeal to the Vatican.

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Fr. Laurence A. Florez

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for Gallup NM diocese. Priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was when established in 1969. Two men, one of them his nephew, claimed abuse over a period of several years by Florez, J. Giandelone, and Henry Perez. Abuse of both boys allegedly occurred while Florez was under treatment at St. Joseph's Center. Civil suit filed 6/30/93. On 5/16/96 the AZ Supreme Court ruled that one plaintiff's case was barred by the statute of limitations. No mention of second plaintiff in ruling. Florez left the priesthood before the suit was filed. He died in 2002. Added to the Gallup diocese's list in 12/18.

Assignments:

Diocese of Gallup List updated 08.02.19

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Fr. Dale J. Fushek

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Vicar General 2000-2004. Named Monsignor 2/02. Civil suit settled 2002. Accused of sexual harassment by a Life Teen staff member. Criminal charges filed 11/05 claiming abuse of five youths 1985-94. Another civil suit filed in 2005 alleged that he gave a youth alcohol and masturbated while the youth was molested by Mark Lehman. This suit settled in 12/06 for $100K. In 2007 Fushek established the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, AZ. Executive Director. Excommunicated by Bishop 12/08 for offering his own non-denominational services. Laicization announced 2/16/10. Pled guilty to one count in 4/10. Sentenced to 364 days probation.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. John Maurice Giandelone

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Arrested in 1984. Confessed that he had molested a youth for several years. Civil suit filed 3/04. Pled guilty in 1985 to attempted sexual misconduct with a minor; sentenced to 1 year in jail on work furlough and 5 years probation. Laicized in 1992. Named in other civil suits in 1993 and 2003. Convicted again in 2003 and sentenced to 1 year, 10 months in prison and 3 years probation for abuse in 1979. Living in Ft. Myers, FL as of 2/10. On national Sex Offender Registry. Reportedly voluntarily left the priesthood.

Fr. Charles Gielow

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 06/29/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Phoenix Diocese announced in 3/14 that the Claretians had recently revealed a credible allegation against Gielow involving sexual abuse of a minor in the late 1970s. Assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott 1960-66. Also spent time at CA State at Los Angeles and East Los Angeles Colleges before becoming Chaplain of Newman Club at Southwest Texas State Univ (San Marcos) 1969-75. Also worked at Cursillo Center, later known as the Mount Claret Retreat Center, 1/76-6/80. Died 06/29/80.

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Fr. Harold P. Graf

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Suspended in 6/02 for sexual misconduct with a child. Diocese reportedly learned of abuse in 1994; another says 1974. On-line petition in support of Graf said the matter occurred 28 years prior and was handled then. Per a 5/03 article, Graf had been assigned to nine parishes and the Newman Center at Northern AZ University prior to his suspension. Permanently barred from ministry by Bishop O'Brien. No criminal or civil charges filed.

Assignments:

Arizona Republic 07.13.02

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Fr. Gavin Griffith

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1965
Status: Indicted

Died: 03/11/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes allegations received in 1987 of the sexual abuse of minors 1979-85. Assigned during those years to the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Died in 2017. Added to Phoenix list, which notes no allegations in the diocese. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, noting he worked in the diocese 1965-66.

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Fr. Joseph John Henn

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1978
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Civil suit filed in 6/03 by one accuser. Indicted by grand jury 7/03 on 13 counts of molestation of 3 boys 1979-81. Found working in Rome and arrested in 7/05. Fought extradition while living under house arrest in Rome. Official extradition ordered 7/06, but Henn fled just prior to announcement, whereabouts unknown. Civil suit settled for $50K in 2006. Expelled from the Salvatorians and removed from the priesthood in 2006. Arrested in Italy 5/28/19 after trying to use his expired U.S. passport to pick up medicine, per his attorney. Italian police said he was arrested after requesting help at an immigrant assistance center using a false name. Extradited to AZ, arraigned 6/14/19 on 13 charges of child sex abuse. Suit filed in 2/20.

Fr. Edward Henriques

Order: OFM
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named in a 2008 civil suit as possible abuser of a 6-year-old girl in Santa Barbara in 1964. Accuser said a Franciscan brother would force her to strip in front of him and he would fondle her repeatedly. Suit also says another Franciscan, possibly Henriques, was also present. Henriques left the priesthood in the 1960s and has since died. On the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/19. It notes allegations received in 1949 and 2005 of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1949 and 1963. Henriques was assigned in 1949 to St. John's in Laveen, AZ. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, noting he had faculties there 1958-60.

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Fr. Jose Hurtado

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Reportedly in 10/06, there was one outstanding civil suit naming Hurtado as an abuser. Hurtado died in 1981.

Sources:

Arizona Republic 10.12.06

Fr. Sung Lam

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

From Cambodia. Accused in 1993 of lewd and lascivious acts, a misdemeanor. Not prosecuted. Left Phoenix in 1994.

Sources:

Arizona Republic 09.10.03
Diocese of Phoenix List 12.23.19

Fr. Karl LeClaire

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 2001. A man filed suit in 8/02 alleging that LeClaire abused him for 7 years beginning when he was age 13. LeClaire was parish priest and principal of parish grade school. LeClaire would take the boy with him on trips and cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean. Indicted in 5/03 and pled guilty in 10/04. Sentenced in 1/05 to a year in ail and three years probation. One claim of abuse in 1993 settled for $40K in 2006. Laicized in 2017.

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Fr. Mark Allen Lehman

Ordained: 1988
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Placed on leave in 1990. Sentenced in 1992 to 10 years in prison without parole for fondling a young girl. Sentenced to life time parole for abuse of three additional girls and one boy. Released from prison in 2002. Diocese provided financial support while in prison and gave him $1000 and other benefits when released. A 1/05 civil suit alleging abuse of a youth in 1985 was settled 12/06 for $100K. Laicized 4/12/06. Listed on AZ sex offender registry. Died in 2018.

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Fr. Joseph Marcel Lessard

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. Two felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors in a plea bargain after Bishop O'Brien wrote to the judge requesting leniency because Lessard was remorseful. Sentence was three years probation and a $100 fine. Continued to work as priest, including time as a hospital chaplain in the Rockford IL diocese. Removed from ministry by hospital and Rockford diocese in 2/01. Removed from ministry by Phoenix diocese 2002. Phoenix diocese settled the civil case in 2006 for $50K. Living in Thailand per 11/06 article. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/18.

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Fr. Mark A. Liening

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Named publicly as accused by the Franciscans' Santa Barbara Province on its list 5/31/2019. It notes an allegation reported in 2007 of the sexual abuse of a minor 1943-1944. Assigned at the time to St. Mary's in Phoenix, AZ. Died in 1985. First assignment in San Diego in 1941. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019. On the Las Cruces diocese's list (misspelled Leining) 6/24/2019, where he worked 1951-1953, 1962-1964, 1979-1985 Included in 8/2021 on the Diocese of Fresno's list, where he was assigned in 1970. Was in Ensenada, Mexico 1968-1969.

Assignments:

Santa Barbara Province Franciscans List 05.31.19

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Fr. Jorge Ortiz Lopez

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 02/25/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

A man filed suit in 1994 alleging that Lopez molested him in the rectory of Sacred Heart in Prescott when he was an altar boy in 1975. Police report at the time indicated that the victim was intoxicated when he entered Lopez's room, and that Lopez admitted full responsibility for the abuse. He promised to pay for victim's counseling but did not. The suit settled in 1996. Also worked in the Oakland and Fresno dioceses. On the Franciscans' Santa Barbara Province's list 5/31/2018. It notes an allegation reported in 1992 of the sexual abuse of a minor 1975-1976. Lopez died in 2004. Noted in the Necrology section of the Official Catholic Directory to have been a Chiapas, Mexico Franciscan. Chiapas is in the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019; noted to have moved in 1997 to Mexico. Included in 8/2021 on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused, where he was assigned 1988-1993.

Assignments:

Santa Barbara Province Franciscans List 05.31.19

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Fr. Saul Madrid

Ordained: 1985
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. Arrived in the U.S. at age 18. Ordained for the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ. A man filed suit in 6/2003 alleging that Madrid drugged and sexually assaulted him in 1987 when he was a minor. The suit says officials of the archdiocese used spiritual arguments and the victim's devout faith to keep him from filing a lawsuit or reporting the abuse when it occurred. Madrid was sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Sprints, NM for treatment in 1988, then reassigned. Resigned in 2002. Civil suit settled in 2005.

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Fr. Michael Minogue

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused of sexual harassment of a young man. Resigned in 2005. First reports said he resigned for health reasons. Later clarified. Reinstated in Jan. 2007. Shown as "retired" per the Diocesan website accessed on 6/4/08.

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Fr. Harry R. Morgan

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1953
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/18/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for the Gallup diocese. Became a priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was created in 1969. Arrested 2/17/75 on charges he abused a 9-year-old boy at Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills AZ. The boy told Morgan that his boy scout leader, Don Davis, sexually abused him; Morgan told the boy to show him what happened. Morgan pled no contest 8/75. Sentenced to 10 years probation 10/75. He was returned reassigned to a parish in Dayton OH, in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Died in 1995. Newly named on Phoenix diocese's list released 10/15/12. Added to Gallup diocese's list 12/10/18.

Assignments:

Diocese of Gallup List 12.10.18

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Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Phoenix bishop 1982-2003. In 6/03, to avoid indictment on a charge of obstructing justice, admitted to covering up child sex abuse by priests, a felony. Arrested days later, charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident. Resigned. Convicted in 2/04, received probation and community service. Accused in 1/16 lawsuit of repeated sexual abuse of a boy when he was a 2nd to 5th grader at St. Aquinas in Litchfield and St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, 1977-1982. Abuse allegedly including oral sex. O'Brien denied the allegations. Diocese notified in 9/16. Died 8/26/18.

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Deacon Maxwell Rollin Pelton

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Worked as deacon 11/1991-10/2000 at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood. Retired in 2000. Arrested 10/09 and charged with molesting a 10-year-old boy for several months. Faculties revoked by bishop. Named in civil suit filed 5/10. Died 11/11/10 before final charges filed.

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Fr. Henry Perez

Ordained: 1973
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Priest of the Diocese of Phoenix 1976-84. Incardinated into the Diocese of Orange in 1989. Placed on leave in 1991 after the diocese learned of allegations in AZ. Sued twice in Phoenix 1993. Accused of taking boys on trips from AZ to CA, giving them drugs and forcing them into orgies with other priests. Appears on both L.A. archdiocese report errata and on Orange report of abusive priests. Two civil suits 2003. Left priesthood to marry. Indicted in Phoenix 2003 for abuse of two in the 1970s-early 1980s. Working in 2002 with children as a "self described Anglican Catholic priest." Died of a heart attack at age 63 in 2003.

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Bishop James S. Rausch

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Former Secretary General of the NCCB. Bishop of the Phoenix diocese from 1977 until his death in 1981. In 11/01 a man gave a deposition in a case involving the Tucson diocese and Msgr. Robert Trupia, in which he stated that he was 17 when he began a sexual relationship with Rausch and over 18 when he was involved with Trupia and William T. Byrne. Trupia attempted to blackmail the diocese in 1992 by saying that he would release info on Bishop Rausch and the young man.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Jude Ruetten

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Given name is Charles. Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in 1963 received in 1993. Ruetten was assigned to St. John's in Komatke, AX 1960-63, the to Pueblo, CO in 1964. He left the order in 1967. Added to the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, where he worked 1956-59.

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Santa Barbara Province Franciscans List 05.31.19

Fr. Marcel Salinas

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 03/26/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

In 1976 Salinas was the Phoenix Diocese director of Cursillos. He was accused in a lawsuit in 2006 of sexually abusing a 9-year-old boy in 1988 at St. Timothy Parish. A lawsuit filed in 12/21 claims that Salinas sexually abused a 10-year-old girl in 1976 at Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa. He died 3/26/97.

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Sources:

Arizona Republic 10.12.06

Fr. Wilputte Alanson Sherwood

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/29/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Arrested in 1984 and 1986 for public indecency. Arrested and convicted in 1993 of sexual contact and attempted sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy in 1987 at St. Benedict's in Chandler. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Wrote in diary of over 1800 male partners, of whom 22 were minors. Released from jail in 11/03 and placed at Arizona State Hospital for evaluation as a sex offender. On lifetime probation. Disappeared in 2005 until 11/08 arrest. On AZ sex offender registry 2/4/12. Died 12/29/17.

Fr. James A. Sinnerud

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Suspended in 11/18 from Creighton Prep in Omaha NE after an allegation of sexual misconduct occurring prior to his time as a teacher there 1987-2008. He remained involved in the school beyond his 2008 retirement. Accused in a lawsuit filed by a man in 9/20 under the AZ Child Victims Act of sexually abusing him as a Brophy Prep student in the 1980s. Sinnerud was a Brophy Prep teacher and coach 1980-87.

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Fr. John D. Spaulding

Order: SC
Ordained: 1971
Status: Indicted

Died: 02/25/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Removed without faculties 6/11 when accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in the mid-1980s at St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale. Review board found allegation credible. County Attorney did not investigate because alleged victim was deceased. A second man filed a complaint 8/11; no prosecution due to SOL. Two more accusers came forward. Father of original victim filed suit 6/12; dismissed. Special Tribunal in Rome 1/14 recommended laicization. In 6/19 a man alleged Spaulding abused him as a boy. Indicted in 1/20 related to accusations he abused two boys under age 15 in 2003-07, while assigned to St. Gabriel's in Phoenix and St. Timothy's in Mesa. Per Spaulding's attorney in 2/20, the priest was too ill to appear in court for his arraignment. Rescheduled for 3/6/20, but Spaulding died 2/25/20.

Assignments:

Diocese of Phoenix Community Notification Statements 10.15.12

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Br. Richard Allen Suttle

Order: CMF
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused 2008 of sexual abuse 1982-83 at Sacred Heart grammar school in Prescott AZ as teacher and coach. Phoenix diocese investigated; referred case to Claretians whose review board found allegation credible, i.e. possible. Suttle denied the allegations. Bourgade Catholic HS in Phoenix 1988-98; Vietnam missionary 2002; principal of Sacred Heart 2006-2008. In residence IHM parish in San Antonio TX Summer 2008. Assigned in 2010 to direct HS in East Nigeria. As of 6/13 in Buenos Aires Argentina with Claretian UN team.

Fr. Kenneth A. Van de Ven

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused of sexual harassment of a young male and placed on leave in 6/05. Congregation initially told he left for health reasons. Later statment clarified situation. In 1/07, Diocese would have reinstated him but he declined.

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Fr. Donald R. Verhagen

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 09/20/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Accused in a 2/11 lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl in the late 1970s or early 1980s while assigned to St. Mark's in Phoenix. His accuser also claimed she was abused by Rev. James Bretl. Verhagen died 9/20/2001.

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Fr. John William Vovko

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/22/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Ordained for the Diocese of Cleveland. Transferred to AZ in about 1986. Mesa High School teacher. Convicted in 1990; sentenced to one year in jail for trying to molest a two-year-old boy. Lifetime probation. Teaching certificate was to have been revoked. Shown as "absent on leave" from Cleveland in the 1988 Catholic Directory. Died in 12/10. Included on the Cleveland diocese's list of credibly accused 6/21/19.

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Br. Douglas Zlatis

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Died: 12/2/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Member of the Edmund Rice, or Irish, Christian Brothers. Entered the order in 1959. Named publicly as accused by the Phoenix diocese on its list 10/29/19. Assigned 2001-08 to St. Matthew's in Phoenix, where he was the school's vice-principal. Previously worked in Chicago IL, Peru, Staten Island NY, Burbank, IL, Honolulu HI, and Seattle WA. Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of sexually abusing a student at Damien Memorial High School in HI. Also accused in a 2016 lawsuit in HI of abusing a Damien Memorial High student in 1982. Died 12/02/09.

Assignments:

Anderson and Associates Assignment Record

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