Diocese of Tucson AZ - BishopAccountability.org

33 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Richard Edmund Butler

Order: OP
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Worked in Tucson at St. Thomas More Newman Center 1968-74. Chaplain-director of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, a Mexican mariachi band of young men between the ages of 13-17, and travelled with them on tour throughout the United States and Mexico. He died in 1988. In 3/03 the diocese reviewed personnel files and announced that Butler and others had been subjects of credible allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

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Diocese of Tucson list of Accused Priests n.d.

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Fr. William T. Byrne

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Accused of molesting a youth in the 1970s. Suit filed in 4/99. At least one other suit filed against Byrne. In 2/02 the Diocese announced it had settled 11 civil suits involving 10 plaintiffs for $14M, some claiming abuse by Byrne.Two sisters filed suit in 8/02 alleging that Byrne abused their brothers during the 1960s and that the brothers then abused the two sisters. At least one of the brothers had participated in the 2/02 settlement. Byrne died in 1991.

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Fr. Patrick J. Callanan

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Included on a 6/02 list of 15 priests with ties to the Tucson diocese who are alleged to have abused minors. Allegation reportedly was received in 6/02. Callanan died in 1975.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests n.d.

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Fr. Carlos B. Cocio

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per a 6/02 statement from the Diocese, Cocio was suspended form ministry in 1993 after allegations of sexual misconduct with an adult. Also in 1993, a parent made an allegation to the Diocese concerning child sexual abuse that had been reported to the sheriff in 1989. Sheriff decided not to prosecute, but a report was given to the Diocese at that time. Still on leave per 2002 Catholic Directory. Accused in a federal lawsuit filed in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo CA of raping a teenage boy repeatedly over several days in 1980. The boy allegedly told his parish priests in Nogales and one of them, Msgr. Walter Rosensweig, laughed at him and later also abused him. In 4/21 Cocio is reportedly deceased.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests

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Fr. Jorge Washington Cordova Hernandez

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

From the Quito, Ecuador diocese Accused in 2005 of abusing two teenage girls during his assignment to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma from 1988 to 1991. Indicted. Fled to Ecuador before he could be arrested. Arrested by police in Spain in 6/07 and was expected to be extradited to the US. Indicted in two counties. Died in 2018.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests

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Deacon Ron DeChant

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Status: Arrested

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

DeChant worked as a deacon at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson from 1981 to 1984. Diocese announced in 2004 that it had learned from police that DeChant had been arrested in 1984 after an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with mino

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Fr. John P. Doran

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per news in 9/02, Doran was accused of abuse in 1963. A church spokesman said the diocese was also aware of another potential allegation from the same time period. Abuse may have actually occurred in Phoenix, which was part of the Tucson diocese at the time. Doran retired in 1990 and died in 1997. Accused in two lawsuits filed 9/2/20 of abusing two boys, who were St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners, in the 1970s. At least one other suit filed.

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Fr. George M. Dyke

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Dyke, who died in 1971, was placed on leave in 1965 and was laicized in 1968 at his own request. Trained at Catholic University in Washington DC 1949-1951. Dean 1953-1960. His name was released in 2003 by the Tucson diocese as having been named in credible accusations of child molestation. No information on victims or time of abuse.

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Assignments Summarized by Diocese of Tucson 03.27.03

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Fr. Robert A. Gluch

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Multiple allegations. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing a boy beginning in 1965 when the boy was age 13. Sued at least twice in 2003 in Arizona. Also sued in California. Died in 1993. At least two claims included in Tucson settlement as part of bankruptcy. Accused in a federal lawsuit in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA of abusing an altar boy in 1978. The boy and his mother told Bishop Green, who moved Gluch to a Brisbee parish. At least 9 known alleged victims in AZ and CA.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests 09.06.08

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Fr. Juan Guillen

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Pled guilty in 2003 to abuse of three boys. Received 10-year sentence & lifetime probation. Seven plaintiffs filed four civil suits by 2004. Some abuse alleged to have occurred in Monterey CA diocese. Some claims included in 2005/2006 settlement in AZ. Trial of one suit filed in CA was set for 6/09. Suit alleged abuse of one youth for years by Guillen and Velez, beginning in 1988 when boy was age eight. Settled 5/09 for $1.2M. Removed from priesthood 2005. Released from prison 10/11 and broke probation. On Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes report to diocese in 2003 of abuse in 1992.

Fr. Charles Knapp

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

In 3/21 a woman joined a lawsuit filed in 12/20 against the Diocese of Tucson, the Archdiocese of L.A. and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA, claiming Knapp sexually abusing her when she was age 5, in the 1970s. She said Knapp was a guest in her family's home, and that the abuse occurred in her bedroom under the guise of play while her parents were preparing dinner. She had come forward to the diocese in 6/19; Knapp was suspended. The Diocesan Review Board reportedly determined that the allegations could not be "reasonably substantiated" and recommended Knapp be returned to public ministry. The woman said Knapp also abused her best friend at the time, under similar circumstances.

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Fr. Fernando L. Manzo

Ordained: 1983
Status: None

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Civil suit filed 1/04 by Manzo's nephew alleging abuse by his uncle for 4 years, beginning when Plaintiff was 8. Some of the abuse is alleged to have occurred at San Felipe De Jesus Parish in Nogales so Diocese is named as a Defendant. Police investiga

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Fr. Francis Miller

Donate Photo

Order: OCD
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Ordained for the Order of Discalced Carmelites in 1949. Apparently worked at St. Margaret Mary parish in the Tucson diocese between 1955 and 1963. He left the diocese in 1963. As of 2005 he was living in a retirement facility run by the Order. A 3/03 article reports credible accusations of child molestation against him. Placed on leave.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests 08.05.11

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Deacon Ray Miranda

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Deacon. Assigned 1982-83 to St. Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista. He and five priests were identified by the diocese in 2003 as child abusers. Miranda was suspended from all ministry in 1983 and was not returned to ministry as a deacon.

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Fr. John A. Oliver

Ordained: 1952
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per news in 2002, in 1967 Oliver was alleged to have picked up a 14-year-old boy who was hitchhiking home. Instead of taking him home, the boy said Oliver drove him to a house, gave him alcohol and molested him. Diocese said Oliver pleaded guilty, but it is unclear what plea involved. Sentenced to 6 or 7 years probation. Sheriff's report from case included a comment suggesting prior cover-ups by the diocese. Retired in 2000; placed on leave 5/02. Supervised accused priest R. Trupia. Deceased prior to 8/11.

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Fr. George Pirrung

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Accused in 2003 of molesting a boy in the mid-1950s. Tucson Diocese then searched archives and found two more allegations dating to 1966. Archives revealed no action on the part of diocese. Faculties removed. Reports referred to police; no action expected due to statute of limitations. All allegations deemed credible. Died in 2016.

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Fr. Thomas Patrick Purcell

Order: SM
Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Professed vows in 1959 as a Marianist, Province of St. Louis. Worked in MO, IL, TX, AZ. Ordained in 1972. Left the Order in 1990. Incardinated in 1990 into the Diocese of Fresno. Faculties revoked 3/15/96. Name appeared in a 6/02 news article listing 15 priests with ties to the Tucson diocese who had been accused of child sexual abuse. Purcell worked in the Tucson diocese 1982-84 as a visiting priest. Convicted in 2003 of abuse of a 13-year-old in 1982-83. Received a 9.5-year sentence. In 8/11, referred to by Tucson as a Diocese of Fresno priest suspended from ministry. Included on the Marianists' 6/24/20 list of accused. On the Stockton diocese's list 11/12/20, where he worked summer 1981 and 1/1-3/1 1982. Included on the Diocese of Fresno's list in 2021.

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Fr. Paul J. Ranft

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1940
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

A woman filed suit 6/04 alleging abuse by Ranft and six other priests while she was a student at Immaculate Heart Academy 1962-1965. Ranft is the main abuser listed in the petition; the other priests are mostly identified only by last names. Ranft, who died in 2001 at age of 86, moved to Tucson from Kentucky in 1953 because of health problems, including severe asthma.

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Arizona Daily Star 06.12.04

Fr. Claudio Riol

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Riol, a native of Peru, was added 12/04 to the Diocese's list of priests with "credible allegations." He worked in the Diocese between 1960 and 1966. Also named in 4/05 civil suit re abuse at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent in Tucson.

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Sr. Rosaria Riter

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Order: OSB
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

In 11/03 the Diocese of Tucson announced credible sexual abuse allegations against Sr. Riter dating back to 1949-1953 when she served on faculty of Sacred heart School. Riter died in 1996. Allegations were reported to police. Complainant was a boy at the time of the abuse but no other specific information as to age.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests from Website n.d.

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Fr. Walter F. Rosensweig

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Former Chancellor. Placed on leave in 1996. In 3/96 a man sued Rosensweig and the Diocese alleging abuse by the priest as a teen on at least two occasions in 1981. Suit settled out of court in 8/97 without an amount disclosed. Retired in 2001. Removed from public ministry in 6/02. Named in a second lawsuit filed in 11/03. Named in a federal lawsuit against the Diocese of Tucson and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as molesting a boy in 1980, after the boy told him he had been raped by Rev. Carlos Cocio.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests from Website n.d.

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Fr. Charles Rourke

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 04/14/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Rourke was suspended from ministry in 1984 for alcohol-related medical reasons. Diocese became aware of allegations of child abuse against him. On leave of absence 1969-1973 and assigned to Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Returned to Tucson diocese 1973-1975 and 1981-1984, with another leave of absence 1975-1981 between those assignments. Died by suicide 4/14/93 while under investigation for alleged abuse of children in Albuquerque. Named in civil suit which settled in 2006 as part of Tucson bankruptcy. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. On Diocese of San Bernardino list 10/9/18. Diocese aware in 1979 of alleged abuse in 1979.

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Fr. Julian Sanz

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Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

From Spain. Arrived in the Tucson diocese in 1980. Incardinated in 1994. Placed on leave in 10/02 after a youth said he had been molested in 8/02. Another victim came forward later to say he was molested at age 11 during confession in 1982. Sanz was arrested in 2/03 on two counts of sexual abuse of a child. Pled no contest. Sentenced in 10/03 to five years in prison. Civil suit filed in 1/04 by the victim in criminal charges. Removed from priesthood in 2010.

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Fr. Clemens M. Schlueter

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville. Moved to Diocese of Tucson in 1961. Name spelled variously as "Schleuter" and "Schlueter, " consistently "Schlueter" after 1965 in the Catholic Directory. Incardinated into the Tucson diocese in 1978. Retired in 1990. Announcement in 6/02 that Schlueter had been suspended from ministry in 1997 after the diocese learned of an allegation of child abuse dating to the 1960s. Died in 9/09.

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Deacon Byron Wayne Schoolcraft

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Per Diocese of Tucson list accessed 8/5/11, Schoolcraft has been suspended from ministry as deacon. He served at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson from 1981-1984. No further information found.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests 8.5.11

Seminarian Phillip G. Speers

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Speers, a former seminary student and teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma, was accused of abusing at least five girls in a second grade class in 1999-2000 and with possession of child pornography. Settlement of $1.8M in 2003 with the girls and their families. Convicted in 2002 and 2003 but decisions reversed by AZ court of appeals. Retried in 8/07 and found guilty. Sentenced to 34 years in prison. Possession of child porn charges dropped.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests n.d.

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Fr. Steven Gerard Stencil

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Vocations director. In 2000 a youth told church officials that Stencil groped him at a pool party in 1999 at age 17. Matter turned over to police. No charges. Church investigation deemed the incident accidental. Same youth complained again in 2002. Placed on leave in 2001 after violating diocesan policy forbidding priests from being in the company of minors overnight. He had taken a trip to Mexico with one parent and several teenage boys. Diocese said he was "removed from priesthood" in 2011.

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Fr. Floyd G. Stromberg

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Named in a 9/02 news article about sexual misconduct with minors. Retired in 3/02; placed on leave in 7/02 after confirming a 1966 allegation that surfaced in 6/02. Named in a 4/05 civil suit as one of several abusers of a girl at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent 1954-68. Also named in a 3/06 suit by a man claiming abuse at the same convent. Stromberg died 12/2007.

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Diocese of Tucson List of Accused Priests n.d.

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Fr. Michael J. Teta

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Transferred to Tucson from the Trenton diocese in 1978. Incardinated into the Tucson diocese in 1982. Abuse alleged to have occurred during his first assignment in Tucson 1978-80. Placed on leave in 1991. Accused of child abuse in several of the 11 lawsuits filed 1999-2002 which were settled by the Tucson diocese in 1/02. Named in another suit filed in 9/04. Laicization announced 8/5/04. Often associated with R. Trupia, another abuser. Diocese paid him $900 per month 1991-2004. Accused in a suit filed in 1/21 of abuse of a minor while assigned to St. Joseph's in Bound Brook 1974-77.

Fr. James Thompson

Donate Photo

Order: CM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Thompson's name appears for the first time in 2/04 news articles reflecting information released by the Diocese on 26 priests with credible accusations of child sexual abuse. Reportedly assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix in 1964-65 when the parish was in the Diocese of Tucson. Died in 1982.

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Fr. Robert C. Trupia

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Served as Judicial Vicar. Accusations date back to seminary. Suspended in 1992. Named in several suits 1994-2002. Claims included in 11 lawsuits which were settled by the Tucson diocese in 1/02. Arrested and charged in 2001. Seven criminal charges dismissed on SOL in 2001. One suit was set for trial in 6/04. Bishop Moreno and other diocese staff did affidavits regarding Trupia's refusal of treatment in 1992 and his blackmail and allegations about another Bishop in the diocese. Laicized in 2004. Living in MD in 2010.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Gary E. Underwood

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Arraigned in 11/06 on eight counts of molesting two boys under the age of 15 in 1983 and 1984 at St. Odilia's Catholic Church, where he was assigned 1982-88. Working as Air Force chaplain in Louisiana when placed on leave by the diocese. Indicted again in 5/07 on charges of abusing another youth in 1985-86. Pleaded guilty in 5/08 to abuse of three. Sentenced in 8/08 to ten years in prison and lifetime probation. In 7/09 probation reduced to three years.

Fr. Richard Zamorano

Ordained: 1993
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson AZ

Priest of the Diocese of El Paso. Moved to Tucson in 2002 to care for his mother. Taught there at Salpointe Catholic High School and helped out in parishes. Also in 2002 Zamorano adopted two boys from Mexico. Reportedly in 2014, Zamorano was removed from ministry by the Tucson diocese in 2012 after he allegedly took a mentally disabled adult parishioner to a motel, gave him alcohol and sexually assaulted him. The District Attorney's office investigated but no charges were filed. A civil suit filed in 6/14 named Zamorano, the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of El Paso. Per the 2017 Catholic Directory, he was still part of El Paso, absent on leave.

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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.