Diocese of Bridgeport CT - BishopAccountability.org

60 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Thomas Kieran Ahearn

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/17/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Arrested in 1/1993. Charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy he picked up while on a skiing vacation. Found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Sentenced to two years probation. His victim filed a civil suit in 1995. Settlement. Personnel file produced to court in 1999. Ahearn died in 12/1997. Accused in a lawsuit in 1/2021 of sexually abusing a St. Mary's in Bethel altar boy, ages 7-10, including raping the boy at age 9 in 1992, on the day of the boy's sister's wedding. Settled in 6/2024.

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Fr. Henry A. Albeke

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Multiple allegations. Placed on leave in 8/2002 after a man reported he had been abused as a minor by Albeke in 1978 at St. Jude's in Monroe. Claims against Albeke (also spelled Albecke) were settled by the Diocese in a massive settlement in 10/2003. The Diocese paid $21M to 40 people with claims of abuse by 16 priests. Laicized in 2007. Per a report commissioned by the Diocese in 2019, Holzberg abused a girl, age 14, in 1976; a boy, age 12 in 1976-1977; a boy, age 16 in 1978.

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Fr. Jose Daniel Alberran

Donate Photo

Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

From the Diocese of Barcelona, Venezuela. Worked in the Bridgeport diocese as a visiting priest at St. Peter's in the summer of 1991. Named publicly as accused by the Bridgeport diocese on its list 3/22/2019. Subject of settlement(s). Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, his victim was a 14-year-old girl.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Stanley F. Banaszek

Order: MM
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accused of sexually assaulting a former altar boy in 1985 at St. Anthony of Padua in Bridgeport, CT. Case was settled with others by the Bridgeport diocese in 10/2003. (Name occasionally spelled Bonaszek or Bonzszek.) Added to the Richmond diocese's list 6/27/2019, where he was assigned 1974-1975. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Bridgeport diocese, there were two victims of abuse occurring 1977-1987, one age 15, both boys. Left the diocese in 1987. Died in 2007.

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Fr. Alfred J. Bietighofer

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 05/16/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

At least four men alleged in 2002 that Bietighofer abused them late 1970s and early 1980s at Blessed Sacrament parish. Sent to St. Luke's for treatment 5/2002; hung himself in his room. Worked in Peru in 1974 and 1986. A diocesan official knew of a complaint against Bietighofer in 1996. Claims against Bietighofer were settled by the Diocese as part of massive settlement in 10/2003; the Diocese paid $21M to 40 people claiming abuse by 16 priests. Another allegation was received in 12/2009. Per a report commissioned by the diocese in 2019, there were 17 victims, ages 12-15, of abuse occurring 1959-1989.

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Fr. Stanley Bonzszek

Donate Photo

Order: MM
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the Bridgeport diocese on its list 3/22/2019. One known allegation. Died in 9/2007. Settlement(s).

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Fr. Laurence F.X. Brett

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 12/25/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accused of abusing over two dozen altar boys and others, ages 10-18, throughout his priesthood, in CT, NM, CA, MD and Mexico. Two known female victims. Sent by the Bridgeport diocese to Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment in 1964, after parents of one victim complained to the papal nuncio and Brett admitted abuse. Bishop Curtis wrote in a memo that "hepatitis was to be feigned" as the reason Brett was leaving. Settlement for $250K in 1994 to two victims molested in Sacramento, CA. Chaplain at Calvert Hall in Baltimore 1972-1974; at least 14 former students alleged abuse. In MD Brett produced widely used Share the Word materials 1974-1993. In 1990 Bishop Egan met Brett, who 'made a good impression'. Egan removed him from ministry in 1993 when suit was filed v Bridgeport diocese. It settled for $750K. Fled to the Caribbean in 1993; reportedly continued contact with children there. People connected to the Church knew his whereabouts and visited him, not telling law enforcement. Located in 2002 by reporters; fled again. Included on Baltimore archdiocese's list 9/25/2002. Laicized in 2006. Named in 2008 civil suit. Settlement in 2008 for $80K. Died 12/25/2010. On Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/2017. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Charles T. Carr

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accused in 1995 of molesting two boys in separate incidents years prior. Placed on leave. Civil litigation filed. Four claims against Carr settled in 3/2001 as part of a settlement of claims by 26 victims against the Bridgeport Diocese and six priests. Per a 2002 article, Carr spent more than 10 years with the Carmelite Order; he took perpetual vows in 1974 but was not allowed ordination because of emotional immaturity. The Bridgeport diocese then allowed him to study and be ordained. Removed from ministry in 2002. Laicized in 2005. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 12 victims, ages 9-15, of abuse 1979-1990, mostly boys, at least one girl.

Fr. Paul Carrier

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Sued 10/17/2014 in federal court in CT by man accusing Carrier of sexually abusing him as a teen 10 years prior at Project Pierre Toussaint School in Haiti. The school was a charity supported by Fairfield University, where Carrier was chaplain. Plaintiff also claimed abuse by Doug Perlitz, a school founder supervised by Carrier, who was convicted in 12/2010 of sexually abusing boys there. In 10/2014 Carrier was residing at Weston Jesuit Center in MA.

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Fr. John J. Castaldo

Ordained: 1987
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Arrested in 6/2001, charged with explicit sexual conversations on internet with undercover police he thought was a 14-year-old boy. Wanted to meet for sex. Spiritual adviser at Trinity H.S. Removed. Admitted charges in court 9/2001. Sentenced 11/2001 to a weekend in jail and 5 years probation. Suit filed 10/2001 claiming abuse in 1991. Suit filed 4/2002; settled 2005. Laicized 2007. Suit filed 1/2009; decided for plaintiff by judge when diocese failed to produce docs. A third suit filed 3/2010; diocese said plaintiff was not abused. Per 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 14 victims, ages 6-14, of abuse occurring 1987-2001. Mostly boys, at least one girl.

Fr. Stanislaus T. Chmura

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Died: 01/13/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Chmura's name was included on the diocese's list 3/22/2019 of clergy on whose behalf settlements were paid related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The allegations against Chmura were deemed not credible. Per a 10/1/2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there was one victim, age 13, abused 1995[sic]-76. Ordained for the Diocese of Richmond, VA. Worked in CT as a visiting priest beginning in 1975. Per his obituary, worked in Korona, FL for 15 years until his death 1/13/2011.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Vincent Paul Cleary

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 03/14/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly in 9/2019 by the diocese as credibly accused of abuse of two minors, more than 50 years prior. Cleary was pastor of Our Lady of Peace in Stratford 1963-1989. He died in 1989. (Not to be mistaken for Bridgeport priest Vincent P. Cleary in the diocese ordained in 1939 and who died in 1965.) Included on the diocese's list updated 1/22/2020. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were two victims, both girls ages 8-10, of abuse 1945-1954.

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Fr. Walter Phillip Coleman

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Diocese knew of complaints in the 1970s; investigated in 1994. Per a 1994 lawsuit, Coleman abused a boy for five years, giving him gifts and money. Allowed to function for several months before "retiring." Went on to work as a priest in the Miami FL archdiocese. Suit resolved for undisclosed sum in 1995. Another suit in 1996. Claims also settled in 2001 and 2003. Faculties removed in 2002. New suit 9/27/2010 claimed abuse of a 10-year-old boy in 1972. Died in 10/2016. Five cases involving four priests, including Coleman, settled in 5/2017. New lawsuits in 9/2018 with claims of abuse by Coleman of two altar boys at St. Patrick's in Bridgeport in the 1970s and 1980s. A third man claimed Coleman abused him as a child at St. Joseph's in Brookfield in the 1980s. Settlement in 3/2019. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 12 victims, all boys ages 6-14, abused 1969-1982.

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Fr. Jean Marie DeGraff

Donate Photo

Order: PSJ
Ordained: 1999
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

From Haiti. Member of the Priestly Society of St. Jacques. Worked in the Bridgeport diocese as an extern priest as late as 2008. Working at St. Mary's parish when the diocese received allegations of potential misconduct with a minor. Diocese reported to the Dept. of Children and Families, which found the allegations not substantiated. Left the diocese. In Calgary Alberta Canada 2010-2011. Arrested in 12/2011 on charges of sexual activity with at least one child. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there was one victim, an 8-year-old girl, abused in 2008.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Stephen J. DeLuca

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Credibly accused of an incident of child abuse, apparently at St. Ann's in Bridgeport in the early 1980s. Removed from ministry in 2014. Announcement was made by Bishop Caggiano in a letter 1/31/2015. Added to diocese's list of credibly accused priests, with an incomplete assignment history. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there was one victim, a 10-year-old boy, abused in 1980.

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Fr. Joseph Michael DeShan

Ordained: 1987
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Reportedly in 4/2002, DeShan had a sexual 'relationship' with a 14- or 15-year-old girl in 1988. The girl became pregnant in 1989. DeShan took a leave of absence after telling Bishop Egan. Egan allowed him to leave the priesthood and to begin a new life as elementary school teacher, with no record of sexual misconduct. Laicized in 1999. Teaching in NJ in 2002 when the allegation was revealed. Temporarily placed on leave for three weeks; allowed to return to teaching. Claim settled in 10/2003. Suspended again from a Cinnaminson NJ public middle school teaching job in early 2019 after parents concerned about his history demanded his removal. A 12-year-old girl, who was his student, complained in 12/2018 that he made her feel uncomfortable when he complimented her eyes. In 4/2019 the state Dept. of Education ordered the district to return DeShan to his job. Per a report commissioned by the diocese in 2019, there was one victim, a 15-year-old girl, abused 1988-1989.

Fr. William D. Donovan

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Resigned in 4/2002 after sentenced to 150 days in state jail for a third DWI conviction. Admitted to a sexual 'relationship' with a young man who might have been a minor. Church deemed the allegations credible. Claims against Donovan settled by the diocese as part of a massive settlement in 10/2003; the diocese paid $21M to 40 people alleging abuse by priests. Per the diocese's list updated 3/22/2019, there were multiple allegations against Donovan. He died in 2018. A report commissioned by the diocese in 2019 states there were eight victims, boys and at least one girl, ages 15-17, abused 1967-1993.

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Fr. John J. Draper

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 06/28/1966
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly by the diocese on its list updated 3/22/2019. Died under mysterious circumstances in 1966 at age 39. Had checked into a hotel under an assumed name. Reportedly was found dead in the bathtub. Had been injured. One known credible allegation, investigated after his death. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, the abuse occurred in 1958.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Francis T. Ennis

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 01/1/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019. It notes allegations received in 2004 of abuse 1965-1967. Ennis died in 1985.

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Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

Fr. Martin J. Federici

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Died: 05/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Placed on leave after a lawsuit filed in 9/1996 alleged that Federici sexually abused a 12-year-old boy in a confessional and rectory in 1981. Two suits filed in 1996 and one in 1999 alleged abuse of 16-year-old, 13-year-old and another teen. One settled in 1999 and others in 2001. Additional claim(s) settled in 2003. Laicization announced in 5/2003. New suit filed in 2010 by a convicted rapist who alleged abuse by Federici 1976-1977. Federici died 5/7/2013. Five cases naming four priests of the diocese, including Federici, settled in 5/2017. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 19 victims, boys and girls ages 8-17, abused 1967-1994.

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Fr. William J. Fletcher

Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 04/14/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Died in 4/1988. In 7/2006 a woman filed suit, alleging Fletcher abused her at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parish in Shelton in the early 1960s, beginning when she was age 7. The Diocese said that there were no other allegations against him. Settlement(s). Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, the abuse occurred in 1964 and involved digital penetration under the girl's dress at school.

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Fr. James A. Gay

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. Settlement. The list notes a single allegation, that Gay left diocesan service in 1984, his faculties were removed in 2006, and administrative leave was reaffirmed in 2019. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, Gay sexually abused a 15-year-old boy in 1976.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. William A. Genuario

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 06/24/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Per documents released in 2009, the Diocese paid two men $20K each in 2004 to settle claims of abuse in the late 1970s-early 1980s. They alleged abuse by Genuario and another priest, Frank Wissel. Money was for therapy for three years. The accusers had recently learned that the priests were still active. Genuario was vicar general of the diocese for nine years. Both priests denied the allegations. Another settlement in 1/2006. Remained a "priest in good standing" in 3/2014. Died in 6/2015. The Diocese acknowledged in 9/2019 that the allegations were credible. Per news in 9/2019, a man told the Diocese in 4/2002 that Genaurio abused him at age 13 in 1967. In 2017 another man alleged abuse as a minor in 1987, deemed credible by the review board. Settlement of $725K announced in 10/2019 with a man claiming abuse at age 11 in 1988 by Genuario. Name included on the diocese's list 1/22/2020. A 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese states there were 6 victims, all boys ages 10-14, abused 1967-1987.

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Fr. James J. Gildea

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 07/5/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

In 1991, a man reported to the Diocese abuse by Gildea 1976-1979, beginning when the man was age 13 and a student at Notre Dame High School. The abuse occurred during trips Gildea took to Wilkes-Barre PA to visit his sick mother. The Diocese settled 7/31/2006. Gildea allegedly used his power as guidance counselor to threaten the boy. Another man went public 8/4/2006 about a $60K settlement the Diocese offered him in 8/2002; he had reported abuse by Gildea 1958-1966, starting when he was age 7 or 8 and continuing into his first two years at Notre Dame High School. The victim's attorney in the 7/31/2006 settlement stated she knew of a third victim. Gildea died 7/5/1986. Five cases involving four priests of diocese, including Gildea, settled in 5/2017. Included on his Order's list 6/12/2019. A 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese states there were 9 victims, all boys ages 14-15, abused 1965-1982. (The report mistakenly says Gildea was removed in 2002.)

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Fr. Stephen J. Gleeson

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Placed on leave in 2/2019, accused of abuse of a 16-year-old in 1977. The diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board deemed the allegation credible. Faculties removed in 8/2019. Added to the diocese's list updated 1/22/2020.

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Fr. Joseph H. Gorecki

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 09/21/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Leave of absence from the Bridgeport diocese 1978 until his death in 1988. Accused of molesting at least two youths over several years. Civil suit filed in 1995. Five plaintiffs were in the suit by 1999. Settled in 3/2001. Other claims settled by diocese as part of massive $20M settlement with 40 people in 10/2003. One man said Gorecki fondled him on several occasions. He told his mom; she complained to a nun at school. Shortly thereafter, Gorecki was "gone." He spent time outside the diocese before he was reassigned to other parishes. Another settlement in 3/2011. Included on the Norwich diocese's list 2/22/2019. (Name spelled "Gorecky".) Worked in the diocese 1964-1966. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, there were 20 victims, all boys ages 7-17, abused 1960-1978.

Fr. Richard J. Grady

Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Died: 06/3/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Retired in 1989. Died in 1993. One of 10 priests named in claims by victims who came forward in 2002. Reportedly accused of molesting a boy in the early 1980s. At least one claim against Grady was settled by the Diocese as part of massive settlement in 10/2003. The Diocese paid $21M to 40 people who claimed abuse by 16 priests, including Grady. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there was one victim, a 10-year-old boy, abused 1972-1973.

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Fr. Sherman W. Gray

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

A man alleged in 12/2002 that he was abused by Gray and Revs. McGoldrick and Morrissey for four years, beginning when he was 15. The three priests immediately resigned from their parishes. The accuser wrote to the Diocese and then met with Bishop Lori. Allegations were given to Review Board, CPS notified. Claim settled by the Diocese as part of a massive $21M settlement in 10/2003 with 40 people claiming abuse by 16 priests, including Gray. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, there was one victim of Gray, a 16-year-old boy, abused 1981-1982.

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Fr. Martin Bryan Hitchcock

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 03/12/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. Multiple allegations. Retired in 1991, died in 2014. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were two victims, both boys, one age 13, abused 1954-1955.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Larry Jensen

Ordained: 1988
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Maronite Rite priest. Accused in a 9/2018 lawsuit of the sex abuse of a youth in the early 2000s at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury. Spiritual director of the diocese's Emmaus retreat program for youth in Danbury. Assigned to St. Anthony's for eight years, then assigned to St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church in Waterville, ME. He was reportedly removed from the priesthood in 2017 after the allegation surfaced and the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, NY deemed it substantiated. Diocese settled for $3.55M with five men claiming abuse as children by three priests, including one who accused Jensen.

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Fr. Joseph F. Kettner

Order: MS
Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 03/6/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Kettner's name was included on the diocese's list 3/22/2019 of clergy on whose behalf settlements were paid related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The allegations against Kettner were deemed not credible. He was accused of sexually abusing two girls, ages 7-8, in 1979 and 1970. He died 3/6/2002.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Stanley N. Koziol

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 02/28/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Removed from his assignment in 4/2002. He had previously admitted "sexual relations" with a minor boy in the early 1960s. Deposition shows that a senior diocesan official was aware of questions about Koziol's behavior for years. Diocese ordered him to have a psych evaluation. Died in 2/2013. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, there were two victims, both 13-year-old boys, abused 1962-1965.

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Fr. Bartholomew Laurello

Ordained: 1946
Status: Settled

Died: 07/18/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. Retired in 1995. Died in 2004. A single allegation was reported after Laurello's death. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, Laurello sexually abused a 13-year-old boy in 1965.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Jose Afonso Lima

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1991
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

From Brazil; naturalized U.S. citizen. Member of Missio, a Brazilian bishops-sponsored community of priests sent to the U.S. to minister to ex-pat Brazilians. Had been working at St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis and other churches in the Fall River diocese since 1998. Placed on leave in 8/2008 after allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor in Bridgeport CT. Fled to Brazil after being notified of investigation by Department of Children and Families, and that the allegation was substantiated. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River diocese's list of accused.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Joseph J. Malloy

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Died: 01/7/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

In 2001 a man accused Malloy of fondling him on one occasion when he was 8 or 9 in 1980. Malloy denied the allegation. Diocese investigation deemed the accusation "not credible" and Malloy was still an active priest as of 2009. Malloy was included in a 2001 global settlement of claims by 26 people against the diocese and 5 priests over the years. Total settlement was about $15M. Died 1/7/2016. In 2019 a 55-year-old man told a news outlet that when he was age 6, Malloy raped him at St. James in Stratford. The man told the diocese a year earlier and said he asked them to pay for his therapy but was only offered $5K. The man also alleged abuse by Revs. Raymond Pcolka and Joseph Murphy.

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Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona

Ordained: 2010
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

From Colombia. In 12/2019 the Diocese announced credible allegations against Marin-Cardona involving a minor. In 9/2019 the child's parents expressed concern to the Diocese. Marin-Cardona was was placed on leave and sent to an "adult facility." Charged in 1/2020 with child sexual abuse. The abuse occurred in 2014 and 2016 while Marin-Cardona was assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Danbury, involving two boys. Marin-Cordona admitted to touching one of the boys on his groin multiple times over four years; his victim said the abuse started when he was age 12. The priest also admitted to touching the buttocks of the other boy. Pleaded not guilty in 2/2020. Allegations substantiated by the DCF. On the Diocese's list 1/22/2020. Pleaded guilty to revised charges. Sentenced in 10/2022 to ten years in jail, suspended after one year, and five years' probation.

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Diocese of Bridgeport List updated 01.22.20

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Fr. George M. Maslar

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 12/21/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accused in a case that settled in 2021 of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in 1971. Maslar's alleged victim said that the two met at prayer meetings at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in Bridgeport, and that the abuse happened twice in Maslar's car. The diocese was informed of the allegation in 11/2017. Maslar died in 12/21.

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Garabedian Law Assignment Record

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Fr. James J. McCormick

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1916
Status: Accused

Died: 01/23/1965
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 3/22/2019. Ministry restricted 1954. Died in 1965. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were two victims, both boys, one age 17, abused in 1953-1954.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19

Fr. Albert W. McGoldrick

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accusation in 2002 that McGoldrick and two other priests abused a boy 1979-1983, starting when the boy was 15. The accuser met with the bishop; all three priests soon resigned from their parish assignments and were placed on leave. Claim(s) settled by diocese in 10/2003 as part of massive $21M settlement with 40 people claiming abuse by 16 priests. No known assignments 1989-1994. Later worked for Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy. Laicized in 2005.

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Fr. Francis D. McKenna

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 10/31/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 3/22/2019. Died in 1989. Multiple allegations received after McKenna's death. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were six victims, all girls ages 7-10, abused 1950-1966.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Seminarian Leonardo Montoya

Donate Photo

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

From Colombia. Third-year seminary student for the Bridgeport Diocese when criminally charged with molesting a 16-year-old girl in 11/2003 while she slept. Pleaded not guilty. Immediately dismissed from seminary. The girl said he groped her during a car ride to her home and then appeared in her room twice during the night and tried to molest her. Jury found him guilty in 1/2005. Sentenced to 1 year in jail, suspended after 90 days served, and 3 years probation. Appeals Court upheld conviction in 8/2008.

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Fr. Joseph P. Moore

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Quietly removed from parish assignment in 1997 after allegations of sexual misconduct. Two parents met with diocese officials in 1995 to complain that Moore had abused their sons. No action for another two years. Name not revealed until 4/2002. Allegations reportedly first surfaced in 1970s. Worked outside the diocese 1983-1997. Was at Franciscan University in Steubenville OH 1986-1989. Settlements in 2001, 2003 and 2004. Laicized in 2004. Per diocesan report in 2019, Moore abused teens on camping and ski trips in the 1970s. One man alleging abuse said Moore threatened to kill him. Moore was sent to alcohol rehab then transferred to another parish. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 5 victims, all males ages 8-18, abused 1972-1979.

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Fr. Robert P. Morrissey

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Died: 10/2/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

In 12/2002 a man alleged that he had been abused separately by Morrissey and two other priests 1979-1983 when he was ages 15-19. All three priests were placed on leave. In 2003, allegations surfaced that $500K was missing from an authorized brokerage account at Morrissey's last church. Claims were included in a massive $21M settlement in 10/2003 with 40 people alleging abuse by 16 priests. Died 10/2/2014 in Jupiter FL, where he had been living. Five cases involving four priests, including Morrissey, were settled in 520/17. Accused in a 9/2018 suit of abuse of a boy at St. Mary's in Ridgefield in the 1990s. Settlement in 3/2019. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were three victims, all boys ages 12-17, abused 1981-1998.

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Fr. Joseph N. Murphy

Ordained: 1936
Status: Accused

Died: 11/22/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Accused publicly in 9/2019 of sexually abusing a boy decades prior. His accuser, who also alleged abuse by Revs. Joseph Malloy and Raymond Pcolka, said, "I think it was only once or twice." Murphy died in 1988.

Sources:

Connecticut Post 09.29.19

Fr. William R. Nagle

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 02/10/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. It notes one allegation of abuse, reported after Nagle's death. Died in 1979. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, Nagle's victim was a 13-year-old boy, abused 1973-1976. (Not to be confused with Msgr. William A. Nagle.)

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Fr. Gavin O’Connor

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Two brothers filed separate suits alleging abuse by O'Connor. One settled in 1989, the other in 1998 for $200K. Bishop Egan suspended O'Connor in 1/1989 and persuaded him to leave the priesthood. Egan personally took the laicization petition to Rome. O'Connor was removed from ministry and laicized the same year. Egan reportedly paid O'Connor around $17K - $20K to cover personal debts and living expenses when he left the priesthood. A 2019 report commissioned by the diocese states that, during 1977-1985, Gavin abused five boys ages 13-19, four of them brothers. Name included on the Belleville diocese's list 9/20/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Raymond Pcolka

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 11/22/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

A woman told the Diocese in 1989 that Pcolka had abused her son. Pcolka was sent for treatment in 1989; allowed to return to ministry. Doctors were not told that a girl previously reported abuse by the priest in 1983. Named in several 1993 suits claiming abuse of 16 boys and girls. Suspended, sent for evaluation in 1993. Pcolka walked out of a psychiatric treatment center. A woman settled 2001. Many claims settled in a 10/2003 $21M settlement. Laicized in 2004. Died in 11/2009. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese, there were 28 victims of Pcolka, boys and girls, ages 5-14, abused 1965-1990.

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Fr. Edmund P. Power

Donate Photo

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 10/23/1976
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Former chaplain and teacher at Fairfield College Preparatory School 1962-1965 and 1968-1976. Died in 1976 at age 40. In 2/2003, allegations of abuse were received by the school. Included on the Jesuits Northeast Province list of credibly accused 1/15/2019. It notes allegations received in 2003 and 2011 of abuse of minors 1972-1976 and 1969-1971.

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Fr. James F.X. Pratt

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Placed on leave in 2003 from his position at Vanderbilt University in TN after an allegation that he abused a Fairfield Prep in CT high school senior while on faculty there as a seminarian in the early 1980s. Worked 2005-2012 at the Jesuit Historical Institute in Rome. Included on the Jesuits Northeast Province list of credibly accused 1/15/2019. It notes allegations received in 2003 of abuse of minors in the 1980s. Last known to have been living at Loyola House in Boston, MA. Pratt died 9/5/2019. Included on the Diocese of Nashville's list in 11/2018.

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Fr. Boleslaus J. Rarus

Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 03/8/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

"Fr. Bill." Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. Retired in 1987. Died in 2005. Multiple allegations. Per a report 2019 report commissioned by the diocese there were three victims, all boys ages 11-14, abused in 1959.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19

Fr. Martin P. Ryan

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. In 2002 a woman claimed Ryan sexually abused her when she was a teenager in the 1970s. She said she told the Diocese about it but they didn't suspend him because he had an unblemished record and had not abused boys. She said there were at least two other victims. Her claim settled in 10/2003 as part of $21M settlement with 40 people. Ryan was the only active priest named in the settlement. Remained active until 5/2011 when removed for sexual harassment of an adult female. Later worked as administrator of a new parish before becoming pastor in 1/2014. In 3/2019 was pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Stratford.

Fr. John R. Sansonetti

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Name included on the diocese's list 3/22/2019 of clergy on whose behalf settlements were paid related to allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. The allegations against Sansonetti were not determined to be credible. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, Sansonetti was accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1976-1977. He went on leave in 1984 and requested laicization in 1987.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Deacon Matthew J. Skurat

Status: Settled

Died: 09/4/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Permanent deacon. Name included on the diocese's list 3/22/19 of clergy on whose behalf settlements were paid related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The allegations against Skurat were not determined to be credible. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, Skurat was accused of abuse of a boy, age 10, 1983-1991. In 2003 Skurat resigned and his faculties were removed. He was reinstated in 2004. Died 9/4/2013.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Gregory M. Smith

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2002. Accused of becoming sexually involved with two teenage girls in the late 1960s-early 1970s. One girl told Bishop Genuario in 1969. The other filed repeated complaints with church officials over many years but nothing was done. She filed suit in 1997; dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Bishop Lori explained that he kept Smith working because the allegations involved "people who were very near attaining the age of majority... ." Per the diocese's list updated 3/22/2019, Smith had a single allegation against him.

Fr. Paul M. Spodnick

Ordained: 1927
Status: Accused

Died: 12/10/1976
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Name also spelled 'Spodnik.' Retired in 1968. Died in 1976. Multiple allegations. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/22/2019. A 2019 report commissioned by the diocese shows one victim, a girl, age unknown, abused in 1958.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19

Fr. John J. Stronkowski

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Placed on leave in 5/2014. Per Bishop Caggiano in a letter to parishioners, leave was for "persistent absenteeism.....growing difficulties with both the staff and lay leaders and other personal and administrative shortcomings." In 6/2016 Stronkowski's name was on the diocese's list of credibly accused, noting an incident of abuse of a minor in the 1990s. Faculties removed. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese there was one victim, an 11-year-old boy, abused in 1999.

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Fr. Charles W. Stubbs

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Stubbs was removed from his parish in 1997 because of sexual misconduct allegations. Three other men came forward after Stubbs was suspended in 1997. Still on leave per the 2002 Catholic Directory. Reportedly there were also "questions of financial impropriety." Claims settled as part of a $21M settlement in 10/2003. Laicized in 2004. Suit by plaintiffs alleging abuse in the 1970s was filed in 3/2011. A 2019 report commissioned by the diocese shows there were 18 victims, all boys ages 9-17, abused 1964-1993.

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Fr. Robert J. Valentine

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Name included on the diocese's list 3/22/2019 of clergy on whose behalf settlements were paid related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The allegations against Valentine were not determined to be credible. He was accused of the sexual abuse of a girl, age 17, in 1984. Absent without leave in 1999, faculties withdrawn in 2001.

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Holzberg Report 10.01.19

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Fr. Vincent J. Veich

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Placed on leave in 4/2002 after a woman alleged he had abused her as a minor. He admitted sexual misconduct with the then 17-year-old girl in the late 1970s. Claim(s) against Veich were settled by the diocese as part of a massive $21M settlement in 10/2003 involving 40 plaintiffs and 16 priests.

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Fr. Francis C. Wissel

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Died: 06/19/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Monsignor. Per documents released in 2009, the diocese paid two men $20K each in 2004 to settle claims of abuse in the late 1970s-early 1980s. The men claimed they were abused by Wissel and former Vicar General Genuario. The money was for therapy for three years and settlements referred to "disputed claims." Accusers had recently learned that the priests were still active. Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Greenwich and founder of a home for underprivileged boys in Bridgeport. Both priests denied the allegations. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were allegations that Wissel abused three boys, ages 12 and 13, in 1979, 1982 and 1985. The diocese did not determine the allegations to be credible. Wissel died 6/19/2014.

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