Diocese of Joliet IL - BishopAccountability.org

44 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. John F. Barrett

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Placed on leave in 5/02 due to old accusations that he molested an 8th grade boy in Catholic school in 1968. Original claim was made in 1991 but the alleged victim said the diocese cancelled meeting with him at the last minute when he wanted to bring either his wife or attorney with him. The accuser let the matter drop until 2002 when investigator for the diocese contacted him. Barrett was cleared by diocesan investigation 6/10/02 and returned to ministry. Diocese said claims could not be substantiated and victim was not cooperating. Barrett died 7/16/14.

Assignments:

Chicago Daily Herald 05.07.02

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Fr. Richard L. Bennett

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Diocese learned of abuse allegation in 2004. Bennett was said to have abused a youth once in 1976 after learning of abuse by another priest. Review board deemed the allegation unfounded. Bennett was still active as of 4/06, under supervision. A civil suit filed by plaintiff in 5/06 was dismissed by the court in 10/06. All supervision of Bennett was removed in 5/07. Bennett's name was included in 5/22 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that he left ministry in 2009 and was laicized in 2022.

Assignments:

Herald News 04.28.06

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Fr. Andrew L. Buczyna

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Died: 11/29/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 2008. Name first appeared on Joliet diocesan list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/13. Pastor of St John Vianney in Lockport 6/97-2009. Per 12/18 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Buczyna died in 2021.

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Fr. James R. Burnett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2/06. Denied. Removed. Not on diocese's 4/06 list of accused. Suit filed in 5/06 claiming abuse 1978-82 when plaintiff was ages 8-12. Diocese found first allegations "not credible" but couldn't resolve credibility of second set. Second suit filed in 2007. First suit dismissed on SOL in 9/07. Diocese reopened investigation in 2010. Remained on leave. Added to Joliet list 3/13. Third case settled in 3/13 for $600K and release of personnel files of several priests. Told all three plaintiffs that charges substantiated. Personnel files released 4/30/14. Per 12/18 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Died in 2019.

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Fr. Thomas A. Corbino

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 8/11 the diocese learned of allegations of possible inappropriate behavior with a minor at two parishes 1987-2008. After months of investigation, the Review Board found actions did not rise to the level of sexual abuse of a minor but were inappropriate. He resigned from St. Pius X and was sent to treatment. Soon began work as volunteer chaplain at Central DuPage Hospital "under restrictions." Removed by Hospital 4/13 after it learned of past allegations.

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Fr. Phillip J. Dedera

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from hospital chaplain ministry 2002 after credible allegation that he abused a teenager in 1974. Sued in 2006 by a person alleging abuse over 100 times at St. Pius X parish in Lombard 1975-76. Claim settled. Name on Joliet diocese list in 2006. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Named in a 2015 suit as having ignored an 11-year-old boy's screams while another priest, Henry Slade, assaulted him after the boy refused a sex act. Plaintiff said Dedera then offered him marijuana to "help him forget it." Permanently removed from ministry, per diocese's list updated 12/6/18.

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Fr. Arno Dennerlein

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 2/03 two brothers told Joliet police that Dennerlein had sexually abused them when they were boys in the early 1970s. Dennerlein denied the charges. Removed. In 10/03 Dennerlein challenged the credibility of his accusers but did refer to "a single, momentary incident" involving one of the boys. In 10/03 the diocesan review board deemed the abuse allegations credible. Suit filed in 10/03 by another set of brothers alleging abuse in the 1960s. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Canonical process pending in 4/14. Per the diocese's list updated in 12/18, case process was still pending and his status was "on leave." On the diocese's list of credibly accused in 2/21, his status was "permanently removed from ministry in 2003." Dennerlein died in 2021.

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Fr. Paul F. Dinan

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Died: 12/6/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked for many years in Kankakee, Joliet and Paxton. Retired in 1980. Died 12/6/96. Name included on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations as revised 3/12/13. The allegations were received after his death were thus shown as "unresolved" on the list.

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Fr. Richard Dochstader

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Ontario, Canada. Ordained for the Missionaries of St. Charles (Scalabrinians) and worked in British Columbia. Arrived in Joliet in 1983 where he was incardinated in 1987. Assigned to parishes in Melrose Park, Frankfort, Bradley, Lockport, Naperville, Glen Ellyn Died in 2003. Added to the diocese's list of credibly accused 5/28/19.

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Fr. William Dugal, III

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 04/4/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Spent many years in a wheelchair. Chaplain at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison 1984-96. Because of his health, went to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. Retired in 2000, privileges removed. Died in 2009. Name first appeared on diocese's list of priests with credible allegations 3/12/13.

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Fr. Lowell E. Fischer

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 06/19/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Trappists. Incardinated into the Diocese of Joliet. Moved to Hawaii in 1975 for an "18 year leave of absence." Worked as a hospital chaplain for a year. Became a parish priest in 1977. One person filed suit in 1994 in Hawaii alleging abuse by Fischer in 1992. Settled out of court. Returned to Joliet diocese in 1993 on a restricted basis. Removed from ministry in 2002. Died in 6/06 in Illinois. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in a new civil suit filed against the Joliet diocese 04/30/14 .

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Fr. Alejandro Flores

Ordained: 2009
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Bolivia. Ordained for Joliet in 6/09. Removed 1/4/10 from First Family after a couple accused him of abusing their 13-year-old son for 5 years while a seminarian. Flores attempted suicide 1/6/10 by leaping from the balcony of an abandoned church. Sustained serious head injuries. Released 1/20/10 and arrested. Charged 4/10 with attempted abuse of the first victim's brother. Pleaded guilty in 9/10 to the first allegations. Sentenced to four years in prison. Paroled in 6/13. Arrested by Immigration and deported to Bolivia 8/6/13. Out-of-court civil settlement in 2012. Per the diocese's list in 12/18, Flores was permanently removed from ministry. Laicized in 2020.

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Fr. Salvatore Formusa

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 12/23/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as accused on the Joliet diocese's list 4/10/06. Retired in 1985. Removed from ministry without privileges in 2002. Died in 2006. Diocese agreed to release his personnel files in 3/13 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Included in 10/22 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. James M. Frederick

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 08/6/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Included on the Joliet diocese's 4/10/06 list of priests with substantiated allegations. Died in 1988. Per 2013 articles and personnel files, Frederick was dean of students at the former St. Charles Borromeo [minor] seminary in Romeoville in the mid-1960s. Several students complained to the seminary rector in 1967; Bishop removed Frederick. He later was assigned as CFO for the Diocese. The Diocese agreed to release Frederick's personnel files in 3/13 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14.

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Fr. Michael L. Gibbney

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 09/13/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 1992. Sued in 10/02. Accused of abuse of boy at Mary Queen of Heaven parish in Elmhurst and at St. Francis of Assisi in Bolingbrook. Suit dismissed in 2004 on statute of limitations. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 4/06. Another suit filed in early 2006; dismissed 11/06 on statute of limitations with option to refile amended complaint. Named in new suit filed 5/15/13. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Named as 1 of 5 priests in $4.137 million settlement in 4/15. Laicized in 2011. Died in 2020.

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Fr. Lawrence M. Gibbs

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Multiple accusers. Accused of abuse in 1979. Transferred. Accused of abuse of 11-year-old boy for six years. Two civil suits filed in 1993, one dismissed, one settled in 1998. Termed Joliet diocese's most notorious abuser. Accused of abuse in Lombard, Lockport and Glen Ellyn. Removed from ministry in 1992. No criminal charges filed. Left priesthood in the 1990s and later married. Removed from position as a counselor in St. Louis in 2002 pending investigation. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in new suits filed by a man in 6/12 and by another man in 6/13. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/13 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Named in a $4.137 million settlement involving five priests in 4/15. Laicized in 2022.

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Fr. Carroll Howlin

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 05/5/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in a suit filed in 8/02 of abusing a boy in 1975 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and on trips to KY. Howlin, who had worked as a mission priest in KY since 1977, was quickly removed. Another man alleging abuse as a boy by Howlin said he reported the incident to Bishop Imesch in 1993. The man's attorney said Imesch sent Howlin for therapy or a psych evaluation without telling the Lexington diocese about it, then allowed him to return to ministry. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Permanently removed after a 2010 canonical trial. Living unsupervised in KY. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/13 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Died 5/05/15. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/20. It notes two known victims from Whitley City KY in the 1990s. Multiple allegations of abuse starting in 1972.

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Fr. Richard E. Jacklin

Ordained: 1984
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Goodrich. Arrested 10/31/17, charged with sexual assault of a 39-year-old paralyzed man with an intellectual disability who resided at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee. A nurse reportedly walked in on Jacklin as he was performing a sex act on the resident. Lawsuit filed by the IL Office of State Guardian in 10/19. Criminal trial set for 4/11/22.

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Fr. Mark Jendrysik

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 12/8/18. It notes he was permanently removed from ministry in 2018. Admitted to "having sexual contact" with a teen girl over 35 years prior, when he was a seminarian. Laicized in 2021.

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Fr. Harold Jochem

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1930
Status: Sued

Died: 12/3/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

A man filed a civil suit in 6/04 alleging abuse 1974-78 by Jochem and another Fanciscan friar, Jeffrey Salwach, at St. Jude's in New Lenox. Per the suit, the two priests forced the boy to engage in group sex, smoke marijuana and drink alcohol. Jochem died in 1993.

Sources:

Daily Southtown 06.17.04

Fr. Frederick A. Lenczycki

Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed in 2002. Convicted in 2004 for abuse of three boys. Sentenced to five years prison. Also worked in MO and CA. Admitted to abusing up to 30 boys over 25 years. Deemed too dangerous to release. Released 9/09 on parole. On IL sex offender registry. Included in 4/06 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. New lawsuit 5/13. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Named in at least one new suit 4/30/14. Named as 1 of 5 priests in $4.137M suit settled 4/15. Laicized in 2016. New charge in 2/19 of assault of a boy in the early 1990s in St. Louis. Living in Berkeley, IL. Pleaded guilty in 5/19 to abusing two boys in MO in the early 1990s. On St. Louis archdiocese's list 7/26/19. Sentenced in 8/19 to 10 years in prison.

Assignments:

Assignment Record from Transcript of Plea Agreement Hearing, Bates 649-650, 01.12.04

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Fr. John D. Malzone

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 02/26/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Left ministry in 1970. Died in 2008. Named publicly by the Joliet diocese on its list revised 3/12/13 of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

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Fr. Kevin McBrien

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Also known as Dennis Kevin. Removed from position at St. Matthew's In Glendale Heights in 5/10 after allegation that he abused a boy on a single occasion about 30 to 35 years prior, while assigned to Joliet Catholic High School. The same person also alleged abuse on multiple occasions by Fr. Lee Ryan at Providence High School. Investigation by diocese. Living in a supervised setting in 8/10. Added in 2/21 to Joliet's list of those with substantiated allegations. Noted to be on a safety plan, since 2011. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/22.

Assignments:

Detailed BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Richard J. McGrath

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in a 4/18 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a boy ages 13-15 in 1995-96. The abuse allegedly occurred at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, where McGrath was president. Police investigating. Had been investigated in 12/17 after a girl reported she saw at a wrestling match that McGrath had a photo of a nude boy on his cellphone. McGrath refused to give the phone to police; investigation closed. McGrath resigned from the high school. The man who filed suit in 4/18 came forward to police in 1/18. Per news in 9/18, moved to his Order's St. John Stone Friary in Hyde Park, across an alley from a preschool and near a Catholic grade school. The Augustinians agreed to move him after outcry. Sent to a friary in Chicago. Reported in 12/18 to have "gone missing" from Order. Thought to be living alone in a Chicago apartment.

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Fr. J. Anthony Meis

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Meis left his position in Joliet in 1994 after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the late 1980s. A secret settlement was paid to the alleged victim. After therapy, in 12/94 he became chaplain at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis. Removed in 2002. Hospital president said Bishop Imesch told him about past allegations against Meis in 1994 but the Archdiocese of St. Louis said it had no knowledge of claim. There was letter of good standing from Bishop Imesch. Included in 4/06 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2015, per diocese.

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Fr. Lawrence Mullins

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

First allegations received in 1986. Kept in ministry until 1993. Five men filed suit in 9/02 alleging Mullins molested them and that the diocese should have known he was unfit. Suit dismissed under statute of limitations; four of the plaintiffs refiled under new law. Judge dismissed again in 1/04. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. A sixth plaintiff filed civil suit in 7/04 alleging abuse 1978-80. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Laicized in 2018.

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Fr. James A. Nowak

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 09/30/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Retired in 2007 from SS Peter and Paul in Naperville. Member of Montini Catholic HS board of directors. Removed without privileges in 8/12 after allegation of sex abuse of a minor about 25 years prior. Per 1989 Official Catholic Directory was assigned to St. Anthony's in Joliet. Review Board deemed allegation credible. Matter sent to Rome. Still pending 4/14. Named in new suit 5/15/13. Named as one of 5 priests in $4.137 million lawsuit settled in 4/15. Settlements with eight men claiming abuse as minors. Per diocese's list updated in 12/18, Nowak was permanently removed from ministry. He died 9/30/20.

Fr. Donald G. O’Connor

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 11/15/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

O'Connor's mental stability had been questioned as far back as seminary. Removed from ministry in 5/02 after the Diocese learned of allegations that he abused an adolescent boy 1967-1970. Diocese said allegations were substantiated and O'Connor "acknowledged that the incident had occurred." Other accusers also known. Former police chaplain. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2011. Revealed 5/16/13 that even after privileges were removed, he was paid to say mass intentions (stipends). Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14.

Fr. Donald P. Pock

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 05/18/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Pock told parishioners at St. Peter's parish in Itasca in 1987 that he was a recovering alcoholic. Removed from ministry at St. Peter's in 2002. Accused of abuse of a minor in the early 1970s. Allegations substantiated by the Review Board. Died in 2004. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in 2006 litigation by another man who claimed abuse in 1970 at age 16 at Divine Savior in Downers Grove, when he went to Pock to discuss becoming a priest. The man told the Diocese in the mid-1970s. Pock was sent for counseling then reassigned. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14.

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Fr. Edward F. Poff

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Per news in 5/02, Poff was accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1994. Allegation substantiated by church authorities and Poff was sent for therapy. Reassigned to restricted ministry as a hospital chaplain until retirement in 2001. Poff still occasionally helped out at parishes until 5/02 when the Diocese removed his faculties. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list revised in 12/18, Poff was permanently removed from ministry. In 2/21 it noted that Poff had died in 2020.

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Fr. Anthony J. Ross

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Ordained for the Joliet diocese. News in 2002 that Ross molested a 15-year-old boy twice in 1981. His victim had letters he had received from Ross, which the boy's parents found in 1983. They confronted the bishop. Ross admitted the abuse, was sent to treatment, then returned to Joliet. The victim's family discovered in 1993 that Ross was still in ministry. Ross subsequently moved to the Santa Rosa diocese and worked as a prison chaplain. Incardinated into Santa Rosa 8/1/97. Permanently removed in 4/02 by the Santa Rosa diocese when allegations became known. Included on the Joliet diocese's list in 4/06 of credibly accused. Sued in 2006. The Joliet diocese agreed to release personnel files in 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19.

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Fr. Richard M. Ruffalo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 02/21/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Died in 1997. Accused in 2002 by at least two men of abusing them when they were boys. He allegedly gave them beer and wine, took them on trips to Las Vegas and molested them. Ruffalo was also accused of stealing from collections. He was over $95K in debt when he died. One man filed a civil suit 1998 which later settled. Two more plaintiffs filed suit in 2003. A fourth man came forward in 2006. Ruffalo's name was included on the diocese's 4/06 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. F. Lee Ryan

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 09/2/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from St. Edmund in Watseka in 5/10 after he was accused of abuse on multiple occasions of a boy at Providence H.S., about 30-35 years prior. The same man also alleged abuse by Fr. McBrien once at Joliet Catholic H.S. On 'special assignment' per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Denied the allegation. In summer 2012, the Vatican said he could not be permanently removed. Diocese said he would return to limited ministry, but a week later, on 9/18/12, his privileges were again withdrawn. Canonical process was still pending in 4/14. Named in new lawsuit against Joliet filed on 4/30/14. Included in 4/14 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 9/2/16.

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Fr. Jeffrey Salwach

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1984
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused along with another friar in a 2004 civil suit of abusing an elementary school boy 1974-78. Salwach was a Franciscan brother assigned to a New Lenox, IL parish at the time of the alleged abuse. After ordination he worked in Quincy IL, Galena AK, Parma and Cleveland OH, Joliet IL, San Antonio TX and Ruston LA. He was placed on leave in 5/03. The lawsuit settled. No criminal charges were filed. Still shown as an active priest per Catholic Times 5/10/09. Reportedly in 11/11, Salwach had recently been assigned to work at LaVerna Friary in a residential neighborhood in St. Louis, MO.

Assignments:

Anderson and Associates Assignment Record

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Fr. Gerald J. Simonelli

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Simonelli's name appeared on the diocese's 6/24/15 list of "Diocesan Priests With A Credible Allegation(s) of Sexual Abuse of Minors Made Against Them While Serving in the Joliet Diocese." The list notes a continuing canonical process. Simonelli was removed from ministry in 5/10 after a 21-year-old man accused him of "inappropriate conduct" that occurred more than two years prior. Bishop Sartain stated Simonelli's removal was due to "homosexual activity" and that he was "unfaithful to his vows on more than one occasion." As of 12/18, process still pending and status was "on leave." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 2/21, and shown to have been laicized in 2020.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Henry Slade

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1984
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Birth name Slaboszewski. Arrested and removed from ministry in 1/90. Pleaded guilty in 2/90 to sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old disabled man. Sentenced to 12 months probation. Victim filed suit in 12/91. Suit later settled. Accused in another lawsuit filed in 11/15 of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1976. Plaintiff said he refused to perform a sex act on Slade, who then physically attacked him; further, he said Rev. Phillip Dedera ignored his screams, but later offered him marijuana "to help him forget it." Slade's name was included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list in 12/18, Slade died in 2016.

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Fr. John Slown

Ordained: 1959
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Convicted of sexually abusing a boy in DuPage Co in 1983. Removed from ministry in 1986. Slown said he left the priesthood because he was an alcoholic. In 10/03 two brothers filed suit alleging abuse by Frs. Slown, Richard Ruffalo and Arno Dennerlein. Suit said the abuse occurred in Illinois for several years and, for the younger boy, later in NJ. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. The diocese agreed in 3/13 to release personnel files as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. Per the diocese's list in 5/22, Slown died in 2022.

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Fr. David Stalzer

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 06/18/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

A 1993 civil suit claimed that Revs. Stalzer and Lawrence M. Gibbs abused the plaintiff as a minor in 1981. The suit was dismissed in 1994 by the court after the plaintiff claimed to have been treated by two psychologists and both denied having seen the man. Stalzer was returned to ministry in 4/93, under supervision and with limited contact with minors, prior to resolution of the suit. He died in 2000.

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Fr. Edward Stefanich

Ordained: 1965
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Stefanich abused a 15-year-old girl for 16 months 1985-86. The Church was warned by a counselor about the relationship in 1986; they promised to handle it but did nothing until 1987, after Stefanich proposed marriage and the girl's parents complained. He was removed then. Stefanich was indicted and pleaded guilty. He was sentenced in 1987 to six months in jail and a year of counseling. Laicized in 1988. Police admitted they knew he had also abused another girl. Settled with family in 4/88 for $450K. In a suit filed in 9/03 a man accused him of abuse 1969-1970. His name was included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Stefanich died in 2016, per the diocese's list updated in 12/18.

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Fr. James O. Storm

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 06/20/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Died in 1974. Name included on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/13. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown as "unresolved" on the list.

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Fr. Charles Van Duren

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 08/30/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in MA, PA, St. Joseph Indian School in SD, and MS before arriving in the Joliet diocese in 1970. Worked in several parishes, retired in 1995, and died in 8/97. Credible accusation was received after his death. Name appeared on the Joliet diocese's 6/08 list of accused priests with a credible/substantiated allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor.

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Fr. William D. Virtue

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2006 of abuse in the Joliet diocese in 1980-81. Not included on Joliet diocese's list of confirmed abusers released 4/09/06. Civil suit filed 5/06. Worked in Joliet, Rockford and Peoria dioceses. Joliet settled suit as of 9/07. Left Joliet and incardinated into Peoria in 1988. Peoria diocese removed his privileges in 2006. Canonical process pending 4/14. Joliet diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/14. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/18. Noted to have been removed from ministry by Peoria and Rockford in 2/06. Per Joliet list updated 12/18, "on leave," canonical process still pending. On the Peoria diocese's list as of 2/20.

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Fr. Oliver T. Walsh

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 01/15/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Ireland. Died in 1975. Walsh's name appeared on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors as revised 3/12/13. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown on the list as "unresolved."

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Fr. Myles Patrick White

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from ministry in 1992 after hew was seen on a 30 minute segment of a videotape having sex with a boy. He had donated the tape to a garage sale. When police arrested him, he was destroying pictures of boys. Sentenced to four years prison in 1993 in Illinois and similar sentence in Indiana. Released from prison in 1995. At least four suits settled by 11/95. Included in 4/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. One victim known to have died by suicide 20 years after the abuse. White died in 2012. Named in new civil suit 5/13. One of five priests named in $4.137 million suit settled 4/15.

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.