Diocese of Joliet IL - BishopAccountability.org

55 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 5/2002 due to old allegations that he molested an 8th grade boy in a Catholic school in 1968. The original claim was made in 1991; the alleged victim said the Diocese cancelled a 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 an investigator for the Diocese contacted him. Barrett was cleared by a diocesan investigation 6/10/2002 and returned to ministry. The Diocese said the claims could not be substantiated and the alleged victim was not cooperating. Barrett died 7/16/2014.

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 4/2006, under supervision. A civil suit filed by plaintiff in 5/2006 was dismissed by the court in 10/2006. All supervision of Bennett was removed in 5/2007. Bennett's name was included in 5/2022 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that he left ministry in 2009 and was laicized in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Herald News 04.28.06

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Fr. James Boyce

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Died: 02/21/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as accused by the Carmelite Order, Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, on its list in 11/2020. Spent his priesthood in DC, NJ, NY. Well-known scholar and musician. Died in 2010. No information as to when or where the abuse occurred. (Placing him for now in the Joliet diocese, where the Province is located.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignments

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Br. William Bedard

Donate Photo

Order: MSC
Status: Accused

Died: 11/1/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart USA Province on its list sometime prior to 8/25/2022. The list notes that Bedard was accused in 1963 and 1977. He died in 1996. (Placing him in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is based.)

Sources:

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart List 08.25.22

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 3/12/2013. Pastor of St John Vianney in Lockport 6/1997-2009. Per 12/2018 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Buczyna died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. John J. Burke

Order: CSV
Ordained: 1943
Status: Charged

Died: 09/4/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Abused at least eight children. Targeted low-income, at-risk children. One man told the Attorney General's investigators that Burke abused him at about age 13 in 1958. He had run away from foster care, was found and put in a jail where Burke was chaplain. Police released him to Burke's care, where he was abused for two nights. He fled to the orphanage in which he had been placed prior to foster care. He said he told church officials but was not believed. In 2017 the man reported the abuse in a letter to Pope Francis, which was forwarded to the Joliet diocese and the Viatorians. The Order acknowledged allegations made in 1985 and that the diocese also knew. Four people had came forward in 1984 with allegations of abuse as children 1980-1984 by Burke, while he was assigned to St. George in Bourbonnais. Children and Family Services investigated and found "credible evidence" and child sex abuse was "indicated." Criminally charged in 1/1985. Found not guilty. One alleged victim and his father received small settlements from the Viatiorans. By 1/2004 four people had come forward publicly. In 11/2010 the Diocese received a report of past abuse and another in 6/2011 of abuse in the 1980s. Order not informed. In 2018 a man told the Order Burke sexually abused him 1972-1975, beginning when he was 12, and that the priest would ply him with alcohol and drugs. He said Burke would pay him, and that he trafficked him to another man for abuse. Settled in 11/2021. As of 5/2023, name not included on Order or Diocese's lists of accused. Died in 1986.

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Fr. James R. Burnett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2/2006. Denied. Removed. Not on diocese's 4/2006 list of accused. Suit filed in 5/2006 claiming abuse 1978-1982, when plaintiff was ages 8-12. Diocese found first allegations "not credible" but couldn't resolve the credibility of second set. Second suit filed in 2007. First suit dismissed due to the statute of limitations in 9/2007. Diocese reopened investigation in 2010. Remained on leave. Added to Joliet list 3/2013. Third case settled in 3/2013 for $600K and release of personnel files of several priests. Charges substantiated. Personnel files released 4/30/2014. Per 12/2018 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Died in 2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes five "reported survivors."

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Fr. Robert Cell

Order: MSC
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 12/11/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart USA Province on its list sometime prior to 8/25/2022. It notes that Cell was accused in 1985 and died in 2004. (Placing him in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is based.)

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Fr. Thomas A. Corbino

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 8/2011 the Diocese learned of allegations of possible inappropriate behavior by Corbino with a minor at two parishes 1987-2008. After months of investigation, the Review Board found that Corbino's actions did not rise to the level of sexual abuse but were inappropriate. He resigned from St. Pius X and was sent to treatment. He soon began work as a volunteer chaplain at Central DuPage Hospital "under restrictions." Removed by the Hospital in 4/2013 after it learned of the past allegations.

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Br. Daniel (William Kevin) O’Brien

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Status: Accused

Died: 10/12/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Member of the Carmelite order 1953-2005. Died in 2005. Assigned in OH, PA, IL, Ontario Canada, PA, NY. Named publicly as accused on the Carmelites list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." (No information as to when or where abuse occurred; placing O'Brien in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is based.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

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Fr. Phillip J. Dedera

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed from hospital chaplain ministry 2002 after a 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 1975-1976. Claim settled. Name on the Joliet diocese's list in 2006. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. 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 the diocese's list updated 12/6/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

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Fr. Arno Dennerlein

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

In 2/2003 two brothers told Joliet police that Dennerlein had sexually abused them when they were boys in the 1970s. Dennerlein denied the allegations. Removed. In 10/2003 he challenged the credibility of his accusers but did refer to "a single, momentary incident" involving one of the boys. In 10/2003 the Diocesan Review Board deemed one of the allegations credible. Suit filed in 10/2003 by another set of brothers alleging abuse in the 1960s. Dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Review Board deemed allegations not credible. In 2006 another man alleged abuse at age 13 by Dennerlein. Review Board again said not credible. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Allegation in 2008 of abuse 1971 and 1972. Not substantiated, per Review Board. Canonical process was pending when Dennerlein died in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

IL Attorney General’s Report Assignment Record

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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 12/6/1996. Name included on Joliet diocese's list of priests with credible allegations as revised 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death were thus shown as "unresolved" on the list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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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 5/28/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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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 1984-1996. 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 3/12/2013. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Leonard (Jeffrey) Fairfield

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 11/28/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked and/or lived in Ontario Canada, PA, WDC, MA, Lima Peru, TX, IL, FL, NY, CA, VA. Died in 2005. Named publicly as accused by the Carmelite order on its list 11/22/2020. (Location of abuse not noted - placing Fairfield for now in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is located.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

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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 the Joliet diocese in 1993 on a restricted basis. Removed from ministry in 2002. Died in 6/2006 in Illinois. Included in 2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in a new civil suit filed against the Joliet diocese 04/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 Illinois Attorney General's Report, which notes 4 "reported survivors."

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Fr. Alejandro Flores

Ordained: 2009
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

From Bolivia. Ordained for the Joliet Diocese in 6/2009. Removed 1/4/2010 from First Family after a couple accused him of abusing their 13-year-old son for five years while a seminarian. Flores attempted suicide 1/6/2010 by leaping from the balcony of an abandoned church, sustaining serious head injuries. Arrested upon release from hospital 1/20/2010. Charged in 4/2010 with attempted abuse of the first victim's brother. Pleaded guilty in 9/2010 to the first allegations. Sentenced to four years in prison. Paroled in 6/2013. Arrested by Immigration and deported to Bolivia 8/6/2013. Out-of-court civil settlement in 2012. Per the diocese's list in 12/2018, Flores was permanently removed from ministry. Laicized in 2020. Lawsuit filed 3/1/2023 claims abuse by Flores, including rape, of a boy ages 8 and 9, at St. Raymond Nonnatus Cathedral 2008-2009. The alleged victim died at age 21 in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Salvatore Formusa

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

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

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Became a priest of the Diocese of Joliet when it was established in 1948. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Joliet diocese on its list 4/10/2006. Retired in 1985. Removed from ministry without privileges in 2002. Died in 2006. Diocese agreed to release his personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. It shows that Formusa admitted to the Diocese in 1962 that he had sexually abused a 9-year-old girl. Sent to WI for treatment. Police chief at the time said he knew of two prior incidents. Moved to another parish. Allegation in 5/1964 of abuse of a 15-year-old girl. Returned to ministry. Accused of abuse of a girl, age 9, in 7/1968. Criminally charged. In 1/1969 no longer allowed to hear children's confessions. Became a psychotherapist. Accused in 1985 of abusing a woman during therapy. Settled. In 2002 another woman alleged abuse by Formusa while he was her therapist in the 1970s and she was in her 20s.

Fr. James M. Frederick

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

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

Included on the Joliet diocese's 4/10/2006 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 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 2 "reported survivors."

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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 10/2002. 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 4/2006. Another suit filed in early 2006; dismissed in 11/2006 on statute of limitations with option to refile amended complaint. Named in new suit filed 5/15/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named as 1 of 5 priests in a $4.137 million settlement in 4/2015. Laicized in 2011. Died in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 12 "reported survivors."

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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 an 11-year-old boy for six years. Two civil suits filed in 1993; one was 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 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Named in new suits filed by a man in 6/2012 and by another man in 6/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named in a $4.137 million settlement involving five priests in 4/2015. Laicized in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 13 "reported survivors."

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Fr. Leonard J. Gilman

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1998
Status: Accused

Died: 06/1/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Late vocation. Prior to entering the Order in 1994, he worked with youth as a probation officer, then had a career in marketing and became a vice president at Lockheed Corporation. Worked and/or studied as a Carmelite in WDC, NJ, IL, Ontario Canada, IL, MA. Parish priest and pastor, Vice President at Joliet Catholic Academy, Eastern Commissariat of the Province Director of Vocations, then Provincial. Died by suicide in his rectory in 2015. Named publicly as accused on the Carmelites list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." (No information as to where the abuse occurred; placing Gilman in the Joliet diocese for now, where the Province is located.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. William (Patrick) Gleeson

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 11/9/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in IL, NJ, TX, DC, MA, PA, and Ontario Canada. Died in 2000. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list of accused 11/22/2020. (Location of abuse not noted - placing Gleeson in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Province is located.) Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

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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 8/2002 of abusing a boy in 1975 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and during 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 4/2006 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 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Died 5/05/2015. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes two known victims from Whitley City KY in the 1990s. Multiple allegations of abuse starting in 1972. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 7 "reported survivors."

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Fr. Richard E. Jacklin

Ordained: 1984
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Goodrich. Arrested 10/31/2017, 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 10/2019. Convicted in 9/2022. Sentenced in 1/2023 to 18 years in prison, and life parole upon his release. Required to register as a sex offender for life. Added to the diocese's list of those with substantiated allegations 3/30/2023.

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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 12/8/2018. Permanently removed from ministry in 2018. Admitted to "having sexual contact" with a 13-year-old girl in 1981, while a seminarian. Laicized in 2021. His victim received a settlement from the diocese in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

IL Attorney General’s Report Assignment Record

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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 6/2004 alleging abuse 1974-1978 by Jochem and another Franciscan 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. Robert (Barry) Kremer

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 03/18/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in Ontario Canada, PA, DC, MA, IL, TX, KY, CA, FL. Died in 2004. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor." Location of abuse unknown. (Placing him in the Joliet diocese, where the Province is based.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

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Fr. Frederick A. Lenczycki

Ordained: 1972
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Removed in 2002. Pleaded guilty in 2004 to 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 9/2009 on parole. On IL sex offender registry. Included in 4/2006 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. New lawsuit 5/2013. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Named in at least one new suit 4/30/2014. Named as 1 of 5 priests in $4.137M suit settled 4/2015. Laicized in 2016. New charge in 2/2019 of assault of a boy in the early 1990s in St. Louis. Living in Berkeley, IL. Pleaded guilty in 5/2019 to abusing two boys in MO in the early 1990s. On St. Louis archdiocese's list 7/26/2019. Sentenced in 8/2019 to 10 years in prison. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Shown in 6/2025 to be in custody at the Farmington Correctional Center in Farmington MO.

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 3/12/2013 of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."

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Fr. Kevin McBrien

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Also known as Dennis Kevin McBrien. Removed from position at St. Matthew's In Glendale Heights in 5/2010 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 8/2010. Included on the Carmelites' list of credibly accused 11/22/2020. Added in 2/2021 to Joliet's list. Noted to be on a safety plan, since 2011. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Richard J. McGrath

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in a 4/2018 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a boy ages 13-15 in 1995-1996. The abuse allegedly included rape and occurred at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, where McGrath was President. Police were investigating. Had been investigated in 12/2017 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; that investigation closed. McGrath resigned from the high school. The man who filed suit in 4/2018 came forward to police in 1/2018. Per news in 9/2018, McGrath 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 an outcry. Sent to a friary in Chicago. Reported in 12/2018 to have "gone missing" from Order. Thought to be living alone in a Chicago apartment. Lawsuit settled in 11/2023 for $2M. Reportedly in 2/2025, McGrath was dismissed from the Augustinians in 12/2024. In 5/2024 his whereabouts remained unclear; he was reported by some to have been seen in Mokena.

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 12/1994 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 a letter of good standing from Bishop Imesch. Included in 4/2006 on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2015, per diocese. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

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Fr. Lawrence W. 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 9/2002 alleging Mullins molested them as children and that the diocese should have known he was unfit. Suit dismissed under statute of limitations; four of the plaintiffs refiled under a new law. Dismissed again in 1/2004. Included in 420/06 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. A sixth plaintiff filed a civil suit in 7/2004 alleging abuse 1978-1980. Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Laicized in 2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 12 "reported survivors."

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 High School board of directors. Removed without privileges in 8/2012 after an allegation of sex abuse of a minor occurring about 25 years prior. Per the 1989 Official Catholic Directory, he was assigned to St. Anthony's in Joliet. Review Board deemed the allegation credible. Matter sent to Rome. Still pending in 4/2014. Named in new suit 5/15/2013. Named as one of five priests in a $4.137 million lawsuit settled in 4/2015. Settlements with eight men claiming abuse by Nowak as minors. Per diocese's list updated in 12/2018, Nowak was permanently removed from ministry. He died 9/30/20. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 28 "reported survivors."

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 when he was a seminarian. Removed from ministry in 5/2002 after the diocesan officials learned of allegations that he abused an adolescent boy 1967-1970. Allegations were substantiated and O'Connor "acknowledged that the incident had occurred." Other accusers also known. Former police chaplain. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 2011. Revealed 5/16/2013 that even after privileges were removed, he was paid to say mass intentions (stipends). Diocese agreed to release of personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 6 "reported survivors."

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 4/2006 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 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 3 "reported survivors."

Sources:

Fr. Edward F. Poff

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Per news in 5/2002, 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 his faculties were removed in 5/2002. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list revised in 12/2018, Poff was permanently removed from ministry. In 2/2021 it noted that Poff had died in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Sources:

Fr. Franklin (Felix) Prior

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in MA, PA, Ontario Canada, DC, TX, IL, NJ. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 11/22/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. Removed from public ministry in 2017 and put on a safety plan. (No information as to when or where the abuse occurred; placing Prior for now in the Diocese of Joliet, where the Order's Province is based.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignment Record

Sources:

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 8/1/1997. Permanently removed in 4/2002 by the Santa Rosa diocese when allegations became known. Included on the Joliet diocese's list of credibly accused in 420/06. Sued in 2006. The Joliet diocese agreed to release personnel files in 3/2013 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Sources:

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 4/2006 list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report

Fr. Francis Lee Ryan

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

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

Removed from St. Edmund in Watseka in 5/2010 after he was accused of sexual abuse on multiple occasions of a boy at Providence High School, about 30-35 years prior. The same man also alleged abuse by Fr. McBrien once at Joliet Catholic High School. On 'special assignment' per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Denied the allegation. In summer 2012, the Vatican said Ryan could not be permanently removed. Diocese said he would return to limited ministry, but a week later, on 9/18/2012, his privileges were again withdrawn. Canonical process was still pending in 4/2014. Named in a new lawsuit against Joliet filed on 4/30/2014. Included in 4/2014 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 9/2/2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Sources:

Fr. Jeffrey Salwach

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1984
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Placed on leave in 5/2003 after he was accused, along with another friar, of abusing a boy, ages 9-13, at St. Jude in New Lenox 1974-1978. The two Franciscans were said to have forced the boy into oral and group sex, drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. Salwach was a Franciscan brother and teacher at the time of the abuse. After his accuser filed suit in 2004, Salwich was sent for evaluation, where he admitted to fondling the boy and "a number of [other] minors" in the 1970s. The lawsuit settled. Per the Franciscans in 2005, "There is no reason to suspect Jeffrey to be a risk for offending minors." After ordination Salwach worked in Quincy IL, Galena AK, Parma and Cleveland OH, Joliet IL, San Antonio TX and Ruston LA. Still shown as an active priest per Catholic Times 5/10/2009. Reportedly in 11/2011, Salwach had recently been assigned to work at LaVerna Friary in a residential neighborhood in St. Louis, MO. Dismissed from the Order in 4/2016. Remains a priest in 5/2023. Included in the IL Attorney General's 5/23/2023 report. On the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list of credibly accused as of 1/2024. (Member of the Sacred Heart Province.) Noted to have left the Province and Order 4/9/2016.

Assignments:

Anderson and Associates Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Gerald J. Simonelli

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Simonelli's name appeared on the diocese's 6/24/2015 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 5/2010 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 12/2018, process still pending and status was "on leave." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 2/2021, and shown to have been laicized in 2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Henry Slade

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1984
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Birth name Slaboszewski. Arrested and removed from ministry in 1/1990. Pleaded guilty in 2/1990 to sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old disabled man. Sentenced to 12 months probation. Victim filed suit in 12/1991. Suit later settled. Accused in another lawsuit filed in 11/2015 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 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Per the list in 12/2018, Slade died in 2016. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes 9 "reported survivors."

Sources:

Fr. John C. Slown

Ordained: 1959
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Sexually abused at least twenty children, according to diocesan files. In and out of treatment, moved from parish to parish. Convicted of sexually abusing a boy in DuPage County in 1983. Sent to treatment. Reassigned. Removed from ministry in 1986 in New Mexico, where he had gone for treatment and was then assigned to a parish. Slown said he left the priesthood because he was an alcoholic. In 10/2003 two brothers filed suit alleging abuse by Frs. Slown, Richard Ruffalo and Arno Dennerlein. The suit claimed the abuse occurred in Illinois for several years and, for the younger boy, later in New Jersey. May have also abused the boys' three brothers. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. The diocese agreed in 3/2013 to release personnel files as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Per the diocese's list in 5/2022, Slown died in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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.

Sources:

Fr. Edward A. Stefanich

Ordained: 1965
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Stefanich abused a 15-year-old girl for 16 months 1985-1986. 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 4/1988 for $450K. In a suit filed in 9/2003 a man accused him of abuse 1969-1970. His name was included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Stefanich died in 2016, per the diocese's list updated in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 5 "reported survivors."

Sources:

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 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown as "unresolved" on the list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Sources:

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 8/1997. Credible accusation was received after his death. Name appeared on the Joliet diocese's 6/2008 list of accused priests with a credible/substantiated allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

Sources:

Fr. William D. Virtue

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2006 of abuse in the Joliet diocese in 1980-1981. Not included on Joliet diocese's list of confirmed abusers released 4/09/2006. Civil suit filed 5/2006. Worked in Joliet, Rockford and Peoria dioceses. Joliet settled suit as of 9/2007. Left Joliet and incardinated into Peoria in 1988. Peoria diocese removed his privileges in 2006. Canonical process pending 4/2014. Joliet diocese agreed to release of personnel files 3/13 as part of settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. Noted to have been removed from ministry by Peoria and Rockford in 2/2006. Per Joliet list updated 12/2018, "on leave," canonical process still pending. On the Peoria diocese's list as of 2/2020. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Sources:

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 3/12/2013. The allegations were received after his death and thus were shown on the list as "unresolved." Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Sources:

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 11/1995. Included in 4/2006 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. One victim is known to have died by suicide 20 years after the abuse. White died in 2012. Named in new civil suit 5/2013. One of five priests named in $4.137 million suit settled 4/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least 11 "reported survivors."

Fr. Francis (Lambert) Yore

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 10/11/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Worked in Ontario Canada, PA, DC, MA, IL. Died in 2004. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 1/20/2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. No information as to when or where the abuse occurred. (Placing Yore in the Joliet diocese for now, where the Province is based.)

Assignments:

Carmelites Assignments

Sources:

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