Archdiocese of Louisville KY - BishopAccountability.org

80 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Orderic Auer

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Order: OFM Conv
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/19.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville Orders and Others List 02.11.19

Fr. Bernard S. Boone

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Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died 1983.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19

Fr. Ronald Borman

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1992
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Arrested 10/11/06 on charges of internet child seduction. Employed by Louisville KY archdiocese as a teacher 1978-85. Worked as a priest 1992-98 in the Lansing MI and Toledo OH dioceses and the Indianapolis IN archdiocese. Left the priesthood in 1998. Taught in Louisville archdiocesan schools until 2001, and in Louisville public middle schools until his arrest. Pleaded guilty 2/09 to 1 count of possession of child porn. Sentenced to 30 month in prison.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Robert A. Bowling

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Louisville. Transferred to Reno NV in 1969, where he was incardinated in 1972. In 2002 at least 9 women claimed that he abused them between the mid-1950s and 1963 when they were minors in KY. He is also accused of molesting adult women in Reno. Louisville settled with 11 victims 6/03 as part of a $25.7M settlement. Bowling died in 6/03. On the Louisville archdiocese's list of accused in 2019. On Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/19.

Fr. Joseph Edward Bradley

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Suspended in 3/19 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the 1980s while principal of Owensboro Catholic High School. Assigned to the school 1976-95, principal 1980-85. Pastor of five parishes. Retired in 2011. Volunteer chaplain at Owensboro Catholic High in retirement. Diocesan Review Board deemed the allegation substantiated. Bishop Medley sent a report to the Vatican, recommending the suspension be permanent. Bradley filed an appeal with the Vatican. In 4/21 the Vatican informed Medley that Bradley was to be reinstated, with restrictions lifted. The Vatican decree noted Bradley's "imprudent behavior" and imposed a restriction that he was not to enter any primary or secondary school for five years.

Sources:

Br. Ernest P. Bradunas

Order: CFX
Status: Sued

Died: 06/15/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 5/03 against the Xaverians alleging that she was abused in the early 1960s by Bradunas. He was a teacher at St. Xavier high school 1951-61. Order denied any knowledge of past allegations. Bradunas died in 1985.

Sources:

Fr. Bertrand J. Brian

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Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died in 2005.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19

Fr. Philip Bronk

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Order: ST
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 12/29/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died 12/29/11 in California.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville Orders and Others List 02.11.19

Fr. William H. Carbin

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Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bro. Kentigern. Joined the Xaverians in 1946. Left in 1963. Named publicly as accused by the order on its list 7/12/19. It notes allegations reported in 2004 and 2011 of abuse in Louisville, KY in the early 1960s.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Deacon Marvin A. Carney, Jr.

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Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Deacon at St. Rita's. Arrested 5/16/81 after police questioned a teenage boy, who said he was waiting for Carney, in a car outside an adult bookstore. The boy gave police information and Carney was charged with sexual abuse. Charges dropped; Fr. J. Herp, who was later accused of abuse, may have intervened. The defense counsel responded, saying that Carney had been tried before a judge and had been exonerated. The boys parents got an attorney who would not allow officials' further contact with the boy.

Sources:

Courier-Journal 10.06.02
Courier Journal 10.11.02

Fr. Joseph E. Carrico

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Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sued in 2003 by four women who alleged abuse as children by Carrico. Left the priesthood in 1973, having moved through three different parishes in six years. Laicized in 1974. Working at the time of the lawsuit filing as a lay religious educator in the Louisville archdiocese. Placed on leave with pay. Carrico denied the charges in the first two lawsuits but did not comment on others. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Thomas P. Casper

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 11/4/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 6/02 lawsuit of forcing a boy, age 10-11, to perform oral sex in 1964-65 in the cathedral rectory. Also accused in a 4/03 suit of abusing a youth at Christ the King Church around 1955-56. Had been an Army chaplain 1960-62. Was superintendent of Louisville Catholic schools 1967-74. Died 11/4/91. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019 (name spelled Caspar).

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. William Patrick Caster

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Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 2003 alleging Caster molested her in 1955 or 1956 at Holy Family Parish when she was about age 10. Caster retired for health reasons in 1988 and died in 12/89. On the archdiocese's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Daniel C. Clark

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed from ministry in 1988 after pleading guilty to having abused two boys in the early 1980s. Sentenced to 15 years probation and 90 days in jail. Allowed to volunteer and wear clerical collar. Litigation settled in 1989 and 1997. Named in 19 suits in 2002-2003, of which 18 settled in 6/03 and one in 4/06. Convicted in 2003 of abusing two brothers, starting when they were ages 11 and 12, from 1998 to 5/02. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Laicization announced in 11/04. Sentence overturned in 5/07. Pleaded guilty in 11/07 in return for release from prison, with 5 years probation and 5 years court supervision. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Thomas R. Clark

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In 2002 it was revealed that the diocese paid $30K in 1998 to settle allegations against Clark. He was investigated and cleared by Louisville County Police. Based on that and a psychological assessment of Clark, the diocese decided no abuse occurred, but offered the alleged victim a financial settlement because of "difficulties he was facing in his life" and because Clark had cared for him for years after juvenile court placed the boy in his custody.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Courier-Journal 10.13.02
Courier-Journal 12.16.02
BA Page on Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up in the Louisville Archdiocese, part 1 04.22.11

Fr. Kevin Cole

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

At least five suits filed in 2002. Accused of abuse of girls. Died in 1990 or 1991. May have also abused in Ohio prior to arrival in Kentucky. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Thomas P. Creagh

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Archdiocesan officials knew of abuse of a teenage boy in 1983 and contributed $10K to a settlement with the victim. Four suits filed in 2002 alleged abuse 1983-97; removed from parish. Spent some time in a Florida parish after the first settlement. Permanently removed from active ministry as of 10/02. Laicized in 2004. Died in 2008. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. C. Patrick Creed

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Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 2001. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of making sexually inappropriate comments to a teen in 1951 when the youth sought counseling after abuse by Fr. Louis Miller. In 2003 four or five other suits were filed by women claiming abuse by Creed when they were school girls.Three claims settled in 6/03 as part of massive settlement by the archdiocese. One other was dismissed by court in 2004 on SOL. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Sr. James Patrick Cronin

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in a civil suit in 8/04 by a woman who said she was abused as a child by Cronin, two other nuns, and Fr. Lammers at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Order confirmed that Cronin was at the orphanage between 1958-1961. Died.

Sources:

Fr. Charles H. Cummings

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Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bro. Lucas. Joined the Xaverians in 1933. Died in 1995. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/12/19. Allegation reported in 2018 of abuse in 1968 in Louisville.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sr. Madeline de Paul Galatine

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sued 2004. Accused of abuse of 2 girls at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Deceased.

Sources:

Fr. Charles F. Dearing

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Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 02/23/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Parish priest, Air Force chaplain. Left priesthood in 1971. Married and raised a family. A woman filed suit in 4/03 alleging abuse by Dearing when she was about 10 in 1966-68. Suit settled in 6/03 as part of massive diocesan settlement. Criminal charges filed in 7/03. He pleaded not guilty. Charges later dismissed after prosecutor said there was "insufficient evidence at this time" to proceed. Dearing died 2/23/09.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Robert A. DeWitt

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Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died in 1999.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19

Fr. Robert J. Dollinger

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 07/13/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused of abuse in four civil suits filed in 2002. Moved to Canada in 1983 and was active priest there until at least 1994, when two men complained to Louisville Bishop about past abuse. Dollinger "retired" but continued to live in a parish headed by his brother, also a priest. Permanently removed from active ministry in 10/02. Ordered in 10/05 by the Vatican to live a life of prayer and penance. Died 7/13/11 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. On the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Br. Francis Dominic

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Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Birth name was Anthony Salomone. Assigned to Conventual Franciscans' Province of Our Lady of Consolation, based in Mount St. Francis, IN, 1969 -1980. Transferred to the Conventual Franciscans' Province of St. Bonaventure, based in Chicago, before leaving the order in 1989. Named as abuser of at least six boys in suits filed in 2002 in KY. All accusers alleged abuse in early 1970s. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Sr. Mary Camilla Donahue

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in at least three 2004 civil suits. Accused of abuse of at least four girls at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Order confirmed that Sr. Camilla was at the orphanage. Deceased.

Sources:

Fr. John Elder

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in three suits filed in 2002 of abuse of at least two minor females in 1959, and of abuse of a woman in 1973. A fourth woman filed suit in 4/03, alleging abuse when she was a minor in 1959. Elder died in 1993. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Daniel Emerine

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in six lawsuits filed against the Louisville archdiocese in 2002. Allegedly abused five boys and one girl as grade school students. Several plaintiffs said they told church officials and/or teachers but no one believed them. Two additional suits filed in 4/03. Also worked in dioceses of Lansing MI, Cleveland OH, Grand Rapids MI, Fort Wayne-South Bend IN, and Indianapolis IN. Included in massive 6/03 settlement with the Louisville archdiocese. Died in 1986. On Louisville's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Bruce O. Ewing

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Left priesthood in 1977. Civil suit filed 4/02; charged in 2003 with abuse of plaintiff in early 1970s, beginning when she was age 14. He denied the allegation. Civil suit settled through mediation in 3/03. Criminal trial ended in mistrial in 2004. New criminal trial held in 3/07; found guilty of one count on 3/22/07. Sentenced to 5 years probation in 5/07. Laicized in 2004. Led parish council in 2010; terminated in 2/11. On Sex Offender Registry. On Louisville's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. John Donald Gallagher

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Ordained: 1940
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 2/02 alleging abuse in 1950 by Rev. "Bernard" Gallagher at Holy Trinity Church. Her attorney said this was actually John Donald Gallagher. She claimed she was a 4th-grader and confessed to the priest that she had touched herself, and that he responded by molesting her. The woman said she developed obsessive-compulsive disorders the next year, washing her hands as often as 20 times a day. Gallagher died in 1968. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Linus T. Giesler

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A man filed suit in 6/02 alleging that he was abused at ages 7-11 by both Fr. Giesler and Fr. Thomas Casper. The man said he told his grandmother and she sent him to live elsewhere. Giesler died in 1999. Included on the diocese's list in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Sr. Jean Gish

Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Died: 12/9/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Martha Jean "Jeannie" Gish. Accused in a 7/26/04 suit of sexually abusing a girl at Presentation Academy. The alleged victim also alleged that she was abused by Sisters Mary Ann Powers, Joseph Anthony, Charles, and Arthur. Gish died in 12/21.

Sources:

Fr. Robert B. Gray

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 civil suit of abuse of a boy. Placed on leave. The plaintiff said he told the Archdiocese in 1994 and 1998. Gray returned to active status mid-2002 because police could not substantiate the allegation. Per news in 2003, he was retired but still performed some parish ministry.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. George R. Greenwell

Ordained: 1942
Status: Sued

Died: 09/12/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 4/03 alleging that she was abused by a "Fr. Greenwell" in 1951 in a school restroom when she was a first grader at St. Raphael the Archangel School. Greenwell retired in 1992 and died in 9/95. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Deacon James Griffith

Order: CP
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Passionist Deacon. Convicted in 1988 of abuse of a boy 1974-77 at St. Raphael, starting when the boy was age 11. Sentenced to 60 days jail and 5 years probation. Sued by same victim in 1988; suit dismissed due to SOL. A 5/02 lawsuit alleged abuse in the 1970s. As of 2002 Griffith was "long removed from public ministry" and lived at a Passionist residence in Chicago. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19. Living in MI in 4/21 under a safety plan; added to Detroit list in 4/21.

Sources:

Fr. Frank Gunther

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Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died in 1991.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19

Fr. James E. Hagan

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Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 civil suit of abuse of an 11-year-old girl in 1956 at St. Leo the Great. The girl allegedly told her pastor shortly thereafter and he said he would take care of it. She also allegedly told her mother, who did not believe her. Hagan left the priesthood in 1973, and was laicized in 1974. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. James E. Hargadon

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Four civil suits filed in 2002 by men accusing Hargadon of abuse when they were altar boys. Privileges removed in 2002 after suits filed. Twice convicted of abuse in 2004. Received separate eight-year sentences in two counties. Died 5/05 after one year in prison. In 10/05 Vatican ordered him (already dead) to life of prayer and penance. One man who lived in Texas said he reported the abuse to Bishop Tschoepe of Dallas in about 1990. Apparently nothing done. On Louisville archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Raymond Joseph Hemmerle

Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A man told archdiocese 9/01 Hemmerle molested him at age 11 in the mid-1970s at a summer camp. He wanted Hemmerle to get counseling and not work with youths. Went to police 1/02 when church did not act. Hemmerle placed on leave. Reinstated in mid-2002, church saying police had investigated and closed case. Later article said police had not completed investigation. Active until 5/14 when removed after a new allegation of abuse in 1970s. Had been pastor of St. Francis and Holy Cross parishes in Marion County, KY. Indicted 9/18/14 on six counts of sodomy and three charges of sex abuse on claims made 5/14. Found guilty in 11/16 in the first case. Sentenced 2/17 to 7 years prison. Pled guilty to reduced charges in second case 5/17 in plea deal; sentenced 6/29/17 to 2 years prison, in addition to the 7 years already serving. Denied parole 12/17. Appealed 3/20, said "no intent to abuse." Appeal denied 1/19. On archdiocese's list in 2019. Released from prison 10/1/21. Was to be monitored by a parole officer. Not required to register as a sex offender.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Joseph T. Herp

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 10/25/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sued in 2002 and 2003 by four men alleging abuse 1970s-80s. Archdiocese admitted in 5/02 to other concerns about Herp in the 1970s. Police investigated in 1988 and 1990, while Herp was a police chaplain. Privileges permanently removed in 10/02. In 2003, diocesan review board substantiated the allegations. Laicization announced in 10/05. Died 10/25/13. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Sr. Frances Howard

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Order: SCN
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In a 8/3/04 addition to a suit, this nun was accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Vincent Orphanage in Louisville, beginning in 1938 when the girl was age 6 and continuing until she was removed from the orphanage in 1943. Complainant also accused Rev. Herman J. Lammers and Sr. Stanislas Kotska Willett, mother superior of the orphanage 1940-44. Order settled 8/06 with almost all plaintiffs with claims.

Sources:

Fr. James Louis-Bertrand Kilkenny

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1936
Status: Accused

Died: 02/15/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Included on the Archdiocese of Louisville's list in 2/19, where abuse took place. Added in 12/19 to the Diocese of Columbus' list. Died in Louisville 2/15/85. (Sometimes list as James Kilkenny.)

Sources:

Fr. Lawrence Kuntz

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Order: CR
Ordained: 1928
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Per news in 6/04, a man said that he was molested at age 7 in 1928 by a "Father Lawrence" at St. Cecilia's. Archdiocese confirmed that a Fr. Lawrence Kuntz worked at the parish 1928-35. He died in 1952. This plaintiff did not file suit against the Archdiocese but is one of three plaintiffs in a class action suit filed against the Vatican. Suit does not include allegations against specific priests. Case against Vatican dropped in 8/10.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Herman J. Lammers

Ordained: 1932
Status: Sued

Died: 08/11/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Lammers was director of Catholic Charities 1939-76. Numerous suits filed 2002-2004 name him as an abuser. Accused of abuse by at least 34, much of it at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Home, an orphanage in Anchorage, KY. Retired 1982 and died in 1986. Included in a large settlement in 8/06 between the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who ran the orphanage, and numerous victims. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Patrick Mackan

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Order: CR
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 suit of sexually abusing a 17-year-old Canadian girl after she had been raped and impregnated by another man. The abuse is alleged to have continued 1972-75 and to have included oral sex and sexual intercourse. Some of the abuse occurred during trips to the US, where Mackan supervised other priests of his order in the Louisville archdiocese. His later career involved the education of children with special needs. Mackan died in 1990.

Assignments:

Detailed BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Brantford Expositor 09.05.03

Fr. John E. Magel

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 04/15/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Retired in 1995. Placed on leave in 6/02 when a man claimed in a lawsuit against the Archdiocese that Magel exposed himself to a group of boys by preparing a meal in the nude while on a camping trip. The same plaintiff also alleged abuse by a parochial school teacher. Magel was returned to active (retired) status in 3/03 when Archbishop Kelly determined there was no evidence that he had abused children. Magel died 4/15/12.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Br. James R. McCormack

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Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bro. Pierre. Joined the Xaverians in 1960. Named publicly as accused by the order on its list 7/12/19. It notes an allegation reported in 1984 of abuse in the early 1980s in Louisville. Removed from ministry with adolescents. Left the Xaverians in 1987.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Fr. Theodore Meisner

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Order: CR
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 7/02 lawsuit of fondling a 13-year-old youth during a counseling session in 1981. Meisner had assignments in various other states and in Canada before leaving the priesthood in 1989. As of 2002 he was living in Georgia and working part-time for the state. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Courier-Journal 07.31.02
Courier-Journal 09.29.02
Courier-Journal 09.29.02
Archdiocese of Louisville Orders and Others List 02.11.19

Fr. Louis E. Miller

Ordained: 1956
Status: Convicted

Died: 03/4/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Complaints in 1961 but Archbishop Floersh refused Miller's resignation. Civil suits in 1990 and 1999 alleged that Miller abused minors. Settled out of court. Not removed until 3/02 when earlier suits revealed. Named in at least 94 civil suits in 2002-2003. Many settled 6/03 as part of large settlement. Pleaded guilty 3/03 to abuse of 21 children. Sentenced to 20 years in prison. Pleaded guilty 6/03 to abuse of 8 more children and received additional 10-year sentence. Laicization announced 11/04. Incarcerated in 6/14 at Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County. Died 3/4/17.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Irvin Mouser

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Placed on leave 5/02. Beginning in 6/02, five men filed separate civil suits accusing him of abusing them as minors in the late 1960s-early '70s. Mouser allegedly took several of the boys to drive-in movies at various times, gave them alcohol and assaulted them. Settled in 2003. Review Board deemed allegations credible 6/04. Vatican ordered Mouser to live life of prayer and penance, per 10/05 announcement. Bishop Kelly reportedly knew in 1992 of credible allegations. In 1/20 Mouser was discovered working as chaplain for the Sisters of Loretto in KY, despite the Vatican's directive that he no longer wear clerical garb, celebrate mass publicly, administer sacraments or present himself publicly as a priest. The Sisters of Loretto's website showed photos of Mouser dressed as a priest and celebrating mass. After publicity in 2/20 the Sisters said they were going to remove him.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Joseph T. Neeson

Ordained: 1890
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing an altar boy in either 1951-52 or 1954-55. Plaintiff filed the suit pro se. Neeson retired in 1965 and died in 1966. He had been a priest for 76 of his 99 years. He was believed to have been the longest-serving priest in the US. Plaintiff was in prison serving time for forgery, sexual abuse, theft, and being a persistent felon when he filed suit.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Sr. Anthony Louise Pereira

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In 8/04 one man joined the multi-plaintiff suit against the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Fr. Herman Lammers and several nuns filed in summer 2004. The plaintiffs alleged abuse as children at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage in Anchorage, KY. This plaintiff alleges he was sexually abused by Pereira and another nun. The Order confirmed that Pereira worked at the orphanage 1946-65. Deceased.

Sources:

Fr. Juvenal Carl Pfalzer

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 03/6/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of Louisville on its list in 2/19. Died 3/6/02. (Brother of accused priest, Roman Pfalzer, O.F.M who allegedly abused in New Mexico.) Added in 2020 to the New Orleans archdiocese's list, where he was assigned at one point. On the Gallup diocese's list in 11/21. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22. Added to Peoria's list in 6/22. Included on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

Sources:

Fr. Kent Piper

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Order: CP
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/19.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville Orders and Others List 02.11.19

Fr. Stephen A. Pohl

Ordained: 1985
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Pastor St. Mary Margaret. Rectory and parish office searched 8/12/15 by FBI and Louisville police after parents of 10-year-old boy reported Pohl took inappropriate photos of their son and other boys. Placed on leave. Arrested 8/21/15 in FL on federal charges of accessing child porn. Detective said Pohl viewed online images of nude boys, infants to mid-teens. In KY court 9/2/15, given house arrest at his mother's. Indicted 11/3/15 by grand jury. Pled not guilty; trial scheduled for 1/12/16. Pled guilty 1/4/16 to access of child porn with intent to view. Sentenced 3/29/16 to 33 months in federal prison, to register as a sex offender, and lifetime probation. Also fined $7,500. Suit filed 3/16 vs archdiocese by parents of a boy victimized by Pohl at age 7 in 2014. Another filed 8/16 claiming photos taken by Pohl of a kindergarten boy in 2014 and again in 2015. Laicized 2/26/17.

Sr. Mary Ann Powers

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In a 2004 lawsuit eight women and one man alleged that Powers abused as them children at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage in the 1950s-1960s. Deceased. The Order said it was not aware of any previous allegations against the nun.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph J. Rives

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Ordained: 1920
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In lawsuits filed in 5/03 and 6/03, three women claimed Rives abused them as girls 1962-64. Rives died in 1971. His name was originally shown as "Joseph Reeves." At least two suits were dismissed in 12/03 for being filed too late (more than one year after 4/02 Louisville notice date).

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Donald L. Ryan

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Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Two men filed separate suits in 4/03 alleging that they were abused as children by Ryan in the 1960s. Claims settled as part of massive 6/03 settlement. Diocesan Review board said that charges could not be substantiated and Archbishop Kelly returned Ryan to active duty in 10/03. Retired in 2008.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Br. Anthony Salamone

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Order: OFM Conv
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Called Br. Francis Dominic. Five civil suits filed in 2002 alleged abuse 1972-73. Transferred to Chicago in 1980. Left Order in 1989. It is believed all five were settled in the massive 6/03 settlement with the archdiocese.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Dominic Savino

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed in 2002 from presidency of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino CA after allegations of abuse of two brothers in 1979, and abuse of others in the 1970s. Police notified. He "acknowledged" some incidents and that he had sought therapy and counseling. Also accused of abusing five high school boys in Louisville, KY 1966-73. Named in a civil suit. Claims by seven individuals included in $10M settlement 10/06 with Order and LA Archdiocese. On Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Edwin J. Scherzer

Ordained: 1950
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/13/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Retired in 1995. Removed from ministry in 5/02 after lawsuit filed. Two more suits filed by 1/03. Chancellor 1966-82 admitted he had been approached by a parent claiming Scherzer had acted inappropriately with his son, but made no record of the complaint. A fourth suit filed in 4/03 alleged abuse 1963-64. Indicted 2005. Pled guilty 11/05 to abuse of four boys in late 1950s-early 1960s. Sentenced to five years house arrest. Claims included in 6/03 mass settlement with archdiocese. Ordered to life of prayer and penance. Died 8/13/17.

Sr. Caroline Mary Schneider

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 7/22/04 amendment to a lawsuit of abusing a girl at Most Blessed Sacrament parish school. The plaintiff also alleged abuse by two other nuns, Sr. Mary Jane and Sr. Jean. The Order confirmed that Schneider was at the school during the relevant time. She is deceased.

Sources:

Courier-Journal 07.23.04

Fr. James R. Schook

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/10/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed 7/09 after allegation he sexually abused a male teen in 1985. Archdiocese said allegation did not involve parishes where he worked. Four more complaints of abuse in 1970s and 1980s. Permanent removal to life of prayer & penance 2/10 after review board found allegations credible. Former church worker sued 1/11 alleging termination when she turned him in. Suit dismissed 5/11. Appealed 6/11. Criminally charged 6/30/11 - two accusers. Convicted of 3 counts sodomy 4/16/14 in one case and one count of indecent or immoral practice in 2nd case. Formally sentenced 5/30/14 to 15 years prison; arrested. Terminally ill with skin cancer; to be housed at Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County which had nursing and hospice units. Appeal filed 5/12/14 included request he be allowed to stay out of jail during appeal. Early parole granted 11/17 due to medical status. Died 12/10/18.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Anselm Sippel

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1929
Status: Accused

Died: 03/15/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/19 (name misspelled Sippell). Died in 3/85, at age 83. Included on the Franciscan Friars, St. John the Baptist Province list of those against whom there are substantiated allegations. Added to the Gallup diocese's list in 11/21. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22.

Sources:

Sister Arthur

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 2004 alleging abuse as a child by Msgr. Herman J. Lammers and 5 nuns at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage or at local schools. The woman alleged that one of her abusers was Sister Arthur at Holy Spirit School. The order says that it did not have members working at Holy Spirit School.

Sources:

Courier Journal 07.26.04
WKYT 07.27.04

Sister Charles

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 7/04 alleging abuse as a child by Msgr. Herman J. Lammers and five nuns at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage or at local schools. The woman alleges that one of her abusers at the orphanage was Sister Charles. The order confirmed that a nun by this name worked at the orphanage in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Sister Charles is deceased.

Sources:

WKYT 07.27.04
Courier-Journal 07.27.04

Sister Eva Marie

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a civil suit filed in 2004 by approximately 50 people of abusing a child in the 1960s and 1970s s at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage.

Sources:

Courier-Journal 07.23.05

Sister Joseph Anthony

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in a 7/04 suit by a woman alleging abuse as a child by Msgr. Herman J. Lammers and 5 nuns at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage or at local schools. The woman alleged that one of her abusers was Sister Joseph Anthony at the orphanage. The order confirmed that a nun by this name worked at the orphanage in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Sister Joseph Anthony left the order in 1972.

Sources:

Courier-Journal 07.26.04
WKYT 07.27.04

Sister Joseph Michael

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 7/27/04 law suit of sexually abusing four girls in the 1950s and 1960s at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Also accused in a suit filed 7/14/05 of abusing a boy at the orphanage in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sources:

Associated Press 07.28.04
Courier-Journal 07.23.05

Sister Mary Jane

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In a 7/22/04 amendment to a suit, Sr. Mary Jane was accused of abusing a girl at Presentation Academy. The Order confirmed that there was a nun by that name at the school. She was removed from ministry pending investigation. The same plaintiff also alleged abuse by two other nuns, Sr. Caroline Mary Schneider and Sr. Jean.

Sources:

Courier-Journal 07.23.04
Courier-Journal 09.12.04

Fr. Leon C. Spalding

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Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 4/03 alleging that she was molested as a minor by Spalding after confession in the early 1970s. Spalding denied the accusations. Reportedly Spalding retired in 3/03 after facing an unrelated accusation involving an adult woman. This information came from a letter that Archbishop Kelly read to Spalding's parishioners in 3/03. Shown as retired in the 2009 Catholic Directory.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Associated Press 04.21.03
Courier-Journal 04.22.03

Fr. Joseph H. Stoltz

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sent for evaluation and treatment and placed on a restricted ministry in 1991 after allegations of abuse of a boy in the 1970s. Archdiocese paid this accuser $200K in 1992, reportedly to "silence" him. Stoltz was placed on leave in 6/02. Sued in 9/02 by another man who accused him of abuse 1975-77. Permanently removed from ministry in 10/02. Resigned from the priesthood. Laicization announced in 8/04.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Sr. Mary Alma Stuecker

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sued in 7/04. Accused of abuse of one boy at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage in Anchorage, KY. Order denied any other allegations against Stuecker. She is deceased.

Sources:

Courier-Journal News 07.16.04

Sr. Helen Thieneman

Order: OP
Status: Sued

Died: 01/21/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 8/03 alleging that Thieneman sexually abused her several times in the 1974-75 school year. The nun allegedly would take her out of class for counseling and abuse her. The alleged victim told her parents in 1983 or 1984 and a psychological evaluation supported her claims. Her father went to the Order in 1984, but no action. Order said there were no other complaints. The woman herself went to Archbishop Kelly in 1992. He said that Thieneman was assigned to a hospital in a controlled environment. Suit withdrawn in 1/03. Thieneman died 1/21/13.

Sources:

Fr. James W. Thompson

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Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 02/1/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Two men filed separate suits in 4/03 alleging abuse in the late 1960s or early 1970s by Thompson, who often took them on trips to theme parks, Florida and the Bahamas. Suits were directed to the archdiocese; Thompson was not named as a defendant. Retired in 1988. Died 2/1/06.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Henry G. Vessels

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Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Lawsuit filed in 10/02 named Vessels as an abuser. Suit said Vessels abused a 12-year-old boy in Mount Washington 1969-70. Vessels would allegedly take the boy to pornographic movies and on one occasion forcibly sexually molested him. Vessels spent several years as a teacher and administrator at parish schools. Died in 1980 at age 55.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Courier-Journal 10.24.02
Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.08.19

Fr. George J. Waldie

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Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list in 2/19. Died in 1996.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Louisville List 02.11.19

Sr. Stanislas Kotska Willett

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Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In an addition to a suit 8/3/04, accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Vincent Orphanage in Louisville, beginning in 1938 when the girl was age 6 and continuing until she was removed from the orphanage in 1943. Willett was mother superior of the orphanage 1940-44. Complainant also accused Rev. Herman J. Lammers and Sr. Frances Howard.

Sources:

Bishop J. Kendrick Williams

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bishop of Lexington when he resigned in 2002 after accusations by three former altar boys that he abused them when a priest of the Louisville archdiocese. Accused of abuse of another altar boy while working in the Covington diocese. Archdiocese later settled with the three men as part of a $25.7M settlement with 243 plaintiffs. No criminal charges filed. Removed from public ministry. On Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/19. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/20. Case referred to the Vatican.

Fr. Arthur L. Wood

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 1983 at age 59. One person went to the archdiocese after Wood's death with a claim that Wood had abused him.The archdiocese paid this man $10,500 in 1995 and provided counseling, in exchange for the man's promise of confidentiality. Accused in at least 39 lawsuits filed in 2002 and 2003. Many claims included in massive 6/03 settlement.

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.