Diocese of Worcester MA

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

43 Accused in This Diocese

Br. Antonio F. Antonucci

Donate Photo

Order: OSF
Status: Settled

Died: 11/19/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Antonucci ran a street ministry for young children. He was charged in 1993 with fondling a 15-year-old boy; acquitted in in 5/1996. He was also named in a civil suit against Fr. Albert Liberatore in Scranton, PA. The suit claimed Liberatore's victim went to Antonucci for help and that Antonucci encouraged him not to tell because it would ruin his (the victim's) life and the lives of others. In 3/2007 the court dismissed the "aiding and abetting claim" against Antonucci, which was part of the suit. In 2019 two brothers claimed in a lawsuit that Antonucci sexually abused them as teenage boys at their home in Shoreham in 1977. They and their mother reported the abuse to their parish, where Antonucci was employed, but nothing was done. The brothers learned in 2019 that another brother was also abused by Antoucci, at age 6. Included on the Rockville Centre diocese's list in 3/2021, which notes alleged abuse in a private home in Port Jefferson. (Per the list, Antonucci was of the O.S.F. order; the lawsuit shows him as an O.S.B. monk.) In 11/2024 the two brothers were included in the Diocese's bankruptcy settlement with 600 survivors. Antonucci died 11/19/2019.

Documents:

John Doe v Liberatore et al 03.19.07

Sources:

Fr. Brion T. Ares

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Died: 12/21/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Charged in late 1993 with raping a 20-year-old man who came to him for counseling. Acquitted in 10/1994 on the rape charge and a mistrial was declared on a charge of indecent assault. Defense claimed that the alleged victim had consented to oral sex after a night of drinking at the rectory. Prosecutors said the victim was too drunk to consent. Ares died in 1998.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record 11.19.13

Sources:

Fr. John J. Bagley

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Finished seminary in Rome. Worked at Vatican 1972-1974. Placed on leave in 2/2002 after a man called the Diocese to complain of abuse in 1967 when he was 17. The abuse allegedly occurred during a trip from Worcester to Canada. The man had complained to Bishop Harrington in 1994, but no action. At least one more accuser located. Unable to prosecute in MA due to the statute of limitations. Matter referred to Canada for possible prosecution. A second man filed a civil suit in 12/2004, alleging abuse in 1963. Trial set for 2006.

Sources:

Fr. Henry S. Banach

Ordained: 1948
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Allegedly abused a boy age 12 or 13 in 1976 and 1977 while assigned to St. Hedwig in Southbridge. Two brothers filed suit in 2002. Another man joined the suit in 10/2002. A fourth man later came forward with similar allegations. One case settled out of court in 5/2005 and was dismissed. A second was set for trial in 10/2006.

Sources:

Fr. Lee F. Bartlett

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Placed on leave in 3/2002. Accused in a 6/2002 civil suit of abusing two boys 1979-1980. He reportedly fondled them and made them participate in "Greek Olympics" wherein he got them intoxicated and then made them run naked through the streets at night at his residence on Cape Cod. Also allegedly took nude photos of boys and showed them pornographic movies. He was said to have taken some boys on a trip to Paris. Resigned from his parish in 2003. Laicization announced in 8/2020.

Sources:

Br. Robert F. Beaulac

Order: AA
Status: Sued

Died: 11/17/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

On staff at Assumption Preparatory School in the 1960s. Allegedly pursuaded a young student to stay overnight because of the weather and gave him alcohol. Beaulac had the boy stay in his room where the alleged abuse occurred. The same accuser said another priest at the school, Rev. John Martin, initiated a "relationship" with him during the same general time period of 1965-1967. Beaulac died in 11/2000. Named in a 2002 civil suit.

Sources:

Fr. Andre M. Bernard

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Air Force Chaplain 1975-1991. Bernard's name was listed on a Privilege Log provided by the Military Vicariate in the Robert Peebles matter in the Diocese of Dallas. Listed as absent on leave through 2001, after which his status is shown as retired through the 2017 Directory. He is not indexed or listed in Necrology through at least 2019.

Fr. David L. Blizard

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Left active priesthood in 1988. By 2002 several people had accused him of abuse. A 7/2002 civil suit alleged that Blizard abused a boy in 1978-1980 as part of a child sex ring that operated out of the former House of Affirmation. Arrested in 8/2003 on a charge of indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14, in 1988. Found not guilty by court In 8/2004. Involuntary laicization granted in 2012 announced 3/5/2013.

Sources:

Fr. Gerard L. Branconnier

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Accused in a lawsuit settled in 1993 for $35K of sexually of abusing 16-year-old boy at North American Martyrs Parish in Auburn some years previously. Removed from active ministry and faculties removed in 1993. In 2006 the same plaintiff alleged that Branconnier was continuing to function as a priest (without authorization from the Diocese). Laicized.

Sources:

Fr. Richard J. Carelli

Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Died: 12/9/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Diocesan chancellor 1985-1987. Made Monsignor in 1992. Died 12/9/2000. Accused in a 4/2003 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy in 1964 while headmaster of Sacred Heart Academy in Worcester. Carelli's accuser said Carelli would call him into the principal's office and abuse him there. Further, he said that he failed only one subject that year but that Carelli kept him back, because he had refused Carelli's advances. Retired in 1993 and died in 2000. Three suits were settled out of court by 2/2006.

Sources:

Fr. Michael L. Carney

Ordained: 1935
Status: Sued

Died: 06/5/1981
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Monsignor. Died in 1981. Accused in a 12/2004 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy while assigned to St. Andrew the Apostle in Worcester in 1977 and 1978. Civil suit pending in 2006. Carney died in 1981.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph A. Coonan

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Died: 10/7/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Accused by as many as 15 men of psychologically manipulating and sometimes sexually abusing them as boys in the 1970s, prior to his ordination, when he was a teacher at Oxford High School and camp counselor in Oxford. Placed on leave in 2002. Denied the accusations. Arrested twice in 2006 on charges he physically abused his mother and sister, with whom he was living. Charges dismissed. Fought to be reinstated as pastor until 2/2008. Appealed to the Vatican. Died 10/7/2011.

Fr. Chester J. Devlin

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Removed in 4/2002 as head of the diocese's Respect Life Office and from parish assignment after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1980s. During the 1980s he was headmaster at two private schools within the diocese. Sued in 2003 by one man alleging abuse in 1979 at Holy Name High School. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations.

Sources:

Fr. Paul J. Doherty

Ordained: 1995
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Ordained in 1995 at age 47. Placed on leave in 11/2006 after telling Bishop McManus that he had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor in the 1970s, long before ordination. McManus reported the matter to police. Per a University of Southern Maine Osher Lifelong Learning Institute newsletter (OLLI) bio in 2017, Doherty retired as a priest to ME in 2006. He was noted to be an OLLI Advisory Board member.

Sources:

Fr. Lowe B. Dongor

Ordained: 2010
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

From the Philippines. Arrived in Worcester in 2003. Studied at Assumption College and St. Mary Seminary. Removed in 7/2011 from his first assignment, at St. Joseph's in Fitchburg, after computer techs reported to the police that Dongor's computer contained child pornography. He admitted to the porn. Also took money from the parish to send to family in the Philippines. No reason given for his removal until he was arrested in 9/2011. Fled to the Philippines in 11/2011. Extradited to US in 12/2012, arrested and held on bail. Pled guilty 2/26/2012. Sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail, suspended for 5 years. Laicized.

Fr. Joseph Albert Fredette

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1960
Status: Convicted

Died: 06/13/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Fled to Canada in 1974 after accusations he sexually abused 2-3 boys, including rape, at a halfway house for delinquents. Indicted in 1992. Arrested in 1994 and extradited from Canada. Civil suit filed in 1993 in NH by another man. Settled for $100K in 10/1994. Convicted in 1995. Sentenced to three concurrent 4-5 year sentences in prison. Served his time and was released. MA Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 10/2002, citing procedural errors. Named in D.A.'s report on the Worcester Diocese. Died in MI 6/13/2010. (Per Directories, was Joseph R., AA. There is a Joseph P. MS, ordained in 1957- not the same priest.)

Sources:

Fr. Jean-Paul Gagnon

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

A psychological evaluation in 1977 prior to ordination indicated that Gagnon had possible "sex role identification" problems. Sued in 9/2002, accused of molesting a boy, ages 10-17, in the 1980s. Took personal leave, then placed on leave by the bishop in 7/2003. Part of civil suit settled in 5/2004. Criminal charges were filed and he was arraigned in 2004 on charges of sexually assaulting an adult male parishioner in 10/2002, and assault and battery of another. Pleaded not guilty. Sentenced to 18 months supervised probation in 2005.

Sources:

Bishop Timothy J. Harrington

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 03/23/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Accused in a 3/29/2005 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 11-15, three times. The abuse allegedly consisted of genital fondling, anal penetration, and oral copulation. The diocese examined diocesan records and stated that it "found no basis of credibility to the claims." Retired in 1994. Died in 1997. Claim NOT included in 11/08 $4.5M settlement with Diocese.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. David A. Holley

Ordained: 1958
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/25/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Ordained for the Benedictines; "dispensed" from order in 1962. Became a Worcester diocesan priest. First known abuse was of minors in MA. Sent to the Paracletes in NM for treatment. Many victims in many states. After abusing in El Paso, transferred by Bishop Metzger to the San Angelo, TX diocese. Convicted in 1993 of abusing 8 boys during 1972-1974 in Alamogordo NM; sentenced to 275 years. Died in prison 11/25/2008, buried in NM. Accused in new federal suit of abusing, along with D. Barfield and W. Diamond, a boy in Alamogordo. He and Diamond also worked together earlier. A new suit was filed in Denver in 12/2013. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/2017. On the Las Cruces diocese's list 11/8/2018. On the Amarillo diocese's list 1/31/2019. On El Paso's list 1/31/2019. On San Angelo's list 2/13/2019. A new suit was filed 3/31/2020 against the Servants of the Paraclete, the Las Cruces, El Paso and Worcester dioceses, and two Alamogordo parishes for abuse of a boy in the 1970s. Included on the St. Benedict's Abbey (Bene Lake WI) list, as "Fr. Benet Joseph Holey." Abuse noted to have occurred in the 1950s in PA.

Assignments:

Dallas Morning News 08.31.97

Documents:

Holly Affadavit 07.12.93

Sources:

Fr. Peter J. Inzerillo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Placed on leave in 1994 when civil suit was filed alleging abuse of a 19-year-old in 1984. Suit settled in 1999 for $300K. Reassigned in 2000 to St. Leo's church and elementary school in Leominster. Placed on leave again in 3/2002 after parents said he attempted to molest 8-10 boys and gave graphic sexual talk to boys and girls. Another civil suit was filed in 2004 alleging abuse in 1993-1994. Cited in a RICO suit in 11/2008. Laicization announced in 1/2018.

Fr. Norman R. Jalbert

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 05/4/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Died in 1994. Guidance counselor at Holy Name Central Catholic Junior/ Senior High 1971-1984. Accused in 2003 of sexually assaulting at least two students, possibly as many as six. Some of the assaults were alleged to have occurred at a camp that Jalbert owned. One accuser said he attempted to tell the headmaster when abuse occurred but Jalbert was called into the room before he could tell.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas A. Kane

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Accused in a 1993 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy 1968-1979, starting when the boy was age 9. Allegedly offered the boy to other priests for sex. Settled in 1995. Often associated with Revs. Thomas Teczar and Victor Frobas. Co-founder and director of House of Affirmation, a treatment center for clergy in Whitensville MA. Left in 1986 after allegations of financial improprieties; skimmed funds to buy resort properties in FL and ME. Left the diocese in 1993. Continued to receive financial support from the diocese while working in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, as director of the Worldwide Teachers Institute, which he helped found. Kane lived in a house near the institute, and had young men and boys living with him. He fled in 12/2002 after news in Boston of allegations against him and that he might be in Jalisco. Voluntary laicization in 2012, announced 3/5/2013.

Fr. Thaddeus J. Kardas

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Died: 08/24/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

A woman sued in 1993 alleging that when she was age 11 Kardas referred to her as his girlfriend, kissed her in the rectory, and often attempted to caress her. The behavior allegedly occurred for a year. He was in his mid-twenties. The suit was settled in 1995 for $55K. Another women had complained about Kardas prior to the 1993 allegation. Placed on leave in 1993. Remained on leave until his death in 8/2006.

Sources:

Fr. Robert E. Kelley

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Convicted in 1990 and 2003. Admitted abusing 50-100 girls 1976-1983. Sentenced to two separate prison terms (1990-1996 and 2003-2008) for different abuses. Registered sex offender. Several civil suits. First civil suit filed in 1993. In 1997 one plaintiff was awarded $527K from Kelley. Ceased to be active priest in 1986. Two lawsuits settled in 2006. Laicized in 6/2015, after which diocesan support was discontinued. In 2015 he was reportedly living in a homeless shelter in Boston.

Br. Louis Laperle

Order: SC
Status: Acquitted

Died: 10/7/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

"Br. Philip." A man alleged in 2003 that he was molested by Laperle in 1968 when Laperle was teacher and/or principal at Notre Dame Academy in Fitchburg. Laperle left MA in 1969 for RI and never returned. In 4/2004, Laperle was acquitted by a jury of charges of assault and battery involving the student in 1968. The alleged incident actually involved indecent assault and battery but that charge did not exist in 1968, so it could not be used. Retired after acquittal. Died in 10/2021.

Sources:

Fr. Edward P. Lettic

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Removed 1/26/2014 without privileges from Immaculate Conception in Lancaster after a man alleged abuse as a boy about 40 years prior. Deemed credible. Abuse is believed to have occurred at St. Joan of Arc in Worcester. Diocese said it was the first allegation against Lettic. Matter to be referred to the Vatican. Worcester D.A. was also investigating.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas E. Mahoney

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Retired in 2012. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 4/2020 of grooming and sexually harrassing a boy 1971-1974, including plying the boy with alcohol and then pinning him down on a bed, attempting sex. Faculties removed.

Sources:

Br. Joseph M. Martin

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Died: 12/29/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Brother of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (M.I.C.M.), based at St. Benedict Abbey in Harvard MA. Died 12/29/2013, age 86. A man told the Order in 2017 that Martin raped him as a boy in the 1970s. The man filed suit in 7/2018, claiming Abbot Francis X. Connelly knew Martin admitted the abuse to the police in 2013, but didn't tell him. A CA monsignor had contacted police after the man confided in him. The man also claimed the Abbot offered to help with his medical expenses, but withdrew the offer because his needs were too costly.

Sources:

Fr. Alan J. Martineau

Ordained: 2018
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Placed on leave in 1/2022 due to an allegation of recent sexual abuse of a minor. Deemed credible in 12/2022. Assigned after ordination to St. Anne's in Shrewsbury, then as administrator of St. Paul and St. Stanislaus parishes in Warren.

Sources:

Fr. Raymond P. Messier

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 07/3/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Messier allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with a 9-year-old boy in Worcester in 1980 at a camp owned by the priest's family. Bishop Harrington was informed immediately, and promised that Messier would never again have access to young people. Transferred. Victim learned of the transfer in 2002 and filed suit. Two other men the joined suit, alleging abuse as twelve-year-olds in the late 1970s. Investigated by DSS in 2003 for recent allegations. DSS found support for the allegations but a Grand Jury chose not to indict. An additional suit was filed in 12/2004. Messier died 7/3/2018.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Edward Nicewicz

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Died: 02/2/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Chaplain at state prison in Gardner, MA when accused in 1985 of child rape and molestation involving two girls from Sutton, ages 11 and 12. Received a jail sentence in 1986. Died 2/2/2017, age 88. His obituary states that he "served in his ministry in the Diocese of Worcester until 1986."

Sources:

Fr. Brendan W. O’Donoghue

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 08/26/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Retired in 1984. Placed on leave in 1994 after a man filed suit in alleging that O'Donoghue sexually assaulted him at age 13 in 1978. The suit referenced two previous allegations. It settled in 1999 for $300K. O'Donoghue was transferred 12 times in his first 15 years as priest. A 1999 civil suit by a second plaintiff who alleged abuse in 1962 settled in 2001. Additional suits filed in 2002 and 2004. Died 08/26/2014.

Sources:

Fr. Leo J. O’Neil

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 02/26/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Accused in a 2004 lawsuit of abusing a 14-year-old boy who was living at the Stetson Home for Boys in Barre in 1975. O'Neil was assigned to St. Joseph Church at the time. He was retired when the suit was filed. Died in 2/2005. Civil suit was set for trial in 11/2006.

Sources:

Fr. Raymond J. Page

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 10/30/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Monsignor. Ordained for the Springfield diocese, prior to the time Worcester was formed. Accused by a nephew in a 2005 lawsuit of abuse in the 1950s, beginning when the boy was age 9. Page allegedly introduced the boy to four other priests who also abused him. Died in 1998. Accuser's brother expressed doubt that the allegations were true. Page was Vicar General of Worcester in 1983. As Vicar General he was given information on abuse by Revs. Jean Paul Gagnon, Thomas Teczar and Robert Kelley, among others, but no action.

Sources:

Fr. Ronald D. Provost

Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

In the early 1980s Provost was sent to the House of Affirmation after a pastor gave auxiliary bishop Harrington photos that Provost took of boys in their underwear. Made pastor in 1988. Removed in 1/1992; sent to St. Luke's Institute. Convicted in 1/9393 of taking nude photos of a 10-year-old. Received a 10-year suspended sentence. In 1/1992 Provost gave police 100+ nude and semi-nude photos of boys he had taken starting in 1977. The jury in a 1996 civil trial found the diocese and bishop not responsible and determined that the plaintiff did not suffer physical harm from the pictures. A new suit filed in 10/2010 claimed abuse 1979-1982. Bishop McManus announced on 11/18/2021 that Provost had been laicized.

Fr. Donald J. Rebokus

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 03/21/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

In 2003 a man alleged that he was molested in the mid-1970s by Rebokus while a student at Holy Name High School, where Rebokus was headmaster. The abuse allegedly would involve wrestling, showers and massages, and continued at a parish after Rebokus left the school. Rebokus' accuser said the abuse stopped when the he bested Rebokus in wrestling. Rebokus died in 1983. He had also been a state police chaplain.

Sources:

Fr. Bernard R. Reilley

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 08/30/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

A woman filed suit in 12/2004 alleging that Reilley sexually assaulted her for several years in the 1950s when she was ages 2-8. He died in 1990. Case was still pending 2/15/2006.

Sources:

Bishop George E. Rueger

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 04/6/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Sued in 2002. Accused of abuse of a boy, ages 13-14, in the 1960s. Rueger denied the allegation. The suit was dropped in 2003 by the plaintiff. Diocesan investigation found no proof of charges; pope's representative to the US agreed with the findings. Rueger retired in 2005. Died 4/6/2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Robert A. Shauris

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

One of three previously unnamed priests listed in a 1995 confidential settlement of a 1993 lawsuit against Thomas A. Kane and the Worcester Diocese. Placed on leave in 1991 "so he could work" at a local college. Accused in a 2002 suit of abuse of two boys in the mid-1980s at St. Bernard's Catholic High School in Fitchburg. Case settled in 2004. Found working as church organist at First Congregational Church of Leicester in 2012. Last known to be living in Worcester. Voluntary laicization in 2012 announced 3/5/2013.

Sources:

Fr. Justin Steponaitis

Ordained: 1937
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Sued in 1993. Accused of abuse of an altar boy at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol 1971-1976. Steponaitis denied all charges. Retired in 1987. Died in 1995. Suit had been dismissed by 1997. Also accused in 2004 of sexually abusing a boy 1980-1986; the Worcester and Spokane dioceses provided therapy.

Sources:

Fr. John J. Szantyr

Ordained: 1957
Status: Indicted

Died: 05/16/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Ordained for the Marian order; dismissed by the order in 1972. Assisted at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, CT in the early 1970s. Sent to treatment in MA in 1975. Prohibited in 1978 from ministry in the Hartford archdiocese after an allegation received. Became priest of the Worcester Diocese in 1980. Per 8/2002 article, a youth accused Szantyr in 1987 of molesting him for two years. Family went to police; charges not pursued. Szantyr left MA in 1986 or 1987. Charged in 6/2003 with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Had been accused of molesting two altar boys. No trial as of 4/2007 due to Szantyr's mental condition. A private investigator found him walking and driving on his own in 5/2007. Civil suit filed in 1/2005. Ruled incompetent to stand trial 5/2008. Died 5/16/2014 in Waterbury, CT. Charges were pending, then formally dropped after his death. On the Hartford archdiocese's list 1/22/2019.

Fr. Thomas H. Teczar

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

Removed from the Worcester, MA diocese in 1986 for sexually abusing boys. Later became a visiting priest in the Fort Worth, TX diocese whose bishop, Joseph Delaney, knew of Teczar's history and acknowledged the risk in hiring him. Teczar was convicted in 2007 of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old TX boy in 1990. That conviction was overturned in 2007, but a retrial in 2009 resulted again in conviction. Sentenced to 50 years in prison. His victim testified that Teczar had shown him pornography and plied him with alcohol and marijuana. Subject of multiple lawsuits: In 10/2002 a MA jury found for a plaintiff who had filed a suit in 1996; no damages awarded. Civil suits by five plaintiffs in Fort Worth and Amarillo settled in 2005 and 2007. Another claim settled in 2/2008. Laicization announced 9/9/2011. Teczar sought early parole for medical reasons in 6/2013; denied after public outcry to the parole board. Died in prison in 3/2015.

Fr. Gerard P. Walsh

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Worcester MA

In 3/2002 a man gave the Worcester County D.A. a written confession from Walsh regarding his abuse, which began in the late 1970s. Walsh had been serving as chaplain with the MA state police. Walsh admitted the abuse and was removed from police and parish duties in 3/2002. Resigned in 2003. The Diocese had known of the abuse since 1998 when Walsh's victim reported it in a letter. Walsh denied it at that time. In 2012 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced that he had settled a lawsuit(s) alleging abuse by Walsh.

Sources:

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

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.