Diocese of Charlotte NC

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

20 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Donald Philip Baker

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 12/29/19. Allegation received in 3/17 that Baker sexually abused a teenage boy 1986-89, while assigned to St. Francis of Assisi in Lenoir, NC. Baker was living in AZ in 2017, having moved there in 1991. He worked for a short time for the Phoenix diocese before leaving ministry in 1994.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Diocese of Phoenix List 12.23.19
Diocese of Charlotte List 12.29.19

Fr. Charles Jeffries Burton

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 08/20/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Working in Richmond VA in 6/2007 when placed on leave after a review of his personnel file revealed allegations of inappropriate touching of a minor in 1982, while director of youth ministry and the Boy Scouts for the the Charlotte diocese. Diocese had been informed of allegations in 1994; Burton acknowledged the misconduct. Sent for therapy and reassigned to the Camden diocese. Died 8/20/2011. On Jesuit Maryland Province list 12/17/2018. Added to the Baltimore archdiocese's list as of 2/2019. On Richmond diocese's list 2/13/2019. On Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's list (erroneously as Jeffrey Burton).

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Fr. Eugene D. Corbesero

Order: IMC
Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Worked as a priest in five states. Left his order in 1979 or 1981. Laicized in 1983. Married. Pled guilty in 6/07 to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 8/06 in New Jersey. Sentenced in 10/07 to five years prison. Prosecutors tried to obtain his personnel records from time as priest alleging that he may have had similar troubles in the 1970s; court denied the motion. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19. It notes a report in 1995 of abuse of a teenage boy sometime between 1973 and 1975 while assigned to Our Lady of Consolation in Charlotte. Corbesero died in 2016.

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Fr. Aloysius Joseph D’Silva

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 12/29/19. The diocese received a report in 1998 from a teenage girl who said D'Silva touched and kissed her at St. Bernadette Catholic Mission in Linville. He denied the allegation. The diocese said at the time that it could not substantiate the allegation. It was found credible after a 2019 file review. D'Silva died in 2005.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Diocese of Charlotte List 12.29.19

Fr. Richard B. Farwell

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Placed on leave in 5/85; diocese announced he was assigned to "a priestly ministry program" in RI; actually sent to House of Affirmation in MA for treatment. Returned to the Charlotte diocese in 7/88. Accused in 2/99 of abuse of a 10- to 12-year-old boy 19 years prior. Sent to Miami FL archdiocese in 2000 with letter of reference from Bishop Curlin. Same accuser resurfaced in 2002. Faculties revoked in 4/02. Indicted in 8/02 on charges of " indecent liberties" with a boy in the mid-1980s. Pled no contest in 11/04; sentenced to 180 days probation, counseling and community service. Civil suit filed 7/19/11. Accused of abuse of an altar boy; grooming began in the early 1980s when the boy was 14, after the boy confided to Farwell that he had been raped by a truck driver while hitch-hiking. Filed suit 4/13/20. On diocese's list 12/29/19.

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Fr. John Gallagher

Donate Photo

Order: CO
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 11/14/1976
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Named publicly as accused by the Charlotte diocese on its list 12/29/19. Accused in 9/1971 of recently inappropriately touching a teenage girl at Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe, where he was filling in one weekend. Parish was in the Diocese of Raleigh at the time, prior to the creation of the Charlotte diocese. Family did not press charges. The Oratorians restricted Gallagher's ministry. He died 11/14/76. Added to the Diocese of Charleston's list 12/31/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

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Fr. P. Patrick Gavigan

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Ordained for the Trappists. Incardinated in 1972 into the Charlotte diocese. Retired 1992. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 12/29/19. Allegation received in 2002 that Gavigan sexually abused a girl in 1973 at Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro. He denied the allegation. Living in 2002 in a nursing home in NC. Restricted from ministry to minors. Died in 2007.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Diocese of Charlotte List 12.29.19

Fr. Francis P. Gillespie

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Removed by the Jesuits from ministry 9/29/21 pending an investigation of an allegation that he sexually abused a boy, beginning when the boy was age 8, during 1994-99. Gillespie was pastor at the time in question of Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte and the boy was a student at the parish school. He filed suit 11/18/21. Gillespie left the Charlotte diocese in 2002 for the Diocese of Raleigh until 2008, then to the Diocese of Charleston, SC, returning in 1/21 to Raleigh. A criminal investigation into the allegations was closed in 11/21 because the alleged victim chose not to prosecute.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Patrick T. Hoare

Ordained: 2007
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Pastor of St. Matthew's in Charlotte when placed on leave in 12/2019 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor 25 years prior (before ordination) in PA. Police in PA investigated and found additional allegations that Hoare engaged in "inappropriate touching of relatives" when he was a teenager and young adult in the 1980s and 1990s. There were also complaints in the Diocese of Charlotte that Hoare was observed being "very touchy" with minors, including hugs and rubbing of shoulders or abdomens. Hoare denied the allegations. In 7/2020 the Diocese announced that, based on recommendation from the Lay Review Board, Hoare would remain on administrative leave. Hoare appealed to the Vatican. As of 5/2023, Hoare has continued his longtime weekly podcast, "Daily Reflections with Fr. Pat." In 5/2025 the Diocese announced that the Vatican had concluded that Hoare's removal was "in accord with canon law."

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Fr. Adelbert Holmes

Order: GHM
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 09/20/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

"Del." Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Owensboro on its list in 4/2019, where he worked 1977-1988. No known abuse in Owensboro. Included on the Glenmary order's list 10/11/2019. Worked in NC, OH, AR, KY, VA, GA. Added to the Richmond diocese's list in 10/25/2019 for allegations of abuse there. Included on the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/2019. The Glenmarys told the Charlotte diocese in 11/2019 that it received allegations in 1988 that Holmes abused three minors in 1976 in Murphy, NC, and that he was also credibly accused of abuse later in Franklin, KY. He was removed from ministry in 1991 and died in 2013. Included in 1/2020 on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list. Added in 11/2021 to the Nashville diocese's list.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Fr. Donald J. Joyce

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 01/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Worked in archdioceses of Washington DC, Boston, dioceses of Buffalo, Grand Rapids, Charlotte, San Antonio. Included on list of accused posted by the Law Offices of Mitchell Garabedian 1/19/11. Garabedian said he settled at least one claim with the Boston archdiocese involving Joyce. Claimant said Joyce fondled and attempted to rape him when he was a Lowell, MA altar boy, ages 11-13, in 1977-79. Joyce was working as Director of Libraries at Oblate College in San Antonio in 2011 and at least since 2002. Order said 1/27/11 he was barred from working as a priest. Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database. Died in 2013. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19. Accused in 2002 of abuse of a boy 1973-76 at Sacred Heart Catholic Mission in Wadesboro, NC. Accused in two lawsuits filed in 9/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing two boys, both students at Bishop Fallon High School in Buffalo. One claimed abuse at ages 11-13 in 1964-66, and the other at ages 15-18 in 1962-65.

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Seminarian John Brian Kaup

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Accused in a lawsuit filed 2/2/17 of the sexual abuse and assault of a 17-year-old girl on 12/25/13 in the parking lot of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, NC. Kaup, age 27, was a seminarian and youth minister at the parish. The suit alleges also that Kaup continued to have sex with the girl until mid-2014. A police investigation in 2016 did not result in charges. Kaup left the seminary in 5/14 and was hired to work as a youth minister at a Huntersville parish. Diocesan officials maintained that the pastor, for whom Kaup had worked at Sacred Heart, did not know of the allegations. Kaup left the Huntersville job in summer 2016. Kaup countersued, saying the two had been in a dating relationship and that her parents approved.

Sources:

Catholic News Herald 02.14.17
WSOC TV 04.28.17

Fr. Michael Joseph Kelleher

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

From Ireland. Trappist monk in Ireland and New Zealand for many years prior to leaving Order. Incardinated into Raleigh diocese in 1966, then Charlotte diocese when it was created in 1971. Retired 7/99. Removed 7/10 from assignment as chaplain at Bishop McGuinness High School after accusation of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old boy in 1977 in Albemarle, NC. Assigned there 4/73 - 8/77. Police notified 9/09 and told diocese shortly thereafter. Charges filed 7/10. Arrested, released on bail 7/8/10. Second accuser a week later. No criminal charges filed. Both men sued 9/11. Kelleher admitted to 1977 abuse. Multiple other accusers. Two more men filed suit 2012; dismissed on SOL 6/20/14. Criminal charges to which Kelleher had confessed were dismissed 7/1/14 due to his dementia. Died 8/20/14. Charlotte bishop was to preside at memorial mass. On Raleigh diocese's list in 10/18. On Charlotte list 12/29/19. Suit filed 4/13/20.

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Fr. William J. Kuder

Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Accused in 1995 of sexually abusing a boy, ages 9-13, beginning in 1952, at St. Joan of Arc in Asheville. The abuse included oral and anal rape. Kuder was said to have driven the boy to rectories 20 and 50 miles away, where he made the boy go to the door alone to seek confession for "sex with a priest." He said Kuder threatened him with eternal damnation if he broke the seal of confession. The boy's two brothers said Kuder similarly abused them at ages 9-13. In 1995 he persuaded Bishop Curlin to apologize to the parish. Curlin acknowledged the abuse of many children by Kuder, who has been referred to as a serial pedophile. Kuder died 8/31/60, before the Charlotte diocese was created from the Raleigh diocese, which until 1971 comprised all of NC. On the Raleigh diocese's list in 10/18. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19.

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Fr. Peter Tan Van Le

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

From Vietnam, Vinh Long diocese. Retired in 2011 to his home diocese. Named publicly as accused by the Charlotte diocese on its list 12/29/19. The diocese received an allegation in 2013 that Le sexually abused multiple minors at St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Church. Faculties removed in 8/13, home diocese notified.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Diocese of Charlotte List 12.29.19

Fr. Patrick F. Leonard

Donate Photo

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1996
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Removed from assignment in Charlotte in 9/03 after credible allegations he sexually abused a minor in New York in 1982. Parishioners were not told the reason for the removal until 3/04. A woman also came forward to allege that he spoke to her in a lewd manner.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

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Fr. Damion Jacques Lynch

Ordained: 1991
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

A 1998 civil suit alleged Lynch abused twin brothers 1991-95, when the boys were in their early teens. Lynch apparently reported an "indiscretion" to Bishop Curlin in 1995 who attempted to resolve the matter with the family. Sent to residential treatment. Reassigned to parish in Charlotte in 1997 but asked for leave 2/98. Diocese paid $77,489 in 1996 and undisclosed amount as result of 1999 suit. Reported in 2002 to have left priesthood. Laicized in 2009. In 2017 working as a registered nurse at MedStar Washington Hospital and living in Alexandria, VA. A man filed a police report 3/5/19, alleging Lynch and Fr. Cornell Bradley, S.J. each sexually abused him as a teen in the 1990s. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19.

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Fr. Donald F. Scales

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 12/12/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Named publicly as accused on 2/14/19 by the Diocese of Richmond after it received information from the Diocese of Charlotte. Charlotte's Review Board found credible an allegation against Scales. He had assignments in both dioceses. Accused in 2006 of sexually abusing a minor at St. Michael's in Gastonia, NC 1977-78. Removed from ministry. Denied the allegation. Died in 2008. Included on the Raleigh diocese's list updated 10/22/19, noting abuse occurring outside the diocese in 1966, reported in 2019. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

Sources:

Fr. Edward William Smith

Order: GHM
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 05/31/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Glenmary Home Missioners on its list 10/11/19. Worked in Bogota, Colombia; NC; OH; VA; GA. Died in 1975. On the Charlotte diocese's list 12/29/19. The Charlotte diocese noted that it received a report in 12/14 that Smith abused a boy in the 1960s on Boy Scout camping trips. Also, it said the Glenmarys told them in late 2019 that it had received an allegation in 1993 of abuse in the 1960s at Buck Creek, which had a summer youth camp, and an allegation in 2001 of abuse in 1963 in Boone, NC, when Smith was pastor of St. Elizabeth parish. On the Raleigh diocese's list updated 2/7/20 (erroneously as a CICM priest). Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 1/20. Also on Richmond diocese's list.

Assignments:

Diocese of Charlotte Assignment Record 12.29.19

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Fr. Robert Yurgel

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1996
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Arrested in 4/08. Charged with sex abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 1999 at St. Matthew's in Charlotte, where he was assigned 1997-99. Transferred out of diocese in 10/99. At time of arrest, was chaplain at St. Mary's in Passaic, NJ. Extradited to Charlotte and released on bail. Victim filed civil suit vs diocese and Capuchins 10/08, saying diocese knew before transfer to NJ and case covered-up. Pled guilty to 1 count 2/09; sentenced to 7 years 8 months to 10 years prison. Suit settled 5/10 for $1.23M ($1M from Diocese and $230K from the Order). Released from prison 8/16. Moved from NC to NJ in 11/16. Per Capuchins, defrocked in 2010. Suit in 12/20 claimed abuse of a boy ages 5-7, at St. Matthew's, beginning in 1997.

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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.