56 Accused in This Diocese
- The Trentonian 11.20.15
- The Trentonian 08.21.14
- Statement by Diocese of Trenton 08.21.14
- Planet Princeton 08.21.14
- Mercer County Prosecutor 08.21.14
- Times of Trenton 08.21.14
- CSNPhilly 08.21.14
- CBS Philly 08.21.14
- Courier-Post 08.22.14
- Asbury Park Press 08.22.14
- Philly Com 08.22.14
- New Jersey Com 11.20.15
- The Trentonian 11.20.15
- Asbury Park Press 02.18.19
- Diocese of Trenton List Corrected 03.17.19
- Trenton Times 10.31.05
- Home News Tribune 03.28.07
- Cranbury Press 03.28.07
- Star-Ledger 03.28.07
- Ashbury Park Press 03.29.07
- Sentinel 04.05.07
- Cranbury Press 06.22.07
- Sentinel 02.05.09
- Star-Ledger 11.23.09
- Times of Trenton 11.24.09
- Times of Trenton 12.07.09
- Times of Trenton 12.21.09
- Philadelphia Inquirer 08.16.11
- The Republic (AP) 08.16.11
- ABC 30 08.17.11
- Courier Post 08.17.11
- New Jersey Newsroom 08.17.11
- Times of Trenton 08.17.11
- Sacramento Bee 08.18.11
- God Discussion 08.22.11
- Diocese of Buffalo Updated List 11.05.18
- Asbury Park Press 02.18.19
- Diocese of Trenton List Corrected 03.17.19
- The Trentonian 06.12.20
- Trentonian 08.13.20
- NJcom 03.05.04
- Philadelphia Inquirer 05.25.02
- LA Times 05.31.02
- Morning Call 05.31.02
- Orange County Register 06.01.02
- Associated Press 06.03.02
- Philadelphia Inquirer 06.06.02
- SNAP Wisconsin statement 10.16.11
- Star-Ledger 10.16.11
- The Record 10.17.11
- Smoking Gun 10.25.11
- BishopAccountability 04.11.12
- SNAP Wisconsin Statement 04.11.12
- Star-Ledger 07.26.13
- Star-Tribune 07.26.13
- HRT News 07.27.13
- SNAP Statement 07.27.13
- Asbury Park Press 02.18.19
- Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record
- Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record
- Asbury Press 04.04.02
- Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record
- Garabedian List 01.19.21
- BA.org Assignment Record
- Asbury Park Press 09.30.07
- Press of Atlantic City 10.02.07
- Asbury Park Press 10.03.07
- Press of Atlantic City 10.03.07
- Press of Atlantic City 10.07.07
- Press of Atlantic City 09.15.08
- Ashbury Park Press 09.16.08
- Statement by Mark Crawford on Fr Noche and Fr McAlinden 12.14.08
- Asbury Park Press 02.21.11
- The Times 02.21.11
- The Trentonian 02.21.11
- Point Pleasant Patch 02.21.11
- The Newsworks 02.21.11
- My Central Jersey 02.22.11
- KION 02.22.11
- Press of Atlantic City 02.22.11
- Newsroom Jersey 02.22.11
- Asbury Park Press 02.23.11
- Asbury Park Press 05.27.11
- Daily Mail (UK) 06.02.14
- NJ SNAP Statement 06.02.14
- Road to Recovery 06.02.14
- Star-Ledger 06.02.14
- Ring of Fire 06.02.14
- Raw Story 06.02.14
- Star-Ledger 06.03.14
- Religion Dispatches 06.06.14
- Press of Atlantic City 02.10.15
- Asbury Park Press 02.18.19
- Diocese of Trenton List Corrected 03.17.19
- Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record
- NBC 10 (Freehold NJ) 04.28.06
- Ashbury Park Press 04.29.06
- Star-Ledger 04.29.06
- Jersey Journal 04.29.06
- Philadelphia Inquirer (AP) 04.29.06
- Asbury Park Press 02.18.19
- Diocese of Trenton List Corrected 03.17.19
- Cherry Hill Courier-Post 12.18.19
- Trentonian 08.13.20
- Waiting for Godot to Leave 09.29.13
- United Press International 09.29.13
- Star-Ledger 09.29.13
- Asbury Park Press 09.29.13
- AZCentral 09.30.13
- SNAP Statement 09.30.13
- Road to Recovery Statement 09.30.13
- Ocean Signal 09.30.13
- Times of Trenton 10.01.13
- Asbury Park Press 10.01.13
- Newsworks 10.02.13
- Asbury Park Press 10.03.13
- SNAP Statement 10.03.13
- Diocese of Trenton Statement 10.03.13
- Star Ledger 10.03.13
- Toms River Patch 10.03.13
- The Republic (AP) 10.03.13
- Courier Post 10.04.13
- American Conservative 10.04.13
- Ocean Signal 10.04.13
- Waiting for Godot to Leave 10.06.13
- Star Ledger 10.07.13
- Star-Ledger 11.03.13
- Star-Ledger 11.21.13
- Star-Ledger 12.11.19
Fr. Romannilo Apura
Arrested 8/21/14, charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy in a Trenton home in late spring or early summer. A second incident occurred in June, when Apura attempted to remove the same boy's pants. Suspended by bishop without privileges during investigation. Had been assigned to St. Martha's in Point Pleasant since July 2012. Prior to that was at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton from June 2007 to July 2012. Diocese says this is only complaint it has received re Apura. Pleaded guilty 8/15 to aggravated criminal sexual contact. Sentenced 11/20/15 to 3 years in prison, ordered to register as sex offender, and lifetime parole. Time to be served at specialized adult treatment center for sex offenders. Mental health evaluation found Apura to have "repetitive and compulsive behavior." Released 11/30/17. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Removed from ministry.
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Fr. Edward Balestrieri
Removed from ministry 5/1/2002 after a woman wrote to the Trinitarians to complain that Balestrieri "inappropriately touched her son," age 11, in 1975 in Trenton, NJ, when he was a member of the Order. He had been incardinated into the Belleville Diocese in 1985. On 1/24/2009 the Belleville diocesan website gave his status as "Administrative Leave/Retired." Died 9/10/2012. On the Belleville diocese's list of credibly accused 12/19/2018.
Fr. Ronald R. Becker
Removed from parish work in 1989. Faculties removed in 2002 after "credible complaints." Two prior settlements. Arrested in 3/07 on charges of molesting a female family member when she was ages 5-11 in the 1980s. Pleaded not guilty in 6/07. Died in 1/09. Diocese paid woman $325K to settle her claim in 11/09. Accused of abuse of 5 altar boys in Ewing in the 1970s and 1980s. Settlement with the 5 men for $1M in 6/11. On Buffalo diocese's updated list 11/5/18. Noted to have been a seminarian from Trenton. On Trenton diocese's list 2/13/19. Per news in 6/20, two more lawsuits were filed. Suit in 8/20 claims abuse in 1982 of a 12-year-old.
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Fr. George M. Brembos
Monsignor. Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill. Died 6/15/11.
Fr. Richard C. Brietske
Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Trenton diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Former Chancellor, among other prominent roles in the diocese. Retired 2012. Removed from ministry.
Fr. Gerard J. Brown
Named publicly as accused by the Trenton diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Died in 2013. One accuser stated publicly in 6/19 that when he was a 16-year-old seminary student and parishioner at St. Mary of the Lake in Lakewood, Brown abused and attempted to rape him. In a 12/19 lawsuit a man alleged Brown abused him at age 15. He said church officials called him a liar at the time, and that they covered up multiple cases involving the priest. Brown is deceased.
Fr. Francis Bruno
Removed from a seminary because of improper behavior. Graduated from another. Accused in a 1994 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 12-14, 1978-81. The abuse allegedly occurred at parishes in Woodbridge and South Amboy and at the Stella Maris Retreat on Long Beach Island. Removed from ministry. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted.
Seminarian Marcin Burek
Status: Arrested
Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ
From Poland. Arrested in 10/11 after driving down streets and trying to lure at least four girls, ages 13-19, into his car by offering them alcohol and offering to pay them $10 for sex. Per the diocese, Burek was studying on a student visa to gain "parish ministry experience and to further discern his vocation." He was attending St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He denied the allegations. Was no longer living in parish setting or attending the seminary.
Fr. Michael J. Burns
Accused publicly in 3/04 of sexually abusing a girl when she was a sixth grader in 1975. Her complaint was originally made in 2002; diocese investigated, found no proof and allowed Burns to continue in active ministry. She filed suit in 2004. Retired in good standing in 2017.
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Fr. Peter R. Cebulka
Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill. In 11/21 the website of St. Ann's Parish in Raritan, NJ (Diocese of Metuchen) shows Cebulka as Head of School and teacher. His name is no longer on the school's site in 12/22.
Fr. Velanmarukudiyil Christudasl
Also known as Rev. V.J.Christudas. From India. Visiting priest at Church of the Visitation in Brick from 2001. Arrested 7/14/12 and charged with criminal sexual contact of both an adult woman,her 5-year-old daughter, and her 13-year-old son. The woman complained to police on 7/13/12 after the priest paid a visit to her home. Detectives found probable cause to file charges. Privileges removed by diocese. The woman filed civil suit 7/3/14 on behalf of herself and her two children. Acquitted at criminal trial in 10/14 of child molestation, found guilty of groping the woman. Sentenced to two years probation.
Deacon Charles J. Comito
Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Removed from ministry in 2007. One alleged victim noted. Former coordinator of the diocesan Family Life Education Counsel. He and his wife held seminars in the 1970s and into the 1980s for parents on teaching sexuality to their children. Died in 8/16/15 in FL.
Fr. Glenn Michael Davidowich
Member of the Passaic Eparchy of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Identified in 2002 as founder of a website featuring videos of teenage boys wrestling in speedo swimsuits. Eparchy did nothing. Placed on leave in 2011 when a man accused Davidowich of abusing him as a boy at St. Mary the Assumption in Trenton in the late 1980s-early 1990s, beginning when the man was 15. The Eparchy paid the alleged victim $200K in 6/11 to settle claims before suit filed. Living in WI in 2011. Another settlement 6/29/13. Laicized 4/2/13.
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Fr. Leon Dicks
Accused at some point of sexually abusing a girl, ages 11-14, about thirty times during 1958-61, when the girl was a hospital patient. Dicks was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton where the girl received treatment, and the abuse occurred in her hospital room. A claim in the case was settled in 5/20 in the low six figures. Dicks died 10/4/09.
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Fr. Benjamin R. Dino
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13//18. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
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Fr. Lawrence Donovan
Named publicly as accused by attorney Mitchell Garabedian on 1/19/21. Allegedly sexually abused an altar boy, age 13, in 1946, while assigned to St. Joseph's in Trenton. The abuse included sodomy. The suit settled in 2020 in the low six figures on behalf of the estate of the alleged victim, who died prior to the resolution of the case.
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Fr. John J. Eagan
Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill. Died 12/7/81.
Fr. Jean-Level Eliscard
Ordained in Haiti. Working in New Jersey. Arrested in 11/94 for the recent sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. He was at the airport awaiting a flight to Haiti when arrested. Convicted in 1995; received a three-year probated sentence. Returned to Haiti. In 2003 he was working in a Canadian diocese. Prior to offense, he had worked in the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Fr. Joseph J. Farrell
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 4/21 of sexually abusing a boy, age 13 or 14, in 1988 or 1989. The abuse allegedly included rape. The boy was a student at St. Agnes in Atlantic Highlands.
Fr. Manuel R.M. Fernandez
From Spain. Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2002 after he was accused of inappropriate conduct with a young girl in 1982. DA's office said matter was beyond statute of limitations. Diocese committee recommended he be removed. Returned to Spain where he was an active priest in the Diocese of Ourense. Died at age 71 in 8/06. On Trenton diocese's list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted.
Fr. William F. Fitzgerald
Monsignor. Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims’ Rights Bill.
Fr. Thomas I. Flynn
Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill. Flynn died 5/25/80.
Fr. Thomas J. Frain
Monsignor. Pastor of St. Ann's in Lawrenceville 1967-1995. Retired in 1995. Died in 1997. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted.
Fr. Michael M. Garry
From Ireland. Ordained in Rome before World War II. May have started as a Benedictine. Worked his first two years of priesthood in Manchester, England prior to arrival in the U.S., due to complications of WWII. Worked in the Sacramento diocese and Newark archdiocese before Trenton. Accused by a woman of repeatedly molesting and stalking her for three years late 1950s-early '60s, beginning when she was age 11 and Garry was assigned to St. Mark's in Sea Girt, NJ. Confession was allegedly used in the abuse, and included digital penetration. Stalking and abuse allegedly continued after reassignment. Retired in 1981. Died 12/11/88. Settlement in 12/19 in the low six figures in case of abuse of two girls, ages 12 and 9, beginning1960 and 1961.
Fr. J. Gerard Griffin
Also known as Gerald J. Griffin. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Trenton on its list 2/13/2019. Multiple alleged victims noted. Sick leave 1962-1969. Assigned in the Diocese of Springfield IL from the early 1970s. Appears to have spent a short time at a parish rectory in Baltimore MD in the late 1970s. Died in 1986. Included on the Springfield IL diocese's list 9/23/2022.
Fr. Douglas U. Hermansen
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Removed from ministry. Per news in 6/20, Hermansen was accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse of an altar boy, age 15, in 1975, prior to ordination. The suit claims Hermansen anally penetrated the boy over 100 times. Accused in a suit in 8/20 of abusing a child, ages 12-13, in 1985-86. Settlement in 2020 in the low six figures of a claim that Hermansen sexually abused an altar boy during 1979-83, when the boy was ages 13-17.
Fr. Donald E. Hickey
Died in 1993. Accused at some point of sexually abusing a 9-year-old boy at least twice in 1975, while assigned to Nativity Church in Fair Haven. The abuse included forced oral sex and sodomy. A claim in the case settled in 12/19 in the low six figures.
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Fr. Frank J. Iazetta
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Per news in 6/20, four lawsuits had been filed claiming sexual abuse of children in the 1970s; one suit alleged he touched and massaged a 7-year-old girl's vagina in 1975. A suit filed 7/10/20 claims Iazetta groomed and abused a boy for 16 years, including while the boy was a student St. Joseph High School in Metuchen. Iazetta left the school after 1974. Transferred in 1986 to Tennessee. Included 11/4/21 on the Diocese of Nashville's list, which notes that he was assigned to parishes in Nashville and Tullahoma and that he resigned the priesthood in 1993. He died 3/14/07.
Fr. Vincent J. Inghilterra
Attorney Garabedian announced settlement 9/13 on behalf of one individual who alleged abuse by Inghilterra during 1970s when he was chaplain at Trenton State Teachers College in NJ. This was first public naming of Inghilterra although Trenton officials found allegations credible 5/13 and suspended him then. Military Chaplain, per 1989 Official Catholic Directory. In 2012 he was leading pilgrimages to France, Fatima, Italy and Medjugorje. In 9/16 diocese agreed to 6-figure settlement with man claiming abuse by Inghilterra at age 16 in 1979. The man said that after an incident, another teen told him he was "now one of Fr. Vince's boys." On diocese's list 2/13/19. Removed from ministry.
Fr. Francis J.C. Janos
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Deceased.
Fr. Leo A. Kelty
Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2002 after a review of diocesan records showed that Kelty was accused of inappropriately touching a young girl on at least two occasions more than 20 years prior. Case beyond statute of limitations, per DA's office. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Died 5/15/18.
Fr. Jose Ignatius Kuruthukulaugara
Status: Accused
Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ
Visiting priest from India. Accused of abusing a 7-year-old girl in 1988. Allowed to return to India. Spelling of last name is per 1988 Catholic Directory. News article spelled it "Kuruthurukulangara."
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Fr. Eugene Kwapisz
Named publicly as accused by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian in 5/21. Subject of a claim settled in 2021 in the low six figures. Allegedly sexually abused an altar boy, ages 13-16, 1983-85, while assigned to St. Casimir in Riverside NJ. The abuse is said to have occurred in the parish rectory and in hotel rooms during trips. Kwapisz died 1/27/88. Per his obituary, Kwapisz worked at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore MD for 10 years, then at parishes in PA, NJ and GA.
Fr. Gerald F. Lyons
Status: Settled
Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ
Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low six figures of sexually abusing a girl, ages 4-5, in 1964-65, while assigned to St. Anthony's in Trenton. The abuse allegedly occurred in the church rectory and involved Lyons digitally penetrating the girl's vagina while she sat in his lap.
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Fr. Patrick Francis Magee
Attended seminary in Ireland. Worked in the Trenton diocese. Returned to Ireland on vacation in 2003 where he was accused of abusing a boy between 1965 and 1969, when Magee was a seminarian. Arrested in Ireland. Allegations of abuse of two adults also raised in Trenton. Charges in Ireland dropped in 2004 after alleged victim's suicide. Magee returned to Trenton and asked to be reinstated. He is shown as retired in 2007-2010 Catholic Directories. On Trenton diocese's list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Removed from ministry. Subject of settlement(s).
Fr. Terence O. McAlinden
Removed without privileges 9/07 after Diocese informed by prosecutor's office of claims that he had sexually abused a juvenile for years, beginning in 1985. Civil suit filed; dismissed. No criminal charges due to SOL. Diocesan review board deemed allegations credible. Matter forwarded to the Vatican. Same man filed in 2009 in DE. In 2011 a man said he reported abuse in 1989 and settled with Diocese in 1992. Another man alleged abuse in late 1960s. Suit still before the court 6/14. Diocese claimed no responsibility for McAlinden's behavior because he was "off duty" at the time of abuse. Diocese settled 10/14 with a man claiming abuse by McAlinden in the 1980s. Died 2/6/15. On diocese's list 2/13/19.
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Fr. Joseph F. McHugh
The diocese was warned in the early 1990s by another priest about McHugh's behavior with children. McHugh was accused of molesting a boy 1995-96, beginning when the boy was age 9. Placed on leave, sent to Vianney Center in PA for treatment. Pled guilty in 2005. Sentenced in 4/06 to 5 years probation on a lesser charge so his victim would not have to testify. Civil suit filed and settled. No privileges after 1996. On diocese's list 2/13/19. It notes multiple victims. Deceased. Lawsuit filed 12/19 claims abuse of a boy, ages 11-16, in 1979-84. An 8/20 suit alleges abuse of a child, ages 10-12, in 1980-82. Accused of abuse of a girl, ages 6-7, in 1974-75; settlement in low five figures in 2/20.
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Fr. William J. McKeone
Named publicly by the diocese as accused on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Removed from ministry. (The list shows McKeone's ordination year as 1969; per the Official Catholic Directory, it was 1972.) Accused of abuse of an altar boy, ages 13-14, in 1975-76, while assigned to St. Denis in Manasquan. Settlement in that case in 12/19, in the low six figures. McKeone died 5/17/21.
Fr. Richard R. Milewski
Accused in a 5/09 lawsuit of abusing a 13-year-old boy and other boys 1984-85, while assigned to St. Veronica's Church in Howell. On one occasion, Milewski allegedly abused the boys on an overnight trip to a spa in the Poconos. On leave during diocesan investigation. A second plaintiff added to the lawsuit 6/30/09 alleged abuse on a different trip during same time span. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Noted to have been removed from ministry.
Fr. Liam A. Minogue
Monsignor. Died in 2007. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted.
Fr. Sebastian L. Muccilli
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 2/16/15 in FL.
Br. Kurt Munn
Franciscan brother. Transferred to NJ from MI in 1972. Returned to DeWitt, MI around 1979. Accused publicly in 4/19 of sexually abusing a boy 1972-79 while assigned to Holy Assumption School in Roebling, NJ. Allegedly began raping plaintiff when he was a 7-year-old altar boy. He filed a report with the NJ State Police in 1996; Munn admitted to abusing the boy as well as over a dozen others, but the SOL wouldn't allow prosecution. The diocese confirmed in 2019 that in 1998 and 2007 it received multiple allegations against Munn from his time at Holy Assumption. Munn left the Franciscans at some point. In 4/19 he was still living in DeWitt, MI. Reportedly known in DeWitt as having been a firefighter and active with the Knights of Columbus. Civil lawsuit filed in 12/19 under a new NJ law by the man victimized as a boy 1972-79. A second man filed suit in early 2020 alleging abuse in NJ beginning at age 10.
Fr. Henry A. Murphy
Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill.
Mary Nazareen
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 of sexually abusing a girl in the 1960s at Holy Cross School in Rumson when the girl was kindergarten to 7th grade. The school employed the Sisters of Mercy.
Fr. Charles O’Donoghue
A 7/09 civil suit claimed abuse of a 7-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother by a John O'Donoghue at St. Catharine's in Spring Lake during 1972-74. Per the diocese, Rev. Charles O'Donoghue was assigned there 1969-74; there were no records of "John." The diocese had been informed of abuse by Charles O'Donoghue in 2002. Another letter received 7/10/09 named John. A member of an Irish religious order, Charles O'Donoghue returned to Ireland in 1975 and is believed to have died in 1986.
Fr. Edward O’Neill
Monsignor. Named publicly in 11/21 by Attorney Jeff Anderson as accused in a lawsuit filed under the NJ Victims' Rights Bill. Pastor Emeritus in 11/21 of St. John Vianney Parish in Colonia NJ.
Fr. Robert J. Parenti
Placed on leave in 1998 after allegations that he had been involved 25 years prior in sexual misconduct with a minor. He was living at St. Veronica's parish in Howell Township and working at the Diocesan Tribunal in Lawrence at that time. No criminal charges filed. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Multiple allegations noted. Removed from ministry.
Deacon Joseph J. Prioli
Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/3/19. One alleged victim noted. Removed from ministry. Arrested in 1/17, charged with sexually assaulting a child, who was a relative, for years, beginning in 2007. Pled guilty. Sentenced in 9/17 to five years in prison.
Fr. Joseph R. Punderson
Monsignor. Working at the Vatican since 1995 as Defender of the Bond at the Apostolic Signature. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Had been credibly accused in 2003 of sexually abusing a minor 23 years prior. The Holy See was informed, Punderson offered to resign, but he was allowed to continue in his role. In Fall 2018 the Trenton bishop instructed him to resign; this time his resignation was accepted. Removed from all public ministry.
Fr. Matthew Riedlinger
Complaints to Bishop O'Connell in 2011 that Riedlinger engaged in explicit sexting, emails and verbal conversations with students in seminary. Bishop sent him to counseling and lectured him. Two men set up Internet sting in 2012 and the priest exchanged over 1200 explicit text messages and emails with what he thought was 16-year-old old boy. The men (supported by three others) gave transcripts of the exchanges to the bishop in 2012. Removed; sent to in-patient treatment. No publicity until 2013. Privileges permanently removed 10/13.
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Fr. Thomas A. Rittenhouse
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 6/26/06. Lawsuit filed in 1/21, alleging abuse of a child 1981-82, while assigned to Holy Cross in Rumson.
Fr. John E. Sullivan
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Deceased.
Fr. Florencio Peneda Tumang
In a 1993 civil suit, four families alleged their daughters were abused by Tumang between 1987 and 1992. Parents of one of them allegedly told diocesan officials in 1990, but no action was taken, allowing Tumang to assault the fourth girl, who was age 14. Tumang was indicted twice in 1992 but fled, possibly to the Philippines. Warrants were out for his arrest. On diocese's list 2/13/19. Per the list, Tumang was ordained in 1980, but the Official Catholic Directories show his ordination as 1948. Deceased.
Fr. Gregory D. Vaughan
Monsignor. Parish priest, former vicar for Catholic education, chancellor, vicar general, moderator of the curia, director of vocations. In 3/19, diocese announced it had received a credible allegation against Vaughan of child sex abuse, occurring in the late 1970s-early 1980s, while he was assigned to St. Ann's in Keansburg. Removed from ministry. In 4/19 the diocese quietly updated its list, noting that there were multiple victims. Case reported to law enforcement, and to be sent to the Vatican. Per news in 6/20, Vaughan was accused in a lawsuit of anally penetrating an altar boy, age 8, in on multiple occasions 1987 and forced the boy into oral sex.
Fr. Henry Brendan Williams
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple allegations noted. Removed from ministry. Arrested in 9/19, charged with sexually assaulting a girl under age 13 on three occasions 1997-99. The alleged victim said that she was 12 when Williams touched her on her inner thigh and vaginal area. After news of his arrest, two more women came forward, one alleging that when she was age 12 in 1983, Williams kissed her repeatedly and patted her bottom; the other said that when she was 13 in 1983, he took her to an office to show her something, seemed to attempt to kiss her but she got up and left before he could. Both said the incidents occurred at St. Veronica's in Howell, and they were students at the parish school. Acquitted by a judge in 7/21. Williams reportedly said he planned to move to his native Ireland.
Fr. Gabriel Zeis
Director and chaplain of Princeton University's Catholic campus ministry and Diocesan Vicar for Catholic Education in 9/19 when accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1975, prior to ordination. Denied the allegation. Resigned. On 6/16/20 the TOR Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus announced that investigations by the A.G. and Order could not substantiate the allegation and deemed it not credible. Zeis was to be reinstated.