Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

78 Accused in This Diocese

Br. Andrew Abdon

Order: FSC
Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 08/17/1977
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Also known as John Christenson. In separate 1995 lawsuits, two brothers and another man claimed abuse as grade-schoolers in the 1950s by Abdon and other Christian Brothers, at St. Michael's in Santa Fe and at College of Santa Fe. Last of lawsuits settled in 10/96. A woman filed suit in 1995 alleging abuse by Br. Abdon at St. Michael's. Trained at Juniorate in Las Vegas, NM and De La Salle Novitiate in Lafayette, LA. Took the habit in 1936; final profession 1945. Died 8/17/77. Stadium at St. Michael's called Brother Abdon Field, as late as 2009. On Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/17. New suit in 4/21.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Lionel Augustine Abeywickrema

Ordained: 1951
Status: Settled

Died: 11/12/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

From Sri Lanka. Accused by three sisters of sexually abusing them in the mid-1960s, when he was at St. Bernadette's parish in Albuquerque and they were ages 6-14. The women reached an out-of-court settlement with the archdiocese, announced 7/1/93. Abeywickrema was removed from public ministry. Died 11/12/08. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Marvin Archuleta

Order: SF
Ordained: 1970
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Around five cases involving Archuleta settled in the mid-1990s. Accused in a 1994 suit of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy daily during a 1971 car trip from NM to DC. Sent to St. Luke's, then Vianney Renewal Center for treatment. Suit settled in 12/95. Archuleta said the plaintiff exaggerated. Removed from ministry. Found by news outlet working as a priest in Mexico City in 2002. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. Suit filed in 10/18 by a 38-year-old man claiming Archuleta raped him when he was a grade school student at Holy Cross in Santa Cruz in 1986-87. Arrested 2/8/19 on charges of the kidnapping and rape of a 6-year-old boy in 1986. Trial began 1/30/20. Report to the D.A. in 2/19 of abuse of an altar boy in the early 1990s. Acquitted in 2/20.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Gerald A. Armstrong

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 04/16/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in a lawsuit 11/19 of sexually abusing, along with Rev. Alan Pilie, a girl who was in first through third grades, beginning in 1968 in Albuquerque. She attended a school near Immaculate Conception parish, where the priests were assigned. His accuser said she was often forced to drink alcohol before the abuse. The alleged abuse was first reported to the Jesuits in 2009, and was deemed not credible. Armstrong died 4/16/96.

Sources:

Albuquerque Journal 11.17.19

Fr. Paul M. Baca

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 02/8/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

A woman filed suit 1/00, alleging a sexual relationship with Baca for one year beginning in 1973 when she was 15. The suit also alleged relationship resumed in 1989 and lasted until the 1990s. She had a videotape and transcript wherein Baca admitted "repetitive sexual contact." He resigned. Suit was settled 6/00 for undisclosed amount. Settlement also covered claims by another woman who claimed Baca had a 2-year affair with her which ended in 2000. Died 2/8/13. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

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Fr. Daniel M. Balizan

Ordained: 1989
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in 8/22 when suspended due to an allegation that he sexually abused a boy, age 15, ten years prior. His accuser sued in 10/22. Balizan had been assigned to the parish since 2012.

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Fr. Donald A. Bean

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 11/29/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Worked as a priest of the Santa Fe archdiocese 1963-70. Moved to the Burlington VT diocese in 1970, where he was incardinated in 1975. Retired in 1994 due to ill health, per his obituary. Died 11/29/05. Included on the Burlington diocese's list 8/22/19, where he is also noted to have abused.

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Seminarian Rudy Blea

Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Civil suit filed 6/10/94 alleged abuse of at least one youth during counseling sessions 1969-70. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17, as a Benedictine. Blea sued the archdiocese in 1994 and again in 2018, claiming he was never a member of the Benedictines, nor employed by them or in residence with them at any time during his life, nor has he ever been a brother, monk, deacon or priest in any diocese of the Catholic church. He said he did give talks at a retreat in Albuquerque that his accuser attended. Per the Sante Fe archdiocese on its list 3/8/19, Blea was in formation for the archdiocese 1969-76. Blea said he became a seminarian in 1974.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Brother Alex

Donate Photo

Order: FSC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

In a 1995 civil suit, a man alleged he was abused by Bro. Alex when he was a student at the Junior Novitiate of The College of Santa Fe 1955-57. The same man also alleged abuse by Bro. Abdon and by a scout master. Settled in 1996.

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Br. Louis Brouseau

Order: FSC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Brouseau and two other De La Salle Christian Brothers were accused in 1995 civil suits of independently molesting a young man over several years at St. Michael's school. The man's brother also claimed abuse by one of the Brothers. Brouseau later left the order and worked as a public high school principal. Case settled Fall 1996. On Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. New suit in 4/21.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Ronald L. Bruckner

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

At least six men alleged abuse by Bruckner in the 1970s and 1980s when they were in middle school in Albuquerque. Several reported to Archbishop Sheehan in 1995. Bruckner was investigated in 1995 and 2004 by the review board, but not removed. Had a third evaluation in 3/05 after a sixth man claimed 1970s abuse. Placed on leave and 'retired' 3/05. Lost all privileges 9/05. Still representing himself in 1/08 as a priest of the Santa Fe archdiocese. On Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. Suit v Boy Scouts naming Bruckner and Rev. Robert Malloy 12/18.

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Br. Marr Burbach

Donate Photo

Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Burbach was accused of sexually abusing several members of a parish beginning in the 1960s. Affiliated with Pecos Benedictine Monastery. Two civil suits were filed in 1994. His name was included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused on 9/12/17. (Burbach may be misidentified on the archdiocese's list. There was a Rev. Maur Burbach, O.S.B. who was prominent in MO. The Official Catholic Directories throughout most of the 1960s show a Rev. Bernard Burbach, O.S.B. who was at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery in Pecos, NM, in the Santa Fe archdiocese, throughout most of the 1960s. There is no indication in the Directories that Maur was assigned there. Bernard and Maur were brothers [family]. Maur Burbach died in 1982. Bernard died in 1969.)

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Walter Edward Cassidy

Ordained: 1942
Status: Settled

Died: 05/12/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

A man and woman filed separate suits in mid-2013 alleging abuse by Cassidy, who worked in parishes in Albuquerque, Taos and Mora. Suits were reportedly settled at some point before 5/14. Another man filed suit 5/14 alleging abuse by Cassidy at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in northwest Albuquerque in the late 1960s. Plaintiff says he was abused between 50-80 times as a 10-year-old boy. In a suit filed in 11/14, Cassidy was accused of molesting an 8- to 10-year-old girl in the late 1960s on a church bus. Archdiocese knew of allegations against Cassidy by 1994 but never made them public. He died in 1994. On the archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Charles J. Charron

Donate Photo

Order: sP
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

From Canada. First identified publicly as accused on Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/17. Worked at St. Peter's church in Gentilly MN in the Crookston diocese in 1960; Madre de Dios Novitiate in Santa Fe 1960-61; the order's house in Santa Cruz, Bolivia 1961-63; Jemez Springs NM 1963-65; the order's minor seminary and novitiate in the Burlington VT diocese 1965-71; the order's Canton retreat house in the Youngstown OH diocese 1971-73. Retired 1973. Last listed in the 1978 Directory.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Albert Chavez

Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued

Died: 11/20/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Monsignor. Accused in a 10/18 lawsuit of the sexual abuse, including rape, of an altar boy 1972-77 in Peralta, when Chavez was pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Chavez allegedly would ply the boy with alcohol. Transferred to the Diocese of Las Cruces where he worked in parishes 1977-85. He died in 1997. On Diocese of Las Cruces list 11/8/18. It noted a report received in 2002 of an incident in 1984. On Santa Fe's list 3/8/19.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Johnny Lee Chavez

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Last assignment 2011-2014 at Sangre de Cristo, where he was pastor. Retired.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Henry A. Clark

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 07/25/1957
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/17. Worked at St Anne's in Santa Fe 1952-1957 and at missions in Agua Fria, Cienega, and Cieneguilla. In those years identified in the Directory index as a Santa Fe priest and a Franciscan, but not identified as OFM in parish entry. Assigned as a Syracuse priest to Immaculate Conception cathedral in Mobile AL diocese 1936-1939. In all other years he is not indexed in the Directory (1946-1952) or is listed as 'absent with permission' (1932-1936; 1940-1945). Died on 7/25/57 in Albuquerque at age 56. Syracuse and Utica assignments are mentioned in the obituary but not indexed in Directory.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Octavio A. Coggiola-Mower

Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Monsignor. First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Also known as Ottavio and O.A.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Leon Q. Corpuz

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. Leo J. Courcy

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Priest of the Burlington VT diocese. Civil suit filed in 1994. Courcy and Rev. Joseph Anthony Gallegos were accused of abusing an altar boy in NM, after Courcy's first trip to the Servants of the Paraclete treatment facility in Jemez Springs. Sent to the Paracletes in 1967 and 1969. Faculties removed 2/93 when assigned in NYC. Laicized in 6/09. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. Accused in a 5/19 suit against the Paracletes of abusing two boys during an overnight the rectory of St. Anthony's in Questa in 1969. One of the accusers claimed he was raped. Per the suit, Courcy was sent by the Paracletes to St. Anthony's as a supply priest four days after his arrival for treatment. On Burlington diocese's list 8/22/19. News suit in 5/21 claims abuse of a boy in VT in 1978, starting when the boy was age 5 or 6.

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Fr. Finbar Coyle

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 02/6/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

"Barry." First identified publicly as accused on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. Assigned to Santa Fe Cathedral 1959-74; worked from there as Franciscan vocations director for the Southwest. Later worked in New Orleans archdiocese and Baton Rouge diocese. Died 2/6/91. Last listed in the 1988 Directory; death entry in 1992 Directory shows his location as St. Mary of the Angels, a Franciscan parish in New Orleans. The 1989-91 Directories do not show him as assigned to that parish. During his time in Santa Fe a/k/a Finbar. Listed in Directory as Barry thereafter. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Added to New Orleans' list in 2020. On the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese's list in 12/20; 1 credible allegation of abuse there; assigned 2/73-6/74 to St. Therese in Fort Wayne. On Las Cruces list in 11/20; at St. Peter's in Roswell 1965. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22. Included in 6/22 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Edward Francis Donelan

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 12/25/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Worked at a boys' school run by state and then ran a boys' ranch operated by Santa Fe Archdiocese. State of NM knew of allegations in 1971. Accused of sexually abusing and beating residents. Church ranch was closed after one boy died. At least one civil suit filed in 1994 by two men. Archbishop Sanchez received complaints in 1976; sent another priest to investigate. Ranch closed shortly thereafter but Donelan remained priest until death in 1994. Lawsuit filed in 5/17 by a man alleging abuse by Donelan and Rev. Laurier Labreche in the late 1980s, when man was an 11- to 13-year-old altar boy at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque. Included in Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. John L. Esquibel

Ordained: 1966
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Esquibel (also spelled Esquivel) is alleged to have molested boys in several parishes before he was placed in job at Chancery office. Reoffended after treatment. Indicted in 10/93 and charged with abusing a 15-year-old altar boy in 1983; charges dropped by judge in 2/95 for lack of evidence. Worked as an Army Reserve chaplain from 1979. At least two civil suits filed in 1994. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Daniel L. Farris

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 11/23/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Died in 2018.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Dennis Fountain

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1981
Status: Arrested

Died: 12/29/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Dean of Students at St. Catherine's Indian School. Indicted in 1/87 on more than 170 counts of sexual abuse (most charges from 1 of 3 accusers). Indictments dismissed because a DA was alleged to have tampered with the Grand Jury. Reindicted in 9/87 on other charges. Apparently found not guilty because he became pastor of St. Helena Parish in Hobbs, NM (Las Cruces Diocese). A 4/25/10 church bulletin requested prayers for him as he was ill; he was no longer shown as pastor. Died 12/29/13. On Las Cruces diocese's list 11/8/18. Noted to have worked in Las Cruces diocese 1992-08. Report made in 2009 of an alleged incident in 1960. On the Gallup diocese's list 12/10/18.

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Rev. Edward M. Gallagher

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Died: 12/1/1969
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Ordained in 1913. Gallagher was a prison chaplain and parish priest in PA early in his priesthood. Per the Official Catholic Directory, Edward M. Gallagher was a Philadelphia priest on leave of absence at least 1930-1948. By 1949 he was indexed as a Sante Fe priest assigned to a Trappist Monastery in Dubuque IA, and in 1952 he was shown as at St. Francis Home in Dubuque. He worked in the Santa Fe archdiocese from 1953 until his death in 1969. Chaplain for 15 years at St. Anthony's Boys Home in Albuquerque. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 of sexually abusing a boy who resided at the Home. The plaintiff, in his late 60s, said that he and other boys were sexually abused by the chaplain, visiting priests and Sisters of St. Francis, who ran the Home. He said he was abused from the age of 6 until he escaped at age 13, and that he was Gallagher's "captive sex toy." Gallagher's name is included on the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's list of accused in 10/20. (The list shows him as an OFM Franciscan, but other sources do not show that he was a member of the Order.)

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Fr. Joseph Anthony Gallegos

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Alleged to have abused at least four boys, one in each of his four assignments 1965-72. Apparently had his privileges suspended from 1972-1992. Was reconciled with the Church just before dying of AIDS in 9/92. At least one victim also acquired AIDS. At least four suits filed against estate. One suit settled in Fall 1994 and another was settled before it reached the lawsuit stage. Named in at least one civil suit filed 8/14. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Robert W. Galli

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused by a man in a lawsuit filed in 4/18 of having sexually abused him as a boy at St. Anne's in southwest Albuquerque. Deceased. On the archdiocese's list 3/8/19.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Gallup Independent 04.09.18
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Deacon Hector Garcia

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Assigned to Albuquerque parishes 1981-89.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe list 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. Paul J. Greenwell

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1928
Status: Accused

Died: 11/24/1964
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused on Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/17. From Louisville KY archdiocese until Owensboro diocese established in 1937. Per Directories late 1950s-early 1960s Greenwell was Absent on Leave from the Owensboro diocese, at Sacred Heart parish in Albuquerque. Included on 4/12/19 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations, which states: 'multiple allegations from the 1940s and 1950s deemed substantiated.' 'Retired to Albuquerque' in 1956. Died 11/24/64.

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Fr. Sabine Griego

Ordained: 1964
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused of sexual and physical assaults of over 38 children, male and female. Suit filed 1993, 7 in 1994. Lived at Archbishop Sanchez' residence after treated at Paracletes. Suspended 1/93; laicization process began 2/94. Was prison psychologist after FBI check; resigned months later. Civil suit 5/14 re abuse at an ABQ parish in 1986. Suit 8/15 re abuse of boy in 1980s at Griego's home in Montezuma and an ABQ parish. A man filed suit 5/14 against Santa Fe archdiocese; claimed he was raped by Griego at age 17 in 1986; had gone to Griego for guidance about possibly becoming priest and that there were teen boys with Griego in rectory and drinking. Accused in 12/17/15 suit of abuse of boy, age 14-18, at parishes in Las Vegas, NM and ABQ 1975-79. On Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. Two new suits 1/18. New suit 5/18 by 6 men, 1 woman. Arrested 3/19, charged with rape of 8-year-old girl in early 1990s. She had gotten settlement. On Las Cruces list 6/24/19. Died in 10/20 before trial.

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Fr. Richard Hennessy

Donate Photo

Order: SSS
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 3/8/19 (name spelled Hennessey; Catholic Directories show spelling as Hennessy). Assigned to Blessed Sacrament in Albuquerque 1961-63. Last indexed in the 1969 Official Catholic Directory.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. J. Patrick Hough

Donate Photo

Order: SJ
Ordained: 2011
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 11/19 of sexually abusing a boy , age 17, at Immaculate Conception in Albuquerque in 2011. The boy was involved in community service at the parish via a juvenile detention center. Hough denied the allegation. Per the Jesuits, Hough would not "engage in public ministry" " until this matter is resolved."

Sources:

Albuquerque Journal 11.17.19

Br. Dennis Huff

Order: OFM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

A man filed a complaint with Santa Fe police in 1/97 alleging rape and abuse by Huff on multiple occasions in the early 1980s at St. Catherine Indian School. He also alleged abuse by Fr. Christopher Kerr. Huff left the order some time before 1997. Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of rape in 1976 of a 15-year-old boy living in St. Catherine School's dorm. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. Worked at a behavioral health center serving mostly native Americans beginning 1992; "retired" in 9/17 after the center received an anonymous letter about Huff's past. Included in 6/22 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Theodore Isaias

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Civil suit filed against Isaias, Santa Fe archdiocese, Via Coeli, Greek Orthodox Church, and Estate of Fr. Charles Rourke in 1995. One man said he was sexually abused by Isaias in 1974. It is believed Isaias was treated at Via Coeli prior to time he abused plaintiff. Suit was settled and dismissed in 1996. Documents released by the Orange CA diocese show that in 1988 Isaias was the Director of Albuquerque Villa, a facility of the Servants of the Paraclete, and was also their Director of Aftercare. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. James A. Kemper

Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 11/23/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Died 11/23/93. Included in the Diocese of Memphis report 2/28/20, where he worked at some point two parishes in West TN. On the Knoxville diocese's list as of 3/6/20. Included on the Diocese of Nashville's list in 11/21.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Christopher Kerr

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Died: 04/6/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

A man filed a report with the Santa Fe police in 1997 alleging abuse by Fr. Kerr and Br. Dennis Huff at St. Catherine Indian School. Allegedly Kerr (a teacher) fondled him once in 1980 or 1981 and Huff raped him several times in the early 1980s. Kerr was working in the Cincinnati archdiocese in the late 1980s. He left the priesthood in the early 1990s. In 1997 he was was living in Houston, TX. He died in 4/18. Included on the Franciscans' St. John the Baptist Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Added to the Gallup diocese's list of credibly accused in 11/21. Included in 2/22 on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list.

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Fr. Robert J. Kirsch

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 11/3/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

From NY. Trained as Jesuit. Ordained for Gallup. Transferred to Santa Fe. Archdiocese became aware of behavior and sent him to counseling several times; each time would transfer him to new parish. Kirsch allegedly sexually abused a girl at St. Thomas Apostle in Abiquiu NM beginning when she was age 15 in 1973-77, leading to pregnancy and an abortion. She filed a civil suit in 1991. He admitted sex but said she was 19 by then. Suit dismissed in 1993 on SOL; dismissal upheld by NM Court of Appeals. Died 11/3/05. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. On Las Cruces diocese's list 6/24/19, where he worked 1965-67.

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Fr. Laurier A. Labreche

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/17 of sexual abuse, along with Rev Edward Donelan, of an altar boy, ages 11-13, in the late 1980s at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque. Living in Albuquerque in 5/17. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. On Las Cruces diocese's list 11/8/18. Worked in diocese 1962-68 at St. Eleanor's in Ruidoso.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Vincent A. Lipinski

Ordained: 1987
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Confronted by Archbbishop Sanchez in the early 1990s after two allegation that Lipinski abused a youth after getting him drunk. Lipinski denied; nothing done. Working at St. Anthony Parish in Questa, NM when criminal charges filed 10/92. Pled guilty in 1993 to two charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy after giving him alcohol. Sentenced to jail, suspended for 5 years. Civil suit filed by boy in 1993 and settled in 1996. Per a6/02 article, Lipinski was laicized at some point. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Hubert C Lomme

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1934
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Ordained in Valkenburg, Holland. Monsignor. Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of sexual abuse of a 6- or 7-year-old boy in the early 1960s when pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas NM. Another suit filed in 12/16 claimed Lomme sexually abused 7 preteen boys at Our Lady of Sorrows 1959-64. Died 10/22/86 at age 79. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Clive Lynn

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

From Ireland. Dismissed from seminary in Scotland, accepted into seminary in the Diocese of Austin TX in 1968. Very involved with catechetical and CYO groups. "Clashed" with priests, then was recommended for and accepted into the Santa Fe diocese, where he was ordained in 1969. Multiple complaints by individuals and social services of abuse by Lynn, with subsequent transfers by Archbishop Sanchez. Privileges revoked in 1986. In 1989 the Archdiocese of Santa Fe paid a $554K settlement to one person claiming abuse in the late 1970s. Four civil suits were filed in 1994 alleging abuse of altar boys in the early 1980s. Per the suits, Lynn was no longer a priest and no longer in the United States. He left for Great Britain after 1989. Lawsuit filed in 11/14 by a Las Vegas man claiming abuse as a boy by Lynn in 1977. On Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. On Las Cruces diocese's list 6/24/19.

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Joseph M. Maguire

Ordained: 1934
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in a lawsuit 11/5/18 of abusing a boy, age 12, in 1955 at San Francisco church in Ranchos de Taos NM. Maguire was born 5/19/1898 in Lexington MA; trained at St Meinrad Seminary IN; ordained in Boston by Cardinal O'Connell on 5/25/1934. Reportedly taught at minor seminary for a year before working until 1960 in parishes in the Santa Fe archdiocese, where he was also a Consultor and chaplain of the NM Senate. Granted the title monsignor in 1950. After working as pastor at Ranchos de Taos, where he was later accused of abuse, he was on sick leave before his next parish assignment at Our Lady of the Assumption in Albuquerque. Listed in the Official Catholic Directory 1960-76 as a Santa Fe priest 'On sick leave' but reclassified as 'retired' when he died on 10/10/76. An obituary in the Boston Globe revealed he had been assigned to St. Brigid in Lexington MA, though never indexed or listed as there in the Directory. Not included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's lists of accused.

Sources:

Fr. Robert Patrick Malloy

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1983
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Arrested in 1998 and later charged with sexually exploiting at least 14 boys 1992-98. Placed on leave. Indictment covered 42 charges. Charges dismissed 2/02. Refiled. In plea agreement 8/02 Malloy pleaded no contest to five lesser counts. Sentenced 9/02 to 5 years (less 5 days) probation. Per 2002 article, he had been writing anonymous, sexually explicit notes to teenage boys at St. Pius High School, offering to pay them for their semen. Served as police chaplain until 1998. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. Named in suit against Boy Scouts 12/18 along with Rev. Ronald Bruckner.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Philip E. Martin

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. On Diocese of Las Cruces list of credibly accused 1/08/18. Report noted to have been received in 2002 of an alleged incident in 1984. Martin worked at NMMI (New Mexico Military Institute) in Roswell 1983-84.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Armando Martinez

Donate Photo

Order: sP
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Sent to Servants of the Paraclete for treatment in 1988. Removed from ministry in 1993 after allegation of abuse of a minor in 1992. Retired in 1994 after he was accused of sexual misconduct with a boy 20 years prior. Civil suit filed. In 5/94 Martinez was found murdered on the road to the Paraclete retreat. Police arrested a man who claimed Martinez fondled him after they had both been drinking. The man was later sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder. A lawsuit filed 8/15 alleged rape by Martinez over 2-year period of an altar boy at Sacred Heart in Española, NM in the late 1980s. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Charles Martinez

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Suspended in 4/93 due to allegations of abuse, which he denied. Civil suit filed in 12/93, claiming Martinez abused a boy 1977-83, beginning when the boy was age 12 and Martinez was studying to be a Franciscan Friar. Martinez allegedly would abuse the boy in the Sante Fe archdiocese and during trips throughout the U.S. The suit was dismissed in 5/95.

Sources:

Albuquerque Journal 05.07.95
Albuquerque Journal 05.23.95

Fr. Luis Martinez

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Order: SF
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in two civil suits filed in NM in 1994 of abusing minor females. No dates for abuse were given in either suit. Martinez reportedly had left the priesthood. At least one suit was settled by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Sons of the Holy Family in 12/95. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Fr. Robert Lee Martinez

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Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Worked in the archdiocese 1979-1993.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe list 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. Roger L. Martinez

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/17.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe list 09.12.17

Fr. Diego Mazon

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 11/15/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

In 2/09 it was revealed that Mazon had been removed from ministry in the Gallup diocese in 2004 due to an allegation that he had sexually and psychologically abused a girl 1974-78 while at St. John's in Roswell. Civil suit filed in 2005 against Mazon and the Santa Fe archdiocese. It was settled and dismissed in 2/06. Living as of 2011 at order's Juan Diego Friary in Albuquerque, possibly with former Archbishop Sanchez. Included in an update of the Gallup diocese's list 4/28/17. On Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. On Las Cruces list 11/8/18. Died in 11/18. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22. On the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans List in 6/22.

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Fr. Thaddeus Mazur

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/21/18 of sexually abusing a girl when she was 9- or 10-years-old, at Sagrado Corazon parish in Costilla. Mazur was assigned to the parish 1956-66. Deceased.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Taos News 11.15.18
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Br. Tom McConnell

Donate Photo

Order: FSC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused, along with Bro. Abdon and former Bro. Louis Brouseau, in a 5/17/95 civil suit by two men, who were siblings, of molesting them on several occasions while they were in elementary school and junior high at St. Michael's in Santa Fe. Litigation was settled in Fall 1996 for an undisclosed amount. New suit filed in 4/21.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Michael P. O’Brien

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Pastor of a number of archdiocesan parishes; started 'Pilgrimage for Vocations' in 1973, which were week-long walks for youth through northern NM, with sleepovers at parishes along the way. O'Brien died in 1/93 at age 48 (possibly of AIDS per plaintiff's attorney). In 2012 a man told archdiocese that he had been sexually abused by O'Brien at age 10-11 in mid-1980s when O'Brien was assigned to St. Anthony in Questa. The archdiocese provided counseling for several months but it ceased when plaintiff retained attorney. He filed civil suit 4/2/13. Three more men filed suits a few weeks later, and six more shortly thereafter. By 12/15 O'Brien was named as a perpetrator of sexual abuse vs NM boys in the 1970s-80s in 17 lawsuits, at least 9 of which had been settled. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17.

Fr. Ralph W. Pairon

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First named publicly as accused on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/17. From Belgium. Was priest of Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (C.I.C.M.); sent by Order to the U.S. in 1954. Incardinated in the Santa Fe archdiocese. Transferred to San Antonio TX archdiocese in 1968, where he taught high school for 22 years. Died 10/5/14. Named in suit filed 11/18, accused of abuse of a 10-year-old girl at St. Thomas in Abuquiu, beginning in 1969.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. George W. Pausch

Donate Photo

Order: sP
Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 01/27/1971
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. Originally a priest of the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. Sent to Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs NM "On Sick Leave" in 1955. Remained there until his death 1/27/71.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. John Peris

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Ordained: 1934
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

A man filed suit in 6/95, claiming he was abused at age 13 by Peris in Anton Chico, NM at San José parish. Peris was also responsible for missions in Dilia, Colonias, Pintada, Milagro, Dahlia, Plaza de Arriba, and Tecolotito. Suit said the plaintiff lived at the parish hall for several months so that he could ride the bus to school. Peris also lived at the parish hall and allegedly abused the plaintiff for several months in the Fall of 1957. Peris reportedly returned to Spain shortly after the abuse and is believed to be dead. Included on the archdiocese's list 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Arthur J. Perrault

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Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Ordained for Hartford diocese. Sent to NM for treatment 1966 and Canada 1992. Air National Guard chaplain. Allegedly abused at least 10 boys & girls; some took own lives. Fled U.S. 1992. At least 4 lawsuits (1992 & 1994). One settled 11/93 for $600K. Four settled 1995. Named in at least 1 suit filed 8/14. Man who filed suit 8/14 against Santa Fe archd said Perrault abused him dozens of times beginning 1991, when he was an altar boy, age 10, in Albuquerque. Perrault found in 4/16 working in Morocco, at American Language Center in Tangier; living there off and on for 30 years. Resigned 5/16, school notified police. Suit filed 8/4/16 re abuse of NM boy 1975-77. Another suit 12/16. One plaintiff said 38 victims. $16M judgment in 2/17. Included on Santa Fe list 9/12/17. Arrested by FBI 9/18, returned to NM. Pled not guilty to charges of abuse of 11-year-old boy while chaplain at Kirtland AF Base 1991-92. New suit 11/18. Found guilty 4/10/19. Sentenced in 9/19 to 30 years in prison.

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Fr. Roman Pfalzer

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 12/26/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/17. Assigned to St. Francis in Gallup in the early 1950s. Santa Fe's updated list in 3/08/19 shows Pfalzer as having been assigned to the Cathedral of St. Francis in Santa Fe in 1966. Also worked in Roswell and Clovis. Died 12/26/11. On the Archdiocese of Indianapolis list 10/18/18. Noted to have two victims, allegedly abused 1954-54. On the Gallup diocese's list of credibly accused in 8/19. (Brother of accused priest, Juvenal Pfalzer, O.F.M.) On the Las Cruces diocese list 11/13/20. On Cincinnati's list in 2/22. Added in 6/22 to Peoria's list. Included on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list.

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Fr. Alvin Pilie

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Order: SJ
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named in a lawsuit 11/19 as having sexually abused, along with Rev. Gerald A. Armstrong, a girl in grades one through three, in 1968 in Albuquerque. The girl attended a school near Immaculate Conception parish, where the two priests were assigned. The alleged victim said they sometimes forced her to drink alcohol before the abuse. The Jesuits were first informed of the claims in 2009, which they found to be not credible. Pilie is deceased.

Sources:

Albuquerque Journal 11.17.19

Fr. Louis Prefontaine

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Order: SSS
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Assigned in 1968 to St. Charles Borromeo in Albuquerque. Deceased.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Sr. Casilda Pudei

Order: ASC
Status: Accused

Died: 12/5/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

First named publicly as accused on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 11/8/18. It notes a report received in 1993 of abuse in 1957. Pudei was assigned to St. Edward's School in Carlsbad 1956-57. She died in 1987. On Las Cruces diocese's list of credibly accused 11/08/18. (News accounts mistakenly categorize Pudei as a priest - the diocese's list does not indicate that Pudei was a nun.)

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Fr. John Quinn

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. The list shows Quinn to have been a priest of the Manchester diocese. Assigned in 1960 to Villa Madre de Dios in Santa Fe.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe list 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. George Rieffer

Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Msgr. Rieiffer (misspelled "Reiffer" in media reports) was accused in a lawsuit filed in 5/16 of sexually abusing and raping a girl beginning in 1952, when she was 6-years-old. The abuse allegedly occurred many times in the rectory of Immaculate Conception parish, Las Vegas. The girl was said to have been a parishioner and student of the parish school. Rieffer died 9/7/91.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Albuquerque Journal 05.12.15

Fr. John C. Rodriguez

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Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Resigned from parish in 3/95 after a lawsuit was filed alleging he abused a 19-year-old seminarian after plying him with alcohol more than 20 years previously. After suspension, Rodriguez was sent for treatment of alcoholism. He was allowed to work under certain restrictions until 2002 when he was permanently removed. Included in Santa Fe archdiocese's 9/12/17 list of those accused of child sexual abuse.

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Fr. Paul Rodriguez

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17 (misspelled Rodriguiez). Noted to be a priest of the Diocese of Richmond. Assigned to Via Coeli in Jemez Springs in 1965, and had a psychology practice in Albuquerque 1966-86.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. Ronald W. Roth

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Worked in Peoria IL diocese 1966-68. Worked in NM 1968-72, returning to IL 1972-91. Peoria bishop placed him on leave 3/93 after civil suit filed in NM which alleged he abused at least three boys and one girl there, beginning in 1968. One mother complained to Santa Fe archdiocese in vain. By 6/97 news articles referred to Roth as a spiritual healer and former priest. Died 6/1/09. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. New suit 5/21/18 alleging abuse by Roth of a 14-year-old NM boy in 1971. On Peoria diocese's list by 1/20.

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Fr. Lorenzo T. Ruiz

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

In a 1995 lawsuit filed in NM, a woman claimed Ruiz started a 'girls club' at church to find victims; he allegedly sexually abused her and others in 1978 after taking them on outings and giving them money and presents. Suit included charges against the Archdiocese of Denver and the Franciscans. Ruiz transferred from Albuquerque to Denver in 1987 and became head of Hispanic Affairs. He was abruptly removed from the post in 11/04 and his faculties were revoked. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. On the Franciscan Friars, St. John the Baptist Province list. Noted to have left the order and been laicized. Added to the Diocese of Gallup's list in 11/21. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Edward Rutowski

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Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Accused in two 1994 civil suits of molesting minors. Was priest in St Anthony of Padua Province in Chicopee MA; requested transfer to Santa Fe for "health reasons." Apparently incardinated into Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1956 or 1957. Alleged to have abused one boy in 1967. Abuse alleged of another boy in 1971 by Rutowski and church custodian. Retired in 1991. Facilities were restricted to private celebrations of mass after accusations by one youth. Accused in suit filed 12/17/15 of abusing various boys, one 1975-79, beginning when boy was age 9 and Rutowski was at St. Jude Thaddeus in Albuquerque. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Deacon Julian Sanchez

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Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Permanent deacon. Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/5/94 of raping an altar boy, age 12-13. Placed on leave. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Fr. Robert F. Sanchez

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Appointed Archbishop of Santa Fe in 1974, Sanchez was later accused of having sexual intercourse with at least 11 women over period of many years. Some of the women were teenagers. One claimed to have been paid $25K after Sanchez allegedly raped her in 1973. Sanchez also had extensive knowledge of the sexual abuse by priests in the Archdiocese and rarely did anything to punish or remove them. He resigned in 1993 and lived in Minnesota. Died 1/20/12.

Fr. Clarence Schoeppner

Ordained: 1937
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Schoeppner became vice-chancellor of the archdiocese immediately after ordination, and later chancellor. Accused in a 1994 lawsuit of nonconsensual sexual acts and physical abuse of a girl in 1967, as part of 'cleaning ritual.' The girl and her sister lived at St. Anthony's Boys School, an orphanage run by the Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph of the Perpetual Adoration. Retired in 1980. Died prior to filing of the suit in 1994. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. George S. Silva

Ordained: 1997
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Prior to his 1997 ordination, Silva was a Christian Brother for 17 years. Assigned as a Christian Brother to O'Dea HS in Seattle 1991-94. Studied in CT. Fr. Silva was placed on leave in 2005. Arrested 2006, charged with abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 2005, during a trip to France and Portugal. Civil suit filed 3/06. Pled guilty 6/1/06. Sentenced to 5 years prison and 5 years probation 9/06. Civil suit settled 11/06. On Seattle archdiocese's list 1/15/16. On Santa Fe archdiocese's list of accused 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Robert J. Smith

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Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Died in 1987. At least six civil suits filed in 1993-94 against Smith's estate. Smith apparently abused a fellow high school seminarian in 1946. Expelled in1959 from Christ the King Seminary in the Buffalo NY area for molesting three children. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe accepted Smith in 1970. After ordination, Smith molested children at various parishes in NM in the 1970s and 1980s. Sent for treatment on at least three occasions. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Ignacio Tafoya

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Placed on administrative leave 8/94 and suspended from priestly duties, pending an investigation into allegations of past sexual misconduct with minors. Archbishop Sanchez was asked about allegations against Tafoya in his 1994 deposition. He said that Tafoya had come to him to say that someone had made a statement to a nun about Tafoya and that the statement was a lie. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/17. Accused in lawsuit 11/18 of the sex abuse of a boy in 1974.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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Fr. Gordon Patrick Wagoner

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 09/2/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. From Diocese of Lafayette IN. Assigned 1975 to Santa Fe as Director of Campus Ministry and Theology professor at Univ. of Albuquerque. Per obit, returned to Lafayette in 1983 "for reasons of health." Also did post-doc work at Univ of Chicago 1966-70, taught at St. John's College of Cleveland for a year, back to IN as History of Religions professor at Catholic Seminary in Indianapolis, while Director of Campus Ministry at Wabash College in Crawfordsville. After return to IN in 1983 did mostly Hospital chaplaincy work. Died 9/2/08.

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Fr. John George Weisenborn

Order: SCJ
Ordained: 1939
Status: Settled

Died: 10/29/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Member of MA-based Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. Caught three times in 1964 by Washington, DC police having sex with boys before he was sent to NM for treatment. Lived at Via Coeli Center, allowed to work in parishes. Later assigned full time as parish priest. A man filed suit 10/11 against Santa Fe AD and Paracletes, claiming abuse by Weisenborn for three years in the 1960s while at St. Francis Xavier in Albuquerque. Settled 11/12. In residence at a parish per 1989 Directory. Died 1991. New lawsuit filed 5/15 in Albuquerque alleging abuse of a boy repeatedly at St. Francis Xavier, beginning in 1968. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/17.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Fr. Thomas P. Wilkinson

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/17. Died 6/13/86.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

Sources:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe list 09.12.17
Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 03.08.19

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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.