Diocese of Brooklyn NY – BishopAccountability.org

172 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. John L. Abrams

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 7/5/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

'Sick leave '1989 until 1997 when 'retired.' Some time after 2002 several men reported to the Diocese that they were sexually abused by Abrams during 1979-1982, when they were boys and he was pastor of Sacred Heart in Queens. No criminal charges. The Diocesan Review Board deemed the allegations credible in 11/2007; Abrams was permanently removed. Case referred to the Vatican. Died 7/5/2008. Accused in 6/2019 by two men of raping them when they were 10- to 13-year-old altar boys and students at St Patrick's in Bay Ridge in the 1980s. They said he drove them around to places such as the beach and movies, and gave them beer, cigarettes and porn. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Anthony J. Acciarito

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 7/22/2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Joseph V. Agostino

Order: CM
Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

A man notified the Diocese and Order in 2003 that Agostino had abused sexually abused him as a minor. The Order investigated and could not find sufficient information to support the allegations. Agostino was kept in ministry. The Bishop met with the alleged victim. In 4/2009 the same man came forward again, this time with more evidence and proof that he was a minor at the time of the abuse. The Diocese told the County District Attorney; the Order removed Agostino from his assignment at St. John the Baptist, pending further investigation. He reportedly was moved in 2009 to Philadelphia and was assigned to various projects by the Vincentians' Superior General. The Philadelphia archdiocese's website in 6/2020 shows Agostino as there at St. Vincent's Seminary.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Bennet Akuzie

Donate Photo

Status: Arrested

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Visiting priest from Nigeria. Arrested 4/1/1996 on charges that he groped a 16-year-old girl, exposed himself to her, and requested sexual acts from her at a motel. A 21-year-old woman was also involved. The two women took his car after the incident and he reported the car stolen. The 16-year-old made the allegations when they were picked up by police. Akuzie refused to press charges for theft.

Sources:

Fr. Eugene P. Arnaud

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 8/14/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list updated 6/29/2019. Arnaud died 8/14/1988.

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Fr. Louis Aufiero

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 5/24/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 5/24/2015. There were several allegations before and after his death.

Sources:

Fr. William Authenrieth

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 6/24/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Had 'relations' with a youth of "about 18" in the Brooklyn diocese in 1973. Transferred to Orlando after the youth threatened to reveal. Removed from ministry in 10/1985. Sent to the House of Affirmation in MA. Named in a Brooklyn civil suit in 2003. At least four civil suits were filed in 1985 against Authenrieth and the Orlando Diocese claiming abuse of boys. Suits settled out of court; at least $2M paid to three; a fourth settled for $490K. Authenrieth admitted abuse; never prosecuted. New suits in 7/2012 and 10/2013 in Orlando. Another was filed in 8/2014 alleging abuse at All Souls in Sanford, FL. Known in 2014 to have been living in a MA retirement community. Died 6/24/2015. Included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019. Included on the Orlando diocese's list of credibly accused 10/6/2021.

Br. David Baker

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Deceased
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Also known as Br. Felix. Joined the Xaverians in 1956. Worked in the U.S., Mexico, South Korea and Romania. Faculty member 1983-1984 at Colegio Cervantes Colonias in Guadalajara; ESL Teacher/Trainer in Guadalajara 1990-1993 and at Instituto Mexicano de Saltillo, Coahuila 1995-1997. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019, which notes allegations received in 2003 of abuse in the mid-1980s in Brooklyn. Baker was removed from ministry and withdrew from the Xaverians in 2003. Deceased.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Fr. John G. Bals

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 8/27/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Laicized 10/13/1973. Died in 8/1995. Appears to have become an Episcopal priest - his gravestone shows that he was rector of St. Johns 1977-1995, and he was buried at St. John's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Beltsville, MD.

Sources:

Mary Juanita Barto

Order: RSM
Status: Settled

Died: 5/2/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Religious Sister of Mercy (RSM). Joined the order in 1952. Professed her final vows in 1957. Accused publicly by a woman in the 2000s of sexually abusing her throughout high school, beginning when the woman was age 15 in the late 1960s. Per Barto's accuser, the abuse occurred in classrooms at Mater Christi High School in Queens, on school buses to sporting events, at retreats in upstate NY, at the girl's home in Woodside and at a Long Island Convent. Barto died 5/2/2014. A lawsuit was filed 2/18/2020; it settled the same year.

Assignments:

The Tablet Obituary 06.25.14

Sources:

Fr. Hugo Bedoya

Donate Photo

Order: CM
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From Colombia. Not indexed in the U.S. Official Catholic Directory prior to 1973. Worked in the Dioceses of Lubbock, TX and Brooklyn, NY. He was Judicial Vicar of the Marriage Tribunal when named in massive 10/2003 civil suit in which 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests. Per the suit, Bedoya abused a child, age 9-11, at Fourteen Holy Martyrs in Bushwick, in the church, in the rectory, and elsewhere. The suit also says he examined the genitals of his altar boys in a group to make sure they were clean. He denied all the allegations. Another man joined the lawsuit 2/2004, alleging abuse by Bedoya during the 1970s. Bedoya remained in ministry until his removal 6/19/2012. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Assignment History

Sources:

Fr. Thomas F. Brady

Ordained: 1959
Status: Arrested

Died: 3/25/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Retired from Good Shepherd Parish in Marine Park in 2009; continued living in the rectory. Arrested 10/14/2011 on charges of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old boy. Immediately placed on administrative leave. Another boy made a similar allegation. No indictment in 5/2012 by a Grand Jury, citing not enough evidence. Remained on leave while the Diocese continued its investigation. Died 3/25/2013. Included in 2/2019 on the Diocese's list of accused.

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Fr. Edward C. Brennan

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 1/19/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on restrictions 2/19/1999. Named in a 2002 lawsuit against 12 priests, accused of having sexually abused an 11-year-old girl. Also named in a massive civil suit filed in 10/2003, with claims by two sisters that Brennan sexually abused them 1965-1969 and 1967-1974. The girls were ages 9 and 7 when the alleged abuse began. Brennan died 1/19/2000. Included in 2/2019 on the Diocese's list of accused.

Sources:

Br. Joseph F. Brocato

Order: CFX
Status: Settled

Died: 6/30/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Brother Romanus. From Italy. Given name was Salvador J. or Joseph F. Brocato. Joined the Xaverians in 1926. Taught in KY, MA, MD, VA and Brooklyn NY. Xaverians settled for $75K in the early 2000s with a man alleging sexual abuse by Br. Romanus over a 4-year period in the 1960s, when the man was a 10- to 13-year-old boy. Abuse reportedly occurred in a classroom closet at Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School where Br. Romanus worked, in bathhouse locker rooms and swimming pool changing rooms, and under the Coney Island boardwalk. Died 6/30/1992. On the Xaverians' list 7/12/2019. On the Archdiocese of Baltimore's list 7/23/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Fr. Douglas L. Brown

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 12/10/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 12/10/1996.

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Fr. Edward J. T. Burke

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 12/25/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 12/25/1996.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Br. William M. Burns

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Died: 2/1/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Francis Jerome. Joined the Xaverians in 1923. Moved almost every year or two, with the exception of his last six years at Malden Catholic High School in MA. Worked in NY, MA, ME, KY, MD, CT. Died in 1974. On the Order's list 7/12/2019, which notes allegations reported in 2003 and later, of abuse 1950s-1970s in Brooklyn, NY and in Shrewsbury, Danvers and Malden, MA. On the Baltimore Archdiocese's list 7/23/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

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Br. Masseo Butteri

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Status: Sued

Died: 5/31/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Entered the Order of St. Francis in 1922. Died in 1979. Per his obituary, Butteri worked at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Brooklyn for over 30 years. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy 1952-1954, beginning when the boy was age 9. The same accuser also alleged abuse by Rev. Rudolph Manozzi 1953-1954.

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Fr. Hugh A. Byrne

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In 8/2019 the Diocese announced that it had investigated a claim that Byrne engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor 1971-1973, and that the Review Board found the allegation to be credible. Byrne was assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to Holy Ghost Parish in Brooklyn. The allegation was made to a reporting line on 12/20/2017 and forwarded to law enforcement. The investigation found that another allegation had been made 6/15/2006 of abuse in 1996, and that the accuser did not want to pursue the allegation beyond reporting it. The case was reopened and that allegation was also found credible. Byrne was permanently removed from public ministry 7/1/2019. Included on the Diocese's list 8/13/2019.

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Fr. John W. Byrnes

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 5/26/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list updated 9/20/2019. Byrnes died 4/26/2014.

Assignments:

The Tablet Obituary 05.03.14

Sources:

Fr. Joseph P. Byrns

Ordained: 1969
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave in 7/2002. One of 12 priests accused of abuse in a civil suit filed in Brooklyn in 10/2002. In the suit, two brothers (one of them a priest) claimed Byrns sexually abused them for years as children in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Byrns was criminally charged in 8/2004 with the abuse of a third youth, beginning in 2000. He pleaded guilty in 1/2006 and was sentenced to three years' probation in 3/2006. Laicized 5/18/2013. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Roberto Antonio Cadavid Arroyave

Ordained: 1988
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From the Diocese of Medellin in Colombia. Arrived in Brooklyn in 12/2012; worked in Brooklyn and Queens parishes until 6/2017, returned to Colombia. Reportedly in 10/2018, the Diocese quietly removed Cadavid in 6/2017 after learning that, prior to his arrival in Brooklyn, he was accused of molesting at least four boys. Allegations in Colombia began in 2005, when Cadavid was director of a school. He was moved among churches, transferred when new allegations emerged. One accuser said Cadavid paid him 88 million pesos (about $46k) in 2009 to silence him. There are at least six known accusers. Medellin Bishop Tobon gave permission in 11/2012 for Cadavid's transfer to Brooklyn. In 3/2018 Tobon denied knowing that Cadavid was in the U.S. The Brooklyn diocese didn't inform parishioners for 10 months about Cadavid's history of alleged abuse.

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Fr. Brian F.X. Callahan

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 12/15/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. First named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 2/15/2019. He was one of three priests reported to the Diocese by three nuns in 1996 as having molested boys at a Brooklyn parish in the mid-1970s. Callahan died 12/15/2003.

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Fr. John F. Campbell

Ordained: 1932
Status: Sued

Died: 4/16/1968
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed 3/22/2022 of sexually abusing a girl from about 1960-1966, beginning when she was age 10 and a student at St. Mary's in Long Island City, NY. Campbell was the parish pastor. Per the suit, the abuse began when the girl's father was terminally ill and Campbell was providing spiritual guidance and financial support to her mother. The plaintiff alleges that the nuns and, housekeeper and other priests at the parish knew she was spending inordinate amounts of time with Campbell and enabled it. Further, she told a priest in confession during her freshman year of high school about the abuse, and his response was that she was shameful to lie about Campbell and that she would go to hell. Campbell remained at St. Mary's until his death in 1968.

Documents:

Lafrantz v St. Mary’s et al 03.22.22

Sources:

The Tablet 05.11.57

Fr. Francis J. Capellupo

Ordained: 1975
Status: Arrested

Died: 3/17/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Often held late-night parties in his rectory for teenage boys. Bishop Daily was informed of this by at least two priests, but did nothing. Capellupo was arrested in 2000 for allegedly sodomizing a 14-year-old boy, who was staying at rectory due to problems at home. The charges were soon dropped and the case sealed, per a spokesman for the Brooklyn District Attorney. A second man came forward claiming he was abused in the 1980s. Capellupo was removed from ministry in 2001. The Diocese deemed the allegations credible in 6/2005. He was laicized 6/4/2012 and died 3/17/2017. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

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Fr. John D. Capillo

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Died: 5/31/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 5/31/2001.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Nicholas J. Capua

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 8/2/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave without privileges in late 5/2007 after the Diocese deemed credible allegations that he had sexually abused several minors in the mid-1970s. Capua denied the allegations. The matter was to be referred to the Vatican for further review. Capua died 8/2/2010 at Our Lady of Consolation Rehabilitation Center. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

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Fr. Christopher Lee Coleman

Ordained: 1994
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Removed 1/13/2010. Name quietly added among 7 others to the diocesan website 11/2017 of priests laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." In 11/2017 Coleman's Linkedin page reportedly indicated he still presented as a priest, stating, "I live a vowed life. Ordained 21 May 1994, Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn." Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019. It notes he was laicized 12/11/2013. Reported in 2/2020 to have been working since 2010 at a religious center in CT, Hermitage of Peace, which is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but is part of the 'Old Roman Catholic Church'.

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Fr. James P. Collins

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Chaplain at the all-girls Bishop Kearney High School in Bensonhurst for 17 years until placed on leave by the Diocese in 2002. One of 12 priests and one brother named in a 10/2002 lawsuit claiming sexual abuse. Accused of the sexual abuse of four boys while assigned during 1970-1984 to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills, St. Margaret's in Middle Village, and St. Michael's in Flushing; Collins denied the allegations. Named as an abuser of one person in a suit filed in 10/2003 by 27 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 24 priests. Another man was to claim abuse but died by suicide just before suit was filed. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

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Br. Patrick C. Congdon

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Deceased
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Douglas. Joined the Xaverians in 1943. Left in 1961. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. An allegation received in 2008 of abuse in the late 1940s-early 1950s at a summer camp in NJ. Assigned during that time to St. Michael DHS in Brooklyn. Deceased.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Fr. Eugene A. Connolly

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 12/19/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Removed from ministry 11/30/2004. Died 12/19/2017.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Michael C. Conroy

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 7/3/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died in 1995. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. Augusto Cortez

Order: CM
Ordained: 2003
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Arrested in 6/2008, charged with touching the breast of a 12-year-old girl on 5/29/2008. Worked at St. John the Baptist School in Bushwick. Cortez had been working at Centro de Evangelizacion San Vicente de Paul. He was to return to his Order 12/31/2008, was to not present as priest, and was ordered to register as a Level 1 sex offender. He also worked at St. Rosalie's in Hampton Bays NY. In 7/2009 Cortez was sentenced to 6 years' probation. In 6/2014 he was accused of sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl in Hampton Bays. The girl contracted an STD. Cortez was questioned by police, but let go. He fled the country. The girl's family sued the Order and the Rockville Centre diocese in 11/2015. He was dismissed from the Vincentians in 2016 and laicized. Cortez was found by Interpol in Guatemala, extradited to the U.S., and arrested in NY 4/22/2017. Per officials, he had fled to South America and lived in several countries. He pleaded not guilty in 4/2017, then convicted. He was incarcerated in NY until released on parole in 6/2023. Included on the Diocese of Charlotte's list, where he had an unauthorized four-week stay at a parish in 2008.

Fr. Coleman J. Costello

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Died: 1/21/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a 12/2020 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy for two years, starting when the boy was age 13 and homeless in 1971. Costello was assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor and ran Rockaway Beach youth programs. He died 1/21/2023.

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Fr. Harold T. Cox

Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 8/6/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a massive civil lawsuit filed in 10/2003 in which 27 people alleged abuse by 24 priests. One man claimed that when he was ages 11-14 in 1956-1958 or 1959, Cox sexually abused him 30 to 50 times. Cox died 8/13/1971. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019. Accused of the sexual abuse of a boy in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John A. Cross

Ordained: 1916
Status: Accused

Died: 4/7/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Died 4/7/1980. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019.

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Fr. Lawrence A. Crowley

Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 11/9/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/9/1974.

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Fr. William F. Cummings

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 10/14/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 10/14/1985.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Vincent M. Daly

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Retired and living at Holy Trinity in Whitestone when accused in a lawsuit filed in summer 2021 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child, age 8, over 30 years previously, while assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Long Island City. Daly denied the allegations.

Sources:

Queens Daily Eagle 08.13.21

Fr. Michael J. Dempsey

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 3/10/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Parish priest, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Secretary of the Education Office, Director of Pastoral Communications, founder and member of Catholic Television Network. Placed on leave in 1/2010 a pending federal investigation of charges that he violated internet child pornography laws. Investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 12/2010. The investigation was dropped and Dempsey was not charged. The case was referred to the Vatican. Dempsey was restored to senior priest status, allowed limited ministry. He died 3/10/2017.

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Bishop Joseph P. Denning

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 2/12/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn from 1959 until his retirement in 1982. Died 2/12/1990.

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Fr. Thomas F. Denny

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019. Abuse in the 1960s-1970s was reported in 2002 and 2012. (No indication as to where, so placing him in this database in Brooklyn, where he was first assigned.) Last assignment was in Nigeria 1998-1999. Per the list, Denny was "impeded" in 2002.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. Enrique Diaz Jimenez

Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From Colombia, ordained in Venezuela. Arrested in 1990. Pleaded guilty in 1991 to sexually abusing three boys 1984-1989. Sentenced to five years' probation and four months in prison, where he was allowed to leave on weekends to celebrate mass. A $60M lawsuit was filed by the three victims in 4/1991. Deported to Venezuela in 1991. Returned to Colombia in 1996. Abused 18 in Venezuela and two more in Colombia. Sentenced to jail in Colombia.

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Fr. Thomas David Dougherty

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 12/12/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 12/12/1996.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. John R. Dwyer

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 7/1/2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Francis J. Evans

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 6/28/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list updated 6/29/2019. Died 6/28/1999.

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Fr. Anthony J. Failla

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 3/31/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused of abusing a youth in the mid-1970s. The boy lived in the rectory because his mother had died. Three nuns said they told diocesan officials of the abuse in 1996. Failla was told to stop working as a priest and to undergo counseling. He left the parish in 1997, citing personal health reasons. He surfaced later in Florida where the Brooklyn Diocese told the Palm Beach bishop of the allegations. Subject of a lawsuit in 10/2003 involving multiple priests. Died 3/31/2018. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes permanent removal from ministry 11/14/2002.

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Fr. Romano J. Ferraro

Ordained: 1960
Status: Convicted

Died: 1/21/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Arrested 4/1/2002; convicted and sentenced 5/20/2004 to life in prison for repeatedly raping a boy 1973-1980 in Billerica, MA starting when the boy was age 7. Admitted at trial he was a pedophile who abused perhaps dozens of boys. Earliest abuse alleged in civil suits was 1964-1968. Navy chaplain in FL 1968-1971; dishonorably discharged; sued in 1/2006 for abuse in FL. Reassigned. Allegedly abused in Brooklyn, Rockville Centre, St. Louis, and the Metuchen dioceses. Suspended in 1988. Diocese apparently knew much earlier. Name quietly added among 7 others to the diocesan website in 11/2017 of priests laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." Per the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019, Ferraro was laicized 12/16/2011. Included on the Archdioce of St. Louis list 7/26/2019. A lawsuit in 12/2019 claims abuse of a boy, age 11 or 12 in 1984 or 1985. The plaintiff was an altar boy at a Middlesex, NJ parish. Ferraro is the subject of settlement(s). Accused in a 6/2020. Died 1/21/2023.

Fr. Robert A. Ferro

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 5/21/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil suit filed in 10/2003, 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Ferro. One plaintiff said Ferro sexually abused him 1977-1978. Ferro was responsible for the teen center and altar boys at the boy's church. Per the suit, Ferro's whereabouts were unknown. The 2002 Catholic Directory shows him as Absent on Leave. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Ferro was removed from ministry 9/23/2003. He died 5/21/2004.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. William E. Finger

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 12/11/2025
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1962. Laicized in 2002. Name quietly added to the diocesan website in 11/2017 as a priest of the diocese laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." Claims against Finger were included in the Diocese's 2017 Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Finger was laicized 1/02/2002. In 2012 he was a licensed psychologist in AL. In 1/2019 a woman told Finger's employer that when Finger was a priest, he sexually abused her for 10 years, beginning when she was 12, and that he abused her sister and cousin. Finger was fired and a report was made to the AL state licensing board. He was also a FL licensed counselor and hypnotherapist. He died 12/11/2025.

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Fr. Raymond Flores

Ordained: 2013
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Assigned to Divine Mercy in Brooklyn after ordination in 2013. Removed in 11/2014 due to an "inappropriate relationship" with an adult. Returned to active ministry in 9/2018 in the Diocese of Charleston. Accused in 7/2019 of inappropriate contact over the internet with a minor who told Flores he was an adult. Placed on leave. No criminal charges. In 2020 the Diocese of Brooklyn started the canonical process toward laicization. In 3/2025 the Brooklyn diocese's Review Board investigated and concluded that there was sufficient evidence of the sexual abuse of a minor. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 7/3/2025.

Sources:

Fr. Michael McHugh

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In 6/2023 the Bishop Brennan announced that McHugh had been removed from ministry after a substantiated allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor, occurring in the 1980s. McHugh was investigated after the Diocese received a report 3/27/2025. He was added to the Diocese's 7/3/2025 list of credibly accused.

Sources:

Fr. James I. J. Frost

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil suit filed 10/01/2003, 27 victims alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Frost. One man said Frost abused him 1977-1984, beginning when he was age 10. The abuse continued after Frost was assigned to two more parishes. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Frost was permanently removed from ministry 7/22/2002.

Sources:

Fr. Vincent Gallo

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 6/6/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

in In a civil suit filed 10/2003, 27 victims alleged sexual abuse by 24 priests, including Gallo. One plaintiff said Gallo abused him around 1966. Gallo denied it. Gallo was the only priest of the 24 who had an active parish assignment at the time. In 3/2004, the Diocese announced that the review board found the allegations against Gallo unsubstantiated, and he was allowed to continue in ministry. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Gallo was permanently removed from ministry 6/26/2018. He was accused in a claim settled in 2021 in the mid-six figures of sexually abusing a boy, ages 9-10, 1983-1985, while assigned to Blessed Sacrament in Brooklyn. Died 6/6/2023.

Assignments:

Law Offices of Mitchell Garabedian 05.27.21

Sources:

Fr. Otto L. Garcia

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Tribunal judge, canon lawyer, moderator of the Curia, vicar general. Oversaw abuse cases. In 2017 a man told the diocese that Garcia molested him 1973-1975, when the man was a teen working in the rectory of St. Michael's in Flushing, Queens. Garcia denied the allegations. Accused in many lawsuits of covering up abuse in the diocese. The IRCP determined there was "insufficient support" to find the man's claim eligible for compensation. Garcia was not included on the diocese's list in 2/2019. In 9/2019 a second man filed suit under the Child Victims Act, alleging abuse as a boy by Garcia.

Sources:

Fr. Francis W. Gillen

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 11/9/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/9/1997.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Br. Leo Gillis

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Died: 1/15/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Wenceslaus. Joined the Xaverians in 1953. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. Allegation of abuse in 1960 in Brooklyn reported in 2004. Noted to have been placed on a safety plan and monitored. Died in 2014.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Fr. James E. Gotimer

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 11/11/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/11/2013.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. James R. Gowdy

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 7/18/1967
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 7/1/2019. Died 7/18/1967.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Michael C. Gribbon

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2/2025 of sexually abusing a girl, age 12, at St. Clare Academy in Queens decades prior. Gribbon's accuser said that she was groomed and publicly assaulted by him at a school event. The Diocese stated that it learned of the allegations in 1/2024, and that its Review Board determined that there was not sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Sources:

Brooklyn Paper 02.07.25

Fr. Robert W. Guiry

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Left the priesthood in 1991. Laicized 6/24/2006.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Bishop Dinualdo Destajo Gutierrez

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 2/10/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a lawsuit settled in 4/2022 of sexually abusing a boy, age 11-12, while a visiting priest from the Philippines at St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor NY in the early 1970s. Bishop of Marbel, Philippines 1982-2018. Died in 2019.

Fr. Thomas G. Hagerty

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 1/2/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 1/2/1984.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Hassan

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Laicized 6/11/1976.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. John Hauser

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Parish priest, involved with the CYO and was a Diocesan Chaplain for Scouting. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old boy in 1979. Permanently removed from ministry 5/20/2015.

Sources:

Fr. William J. Houston

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died in 2/1980.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Deacon Edward J. Huckemeyer

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Deacon at Precious Blood parish in Long Island City, and principal at a public school. Admitted in 1994 that he had sexually abused a male student in 1981. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Huckemeyer is no longer in ministry and "status in process."

Sources:

Fr. Francis J. Hughes

Ordained: 1980
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Pastor of a Glendale parish when arrested in 7/2020 on child pornography charges. Accused of sharing sexually explicit texts and photos with a boy, age 15, and trying to meet with the boy for sex. Prosecutors said Hughes admitted to his behavior and that he knew the boy was underage. Hughes also allegedly admitted to a sexual encounter with a teenage boy on school grounds and that he'd tried to meet other boys for sex a number of times. Pleaded guilty 8/16/2022. Sentenced in 7/2023 to 5 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release.

Sources:

Fr. George Kayser

Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 6/3/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Brooklyn Diocese on its list updated in 2/2019. Kayser died 6/3/2010.

Sources:

Fr. Brian M. Keller

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave in 2002 after allegations that he had molested teens, both male and female, in the 1980s. Several of the teens said they gave depositions to the Diocese in the late 1980s. In 10/2003 Keller's supervising priest, Vincent Gallo, was named as an abuser in a massive civil suit naming 24 priests. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Keller was permanently removed from ministry 10/28/2011.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Thomas F. Kelly

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 1/16/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Brooklyn diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 1/16/2011.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Michael J. King

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019. Laicized 6/1/1974.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Adolph C. Klein

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 6/12/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 6/12/1994.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Charles A. Kraus

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 5/25/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 5/25/2008.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Joseph T. Lahey

Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 3/10/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 3/10/1997.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. James R. Lara

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Removed from ministry in 1992. Accused of child sex abuse, said to have "favor[ed] Hispanic boys." Changed name to Jaime, built a career as an academic; Yale professor, then at Arizona State from 2013 until his forced resignation in 11/2017 after revelations of his history of abusing children. Laicized 3/30/2017. Name quietly posted to the diocesan website 11/2017 regarding allegations and laicization. At least five alleged Lara victims applied to the diocese's 2017 Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). Accusations include abuse of three children, ages 9-11, at St. Francis Xavier parish in Brooklyn.

Sources:

Fr. Richard Lewkiewicz

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 11/2/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

"Fr. Lewk." Parish priest, assigned to Blessed Sacrament in Brooklyn 1968-1979; St. Camillus in Rockaway Park 1979-1988; Good Shepherd in Marine Park 1988-1998; Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge 1998-2017. In a massive civil suit filed in 10/2003, 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Lewkiewicz. Bishop DiMarzio announced in 11/2004 that the Diocesan Review Board found that the allegation "had no merit." Lewkiewicz retired in 9/2017 and died 11/2/2022.

Sources:

Fr. John J. Lorinightus

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 3/13/1966
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 2/2019 (name misspelled Loringhitus). Died 3/13/1966.

Sources:

Fr. Andrezj Lukianiuk

Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From Poland. Ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 2/22/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 6/23/2011.

Sources:

Br. Alphonsus Maher

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Died: 7/19/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Died 7/19/1999. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy in about 1974, while the boy was a student at Bishop Ford High School.

Sources:

New York Post 09.10.19

Fr. Peter Mahoney

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 1/21/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Mahoney was removed from ministry in 11/2021 after the Diocesan Review Board determined that allegations against him were credible. In 10/2020 the Diocese received an allegation that Mahoney sexually abused a child 1975-1978 while assigned to St. Martin of Tours. He was also accused in a 4/2021 lawsuit of abusing a boy, ages 12-13, in 1963-1964 while he was principal at the Church of St. Leonard of Port Maurice School. Mahoney died 1/21/2024. Included on the Diocese's list of accused.

Sources:

Fr. Charles M. Mangini

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Removed in 1993. Name quietly added among seven others to the diocesan website in 11/2017 of priests laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Mangini was permanently removed from ministry 8/11/2003 and laicized 5/25/2007.

Sources:

Fr. Rudolph Manozzi

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Deceased
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting a 10-year-old boy in 1953 while assigned to Our Lady of Peace in Gowanus. Deceased. The same accuser also alleged abuse by Bro. Masseo Buteri 1952-1956.

Sources:

Fr. Francis J. Manzo

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Manzo is one of 12 priests and a religious brother named in a 10/2002 lawsuit against the Diocese of Brooklyn, filed by 43 plaintiffs. One man claimed Manzo violently abused him when he was an altar boy during the early 1990s. Manzo was officially on leave from the diocese beginning in 1995. He is not indexed in the Catholic Directory after 2002. A church bulletin in 9/2016 indicates that Marzo was still a priest of the diocese. Included on the diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes permanent removal from ministry 2/20/2003.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Ralph J. Maresca

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Astoria when accused in a lawsuit filed in summer 2021 under the NY Child Victims Act of a child, age 7, over 30 years previously, while assigned to St. Edmund in Brooklyn.

Sources:

Queens Daily Eagle 08.13.21

Mary Ann Mattes

Order: CSJ
Status: Sued

Died: 1/15/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Sr. Mary Jeremy. Given name Mary Ann Mattes. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2/2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of physically and sexually abusing a boy who was in second grade at St. Michael's Academy in Flushing 1959-1960. Sr. Mary Jeremy allegedly "savagely beat" the boy in front of the class, including kicking his groin. The boy's parents reportedly removed him from the school after several incidents. Mattes died in 2018.

Sources:

Fr. Edward L. Maurer

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Died: 8/20/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Maurer was one of several priests removed from ministry in 6/2002. Police notified. In 10/2002 Maurer and 11 other priests and 1 brother were named as abusers in a civil suit filed by 43 men and women. Per the suit, Maurer abused a boy who was also an alleged victim of James Collins. Named as an abuser of 2 boys in a massive 10/2003 lawsuit involving 24 priests. Included on the diocese's list in 2/2019. Noted to have been permanently removed 7/22/2002. Died 8/20/2016.

Sources:

Fr. John H. Maurer

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 4/27/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list updated 9/20/2019. Maurer died 4/27/1993.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List updated 09.20.19

Fr. Henry J. McCloud

Ordained: 1932
Status: Sued

Died: 10/21/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Died 10/2/1979. In a massive civil lawsuit filed 10/1/2003, 27 plaintiffs alleged sexual abuse as minors by 24 priests, including McCloud. One man said McCloud abused him in 1964. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Sources:

Fr. Robert J. McConnin

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave without privileges 2/15/2007 after allegations that he molested a boy more than 20 years prior. The review board investigated and found the allegations to be credible. Laicized 4/24/2015. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Sources:

Fr. Webster J. McCue

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 10/28/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 10/28/1991.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Herbert J. McElroy

Ordained: 1934
Status: Settled

Died: 1/3/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil suit filed 10/01/2003, 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse as minors by 24 priests, including McElroy. One man claimed abuse by McElroy 1954-1955. McElroy was his basketball coach; some abuse is said to have occurred on sports trips. Reportedly in 10/2003, McElroy's whereabouts were unknown. There was a settlement in 10/2017 as part of the Diocese's compensation fund. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes that McElroy died 1/3/2004.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson & Associates Timeline

Sources:

Fr. Thomas F. McGee

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 9/3/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused in 5/2021 by Attorney Jeff Anderson. Subject of a lawsuit under the NY Child Victims Act, of abuse of a minor in 1973. McGee died in 1997.

Sources:

Andersonadvocates.com 05.03.21

Fr. William J. McGlynn

Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 6/12/1972
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 6/12/1972.

Sources:

Br. John McLoughlin

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named in a lawsuit filed in 10/2002 by 26 people claiming they were sexually abused as minors by twelve priests and one brother (McLoughlin). The suit alleged that McLoughlin abused one boy he took to his summer home in Rocky Point some time between 1973 and 1975. McLoughlin was assigned to Cathedral Prep Minor Seminary 1973-1975.

Sources:

Fr. John G. McLoughlin

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Died: 8/3/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Died 8/3/1994. In a massive civil lawsuit filed by 27 plaintiffs against 24 priests in 10/2003, two brothers claimed McLoughlin sexually abused them as children at St. Mary Nativity Parish in the late 1960s. The alleged abuse occurred at the rectory and at a home in Rocky Point. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

Sources:

Br. John J. McMahon

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Died: 11/8/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Damian. Joined the Xaverians in 1943. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019, which notes an allegation received in 2010 of abuse in Brooklyn, NY in the late 1980s. McMahon died in 2015. Include on the Baltimore Archdiocese's list 7/23/2019, where he was assigned to Mt. St. Joseph High School 1957-1965. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Fr. Edward J. McNicholas

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 8/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Long-time Air Force chaplain. Named in a Military Privilege Log produced in the Peebles Case in Dallas which references a 1994 investigation. The 1989 Catholic Directory refers to McNicholas as "released from Diocesan assignment." Included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 5/9/1994. Died 8/4/2003.

Sources:

Fr. Michael Melendez

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Requested personal leave in 2004. Laicized in 5/2008. Was a religion teacher at St. Francis Preparatory High School in Queens in 2024 when suspended during an investigation of three allegations of the sexual abuse of minors, occurring in the 1990s. The allegations were deemed credible by the Diocesan Review Board, after which Melendez was fired from St. Francis Prep and from his position as Director of Religious Education at a Howard Beach parish. Included on the Diocese's 7/3/2025 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Arthur Minichello

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 6/21/2018.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Br. Lewis E. Morrow

Donate Photo

Order: CSC
Status: Accused

Died: 8/30/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Professed first vows in 1963 and perpetual vows in 1968. Worked in VT, CT, MA, NJ, NH, NY. Named publicly as accused by the Congregation of the Holy Cross on its list 6/12/2019, which notes multiple allegations of sexual abuse in the 1970s, received in 1977. Permanently removed from ministry in 2003. Died in 2004.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas O. Morrow

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Morrow, a psychologist, was indicted in 8/1996 on charges of rape of a 15-year-old boy he had been hired to counsel. Also accused of taking nude pictures of the boy. Convicted 12/17/1996. Sentence unknown. Remained on Sex offender registry in 11/2013. In 7/1996 Morrow had been released on bail; he had been jailed for stabbing a potential sex partner. Later seen chasing another screaming, bloodied young man. Morrow was known to pick up male prostitutes and trade drugs and cash for sex. On leave from the diocese after 1987. Name quietly added among seven others to the diocesan list in 11/2017 of priests laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." Per the diocese's list in 2/2019, Morrow was removed from ministry 12/20/2004 and laicized 1/13/2012.

Sources:

Fr. Francis X. Mulhall

Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued

Died: 9/23/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil lawsuit filed in 10/2003, 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Mulhall. One woman alleged that Mulhall sexually abused her in 1984 when she was 7 or 8. She said he fondled her in the rectory and confessional. Mulhall was working as archivist on the diocesan marriage tribunal when the suit was filed. Included on the diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes removal from ministry in 2002. Died 9/23/2009.

Sources:

Fr. Francis X. Nelson

Ordained: 1989
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Priest of the Diocese of Kottar, India. Charged in 2002 with sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in 1999, while working in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The arrest came after the District Attorney obtained Brooklyn church files which revealed allegations that, during a visit to her home, Nelson took the girl onto his lap, touched her breasts under her bra, and pushed his penis into her buttocks through her clothing; her terminally ill grandmother sat nearby in a wheelchair. The girl's parents reported the abuse. Nelson was removed, then accepted into the NY archdiocese after Kottar Bishop Tharmaraj wrote a letter of recommendation. In 2002 the Archdiocese said it had not been informed of the allegation. Nelson was convicted and sentenced in 2003 to four months in jail. He returned to India after his release where, in 2010, he was working in the Bishop's office.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas Nohilly

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Died: 1/25/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Removed from ministry 7/22/2002. Laicized 11/25/2011. Died 1/25/2019.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Joseph M. Nolan

Ordained: 1947
Status: Not credible

Died: 8/31/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In 8/2019 the Diocese announced that an allegation against Nolan had been deemed not credible by its review board, due to insufficient evidence. The allegation was made via the diocese's IRCP 12/20/2017, and reported to law enforcement. Per Nolan's accuser, the abuse occurred 1976-1979 while Nolan was assigned to Our Lady of the Snows in Queens. Another allegation was made 12/20/2017, via an attorney. The case was dropped after the attorney was unable to contact this accuser. Nolan died 8/31/2019, at age 97.

Sources:

Fr. James T. O’Brien

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry in 2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Br. Remegius/Francis O’Lone

Order: CFX
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Remigius aka Francis O'Lone. Joined the Xaverians in 1941. Worked in MA, NY, KY, ME, and MD. Died in 1983 at Nazareth Home in Louisville, KY. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. Allegation received in 2008 of abuse at a summer camp in NJ in the late 1940s-early 1950s. Assigned 1949-1950 to St. Michael DHS in Brooklyn, NY. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the mid-five figures of sexually abusing a boy, age 14, in 1952 at Camp St. Joseph's Villa in Hackettstown, NJ.

Assignments:

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Br. Ben O’Reilly

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a civil suit filed in 6/2013, a woman who graduated in 2009 from St. Francis Prep in Queens alleged she was sexually harassed by O'Reilly, a Spanish teacher at the school. She complained to the school; the principal admitted that O'Reilly had a history of harassing girls. O'Reilly was sent for a psychological evaluation which deemed him unfit to work with children. He was removed from the classroom but allowed to continue living on campus.

Sources:

Fr. Thomas J. O’Rourke

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 6/11/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named in a 10/2002 lawsuit with 11 other priests and a religious brother, in which 43 men and women claimed abuse. Per the suit, O'Rourke repeatedly sexually abused an altar boy at Corpus Christi Parish in Woodside, NY where he was assigned in the 1960s. Also named in a 10/2003 suit in which 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests. One said O'Rourke abused him at age 14 in 1974 on a trip to the Naval Academy. Settled. Another later claimed abuse in the 1960s. O'Rourke died 6/11/1998. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019. Accused in a suit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Sources:

Fr. Patrick Fursey O’Toole

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 3/8/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From Ireland. Ordained in Ireland for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Elevated to Monsignor in 1986. Retired to FL. Died 3/8/2017. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing an altar boy, ages 9-18, in the 1980s, at St. Ann's in Brooklyn.

Sources:

Fr. Anthony Ocloo

Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Visiting priest from the Diocese of Keta-Akatsi in Ghana. Arrested and charged in 10/2005 after an allegation that he molested a 16-year-old girl in the rectory of St. Ephrem's in Dyker Heights. Ocloo was living and working at the church while pursuing an MBA. He was immediately placed on leave by the Diocese and removed from the rectory.

Sources:

Fr. John J. O’Connor

Ordained: 1993
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/13/2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing an altar boy, beginning in 1996 when the boy was age 12. A resulting review board investigation yielded an allegation in 3/2000 that O'Connor had engaged in inappropriate communications with teenagers via the internet while assigned to St. Athanasius in Brooklyn. He was placed on leave 5/2000, underwent treatment, and returned to ministry in 8/2001. In 1/2022 he was removed from ministry and added to the Diocese of Brooklyn's list of credibly accused priests. At the time of his removal O'Connor was pastor of St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose.

Sources:

Fr. Edward W. Offenheiser

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 9/7/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Per the Diocese of Brooklyn on 2/22/2019, Offenheiser had been accused, but he was not included on its list because the Diocese found the allegations to be unsubstantiated. Offenheiser's accuser was, however, included in the IRCP (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program). Offen heiser died in 1988.

Assignments:

Anderson Ad 10.30.18

Sources:

Fr. Uriroghene Okrokoto

Ordained: 2016
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Prohibited from contact with minors in 8/2019 due to allegations of "boundary violations and grooming" involving teenage girls. Sent to St. Luke's Institute for treatment, then reassigned to a Brooklyn parish in 6/2021. Again suspended in 10/2021 after he was seen with a teenage girl at the parish. Brooklyn auxiliary bishop Raymond Chappetto allegedly had not informed Okrokoto's new pastor of the prohibitions against him. Also, the pastor of Okrokoto's previous parish complained in a memo to Chappetto in 9/2020 that the priest continued to spend time with teenage girls, despite his treatment at St. Luke's. Chapetto retired in 2/2022 and was the subject of a Vos estis investigation, initiated in 12/2021, due to his alleged mishandling of the Okrokoto case, including failing to inform diocesan officials of the 9/2020 memo. The Vatican determined that the allegations against Chapetto were unfounded.

Sources:

Fr. Martin J. Osborne

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 9/8/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 9/8/2005.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Cornelius T. Otero

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 1/15/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Accused publicly in 8/2018 of the sexual abuse of a 10- or 11-year-old boy in the summer of 1977 or 1978, when the boy attended St. Joan of Arc summer camp in Jackson Heights. The abuse reportedly included Otero ordering the boy to strip, photographing him naked, and forced oral copulation. Otero was arrested in 1979 for selling child pornography; he avoided jail by helping the NYPD as an informant. Transferred to Hartford CT in 1988 where he worked at St. Francis Hospital until 1995. Died 1/15/1998. Otero's accuser refused $200k the Diocese offered in 6/2018 via its compensation program for victims of clergy sex abuse. Lawsuit filed in 10/2018 on behalf of accuser against the eight NY dioceses. Included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019.

Sources:

Fr. John J. Padian

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 10/29/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Brooklyn diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 10/29/1995. Added in 2020 to the Archdiocese of Baltimore's list, where he was assigned as a deacon to a parish in the late 1960s until 1970. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. It shows that, in 2007, a woman reported that Padian sexually abused her in Baltimore in 1979, when she was about age 12. He was a close family friend; the abuse occurred when he was staying with the family during a vacation in Baltimore. The woman said she told a priest of the abuse during confession in Westminster MD between 2000-2003, and that the priest recommend she report it.

Sources:

Fr. Anthony J. Paone

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained for the Jesuits in 1945. Taught for 27 years at Brooklyn Preparatory High School and for a few years at Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception seminary in Queens. Summer chaplain for over 25 years of the Boy Scouts in Ten Mile River, NY. Authored several books, including "My Daily Bread." Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes allegations received in 2002 of the sexual abuse of a minor in around 1953. Paone was working in 1953 at Brooklyn Prep. He died 12/31/1990.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. Ronald P. Petroski

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 12/2/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Petroski was one of 12 priests and a religious brother named in a suit filed by 43 plaintiffs against the Diocese of Brooklyn in 10/2002. Accused of abusing a boy, who was a student at St. Anastasia in Douglaston, in the late 1970s. Placed on leave in 1980 and removed from ministry in 1984, after lawsuit alleged he abused a boy in 1975. Included on the diocese's list in 2/2019. Died 12/2/1986.

Sources:

Br. Richard Pinke

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Joined the order in 1965. Taught grades 7-10 math and science at St. Anthony's High School in Smithtown, L.I.; also taught at St. Brigid's in Bushwick, St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows and Bishop Ford High School. In 2015 was living at his order's friary in Bay Ridge. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/2018 under the NY Child Victims act.

Sources:

Fr. Stephen Placa

Ordained: 1995
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Brooklyn priest until 2002. Became a pilot, founded a flight school on Long Island. Convicted in 2009 of the sexual abuse of two boys, ages 8 and 10. Name quietly added to diocesan website 11/2017 as a priest of the diocese laicized by the Vatican office "authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric." Claims against Placa were included in the diocese's 2017 Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). Per the diocese's list in 2/2019, Placa was laicized 11/25/2011.

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Fr. Charles Plock

Order: CM
Ordained: 1973
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Parish priest, pastor. Missionary in Panama for 15 years. Chaplain and youth minister at St. John's University in Queens. Arrested in 10/2008 after emailing a homemade video of himself masturbating to someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy in Colorado. The "boy" was a police officer. Plock was released on bond and immediately sent to St. John Vianney Center in Downington, PA for evaluation. Criminal charges were filed. Pleaded guilty and sentenced to 5 years probation in 12/2009.

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Br. Edward Powers

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Kyrin. Joined the Xaverians in 1948. Left in 1988. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. Allegations received in 2013 and later of abuse in Brooklyn in the 1970s. Deceased. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's list 7/23/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

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Fr. Adam Prochaski

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Assigned 1969-1994 to Holy Cross parish and school in Maspeth, Queens. In 9/2017 a former Holy Cross teacher stated publicly that in 1990 she reported to the school's principal that Prochaski was sexually abusing girls who were her students and that the principal laughed at her in response. She said she later told a new principal, and the Diocese was informed, but not much was done. Per the Diocese, allegations were first reported in 1994; Prochaski 'left the priesthood' soon after; he was still listed in the Catholic Directory through 2002 as absent on sick leave and absent on leave. By 11/20/2017, 34 former students had come forward, one a male. Allegedly abused children ages 5-16 during 1972-1994. Many were polish immigrants, brought to the U.S. with Prochaski's help. The former teacher said she'd heard from hundreds of former students that Prochaski abused them. No prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Settlement in 10/2017 as part of the Diocese's compensation fund. Included in 2/2019 on the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Joseph B. Pugliese

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 5/6/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Removed from ministry in 1996. Died 5/6/1998.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Arthur D. Purcell

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 8/30/2004.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Ricardo Raveneau

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 4/2/2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Francis X. Reilly

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 1/5/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 1/5/1991.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Br. William Rettino

Order: CFX
Status: Accused

Deceased
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Br. Vincent De Paul. Joined the Xaverians in 1958. Named publicly as accused by the Order on its list 7/12/2019. Allegation noted to have been received in 1992, of abuse in Brooklyn in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Left the Xaverians in 2006. Deceased.

Assignments:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Sources:

Xaverian Brothers List 07.12.19

Fr. Alphonse Dallinger

Ordained: 1937
Status: Settled

Died: 4/7/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly in 4/2022 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian as accused in a lawsuit that settled in 2021. Dallinger allegedly sexually abused a boy, ages 10-13, during 1970-1973, while assigned to St. Mark's in Brooklyn. He died 4/7/1989.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Assignment Record

Sources:

Garabedian Law List 04.22

Fr. Howard Joseph Richmond

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 1/28/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained in 1945 for the Diocese of Charleston SC; transferred in the early 1950s to Brooklyn. Went by "H. Joseph" in SC, "Joseph H." in NY. Retired 1977, moved to San Diego CA. Died 1/28/1986. Named in massive civil suit filed 10/01/2003; 27 plaintiffs alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Richmond. One man said he was sexually abused by Richmond and Fr. Richard Lewkiewicz. Richmond reportedly watched as the alleged rape by Lewkiewicz occurred.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Deacon Danny Rodriguez

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 2019. Assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn since his ordination. Also worked at St. Agatha's in Sunset Park (8/1/2020-6/30/2023) and St. Catharine of Alexandria in Borough Park (6/30/2023-11/1/2024). On 10/14/2025 Bishop Brennan announced that Rodriguez had been removed from ministry due to a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor, occurring about 20 years prior. The Diocese received the allegation 7/15/2025.

Sources:

The Tablet 10.14.25

Fr. Robert A. Rodriguez

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 8/30/1981
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 8/30/1981.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. James E. Russo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Sued in Brooklyn in 2003 by a man alleging abuse as a boy there in 1973. Russo resigned as pastor of his parish in the St. Petersburg, FL diocese in 1/1997 because of "emotional items." Within a week Bishop Lynch told the parish that "an episode of misconduct occurred many years ago" between Russo and an unidentified minor. Other victims came forward. Russo left ministry. Laicized 9/9/2016. Included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese's list.

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Fr. Barry J. Ryan

Ordained: 1976
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Removed from ministry in 1994. Air Force chaplain for many years. Left the military in 1995 after an investigation in 1994 of sexual misconduct with a minor in Mobile, AL. Publicly named as accused in 2003. Pled guilty in late 2004 to the abuse of a 6-year-old boy in the Fall of 2003 in NY. Resided at St. Luke Institute in MD, rather than jail, because of "health." Attempted suicide in 8/2007. Remanded to prison 10/29/2007. Was living at St. John Vianney Renewal Center as of 6/2009. Laicized 10/28/2011. Included on the Mobile archdiocese's list 12/6/2018. On the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019.

Fr. Daniel C. Sabatos

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Brooklyn diocese on its list 4/15/2024 (with an erroneous ordination date). Restrictions noted to have been placed 6/1/2020.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 04.15.24

Fr. Michael J. Salamone

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Salamone was the subject in 11/2017 of a settlement offer from the Diocese's Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP), to a man who had contacted the Diocese in 1994 alleging Salamone sexually abused him at ages 14 and 15 in the early 1980s. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019, which notes that Salamone was permanently removed from ministry 4/2/2002.

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Fr. Michael Salerno

Order: SAC
Ordained: 1993
Status: Accused

Died: 9/28/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave in 11/2007 by the Baltimore archdiocese after an allegation surfaced that he had sexually abused a teenage boy in Brooklyn in the 1970s. At the time of the alleged abuse, Salerno was a lay member (brother) of the Pallotine order. Salerno neither admitted nor denied the allegation at the time. The Order announced in 12/2008 that Salerno had since admitted that he molested a 13-year-old boy in the late 1970s. His privileges were permanently removed. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's list 9/5/2019. Died 9/28/2021. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Joseph J. Schuck

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 4/22/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Placed on leave in 2003 from part-time work in the Albany diocese after the Brooklyn diocese said he may have abused someone more than 50 years prior. Had been working in the Albany diocese for 25 years after moving there to care for his aging parents. Named Albany's Diocesan Scouting Chaplain in 1994. The alleged victim contacted the Brooklyn diocese in 2002; a preliminary investigation found the allegation credible. Schuck retired in about 2000 and died 4/22/2014. His name was included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019. Included on Albany's list in 10/2022.

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Fr. Patrick O. Sexton

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Sexton was accused of child sexual abuse in 1983 and sent to counseling. In 2001 a man filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Sexton sexually abused him at St. Cecilia's in Greenpoint when he was 8-years-old in 1979. Three accusers were known by 6/2002. In a massive suit filed 10/1/2003 in which 27 people alleged abuse by 24 priests, a male plaintiff alleged abuse by Sexton as a child around 1982-1985. Sexton was placed on leave in 1990. He worked as a part-time parochial school teacher until 2000. On 6/25/2004 he was removed from ministry. He was laicized 4/7/2006. A new suit was filed in 7/2021 under the NY Child Victims Act by a man alleging Sexton sexually abused him as a 10-year-old altar boy in 1979 and 1980 at St. Cecilia's. Sexton's personnel file, ordered released by a judge in 1/2026, show that the Diocese knew of allegations against the priest as early as 1977, shortly after his ordination.

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Fr. Vincent A. Sforza

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 2/22/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil lawsuit filed in 10/1/2003, 27 people alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Sforza. One plaintiff claimed he was sexually abused by Sforza 1967-1968. Per the Diocese's list in 2/2019, Sforza left the priesthood in 1975, was laicized 1/14/1977, and died 2/22/2010.

Sources:

Fr. Daniel J. Sheehan

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Placed on restrictions 2/11/1998. Laicized 2/13/2012.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. James G. Sickler

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 10/13/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In a massive civil suit filed 10/1/2003, 27 people alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Sickler. One man said he was sexually abused at age 14 by Sickler 1959-1961. Sickler allegedly asked the boy to join a "secret club" in the restroom of the parish elementary school. Handshake for the "secret club" involved manipulating each other's genitals. Sickler died 10/13/1996. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

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Fr. Gennaro Simonetti

Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 1/16/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 1/16/1998.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. James T. Smith

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 1/17/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Worked part time prior to 2002 as a counselor for Queens' D.A. office. Placed on leave from his parish in 4/2002 due to allegations of "inappropriate sexual contact" with at least 26 boys and girls over 20 years prior. Named in a 10/2002 lawsuit involving 12 priests and a brother, and in a 10/2003 suit involving 24 priests. Sued in 11/2003 by a woman alleging he abused her daughter; settled for $2M. Smith died 1/17/2012. The Diocese unsuccessfully sued insurance company for reimbursement, ruling in 2013. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019. Accused in a suit filed 9/2019 under NY Child Victims Act of abuse of a male student of Holy Trinity Academy in Whitestone, Queens 1971-1974.

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Fr. James P. Smyth

Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 9/20/1973
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 9/20/1973.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Protasio Soares

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

From Goa, India. Member of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, suffix SFX. In a letter to the NY Times in 12/1997, a woman claimed she was sexually abused as a minor by Soares in the late 1950s. She complained to the Diocese and to Cardinal O'Connor, but no action. Soares reportedly retired and was living in Mysore, India. Named as one of 24 abusive priests in a civil suit filed 10/1/2003 in Brooklyn. Per the suit, Soares sexually abused a female plaintiff from 1954 to 1955, when she was 9 and he was at St. Bartholomew Parish in Elmhurst.

Sources:

Fr. John T. Soister

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Laicized 5/25/1994.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. George J. Stack

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 4/7/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Removed from ministry in 2002. One of 12 priests and a religious brother named as perpetrators in a lawsuit filed against the Brooklyn diocese in 10/2002 by 43 plaintiffs. One man said Stack sexually abused him in the 1970s at Cathedral Prep. In a massive civil suit filed 10/1/2003, 27 people alleged abuse by 24 priests, including Stack. One man and the estate of another claimed that the two were abused by Stack in the 1960s at Our Lady of Snow parish and school. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019. Died 4/7/2020.

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Fr. John H. Stonebridge

Ordained: 1938
Status: Settled

Died: 6/13/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 6/13/2000. Per Attorney Mitchell Garabedian in 4/2022, Stonebridge was the subject of a settlement or settlements.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Assignment Record

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Frederick Strianese

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 5/10/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Director of Catholic child-care services, Director of a camp for Catholic Youth Services, aide to Bishop Sullivan. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 5/10/1986. Strianese was shot to death by a youth who said the priest picked him up from a park, offered him sex for $10.00, and wouldn't let the youth out of his car. The youth was charged with murder, then acquitted by a jury.

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Fr. James E. Sullivan

Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 12/13/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Parish priest, named director in 1966 of the Religious Consultation Center in Brooklyn. Taught at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in NY City. Per his obituary, Sullivan retired in 1992. Lived at the Holy Trinity rectory in Whitestone NY 1986 until his death. Died 12/13/2006.

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Fr. James L. Tahaney

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 11/28/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/28/2004.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. John A. Thompson

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Died: 10/1/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Sued in 2003. Accused of sexually harassing a female principal of a school, having his young male lover live with him, and of stealing over $100K from the diocese. Died 10/1/2009. Included on the diocese's list in 2/2019 of those accused of the sexual abuse of a minor.

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Fr. Robert A. Titone

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Died: 8/14/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Died 8/14/2001. Accused publicly in 11/2017 by a 42-year-old man who said Titone sexually abused him beginning at age 11 at St. Anthony-St. Alphonsus in Greenpoint. The man received a settlement. Titone's name was included on the Diocese's list in 2/2019.

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Fr. Anthony M. Trapani

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1973. US Navy chaplain 1987-2007. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 3/2021. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Martha's in Uniondale, where Trapani was assigned 1977-1984. Died 8/8/2013.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Fr. James C. Tugwood

Ordained: 1960
Status: Not credible

Died: 6/13/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Per the Diocese in 2/2019, an allegation was made against Tugwood, which the Diocese did not find to be credible. Tugwood's accuser was allowed to participate in the IRCP (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program). The Diocese stated that the IRCP did not find the allegation to be substantiated. Tugwood died 5/13/1999.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Paul Vazhapilly

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019 (name misspelled Vazhappily). Permanently removed from ministry 4/3/2006.

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Deacon Rogelio Vega

Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Ordained for the diaconate in 2011. First assigned to Most Holy Trinity-St. Mary in Williamsburg, then to St. Sebastian's in Woodside in 12/2015. Arrested 1/20/2021 after arranging to meet an undercover detective for sex, whom he thought was a 14-year-old boy. Vega met the "boy" on Grindr, described as a gay hook-up site. Suspended from ministry. Investigators found evidence that Vega enticed other boys for sex, identifying three of them. Pleaded guilty in 9/2022. Sentenced in 3/2023 to 16 years in prison. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Rocco Verrengio

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 7/17/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 7/17/2012.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. George Voiland

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 12/4/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed 6/28/2004. Died 12/4/2012.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Edward L. Walsh

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 10/14/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 10/14/1984.

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Fr. Joseph J. Weber

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Permanently removed from ministry 6/27/2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Charles H. White

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

In 8/2019 the Diocese announced that it had deemed credible an allegation that White sexually abused a minor 1974-1978, while assigned to American Martyrs Church in Queens. The allegation was made via a reporting line 3/29/2018. Law enforcement was notified. During the investigation it was discovered that that another allegation had been made 2/1/1999, and in 4/2004 the Diocese determined it was not credible. The case was reopened and, this time, the allegations were deemed credible. White was permanently removed from ministry 7/1/2019.

Sources:

Fr. Kenneth Wicks

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 11/20/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/20/1993.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. George J. Wilders

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 7/4/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 7/4/1990.

Sources:

Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19

Fr. Francis C. Wildgruber

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 4/30/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 4/30/2004.

Sources:

Fr. William A. With

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1972
Status: Insufficient evidence

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

On 8/2019 the Diocese announced that an allegation that With sexually abused a minor was deemed by its review board to be not credible, due to insufficient evidence. The allegation had been made on 3/29/2018, and reported to law enforcement. With's accuser said the alleged abuse occurred 1972-1975, while With was assigned to Our Lady of the Cenacle in Queens.

Sources:

Fr. Benjamin S. Yander

Ordained: 1931
Status: Accused

Died: 11/29/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 2/2019. Died 11/29/1986.

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Fr. George F. Zatarga

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 8/28/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Monsignor. Placed on leave 11/30/2007 after admitting to "inappropriate behavior" with as many as five boys in the 1970s. Zatarga's victims included three brothers. Further allegations involved an 18-year-old youth and events in 2007. Sent for counseling. Zatarga kept a "travel log" of his 1976 trips with teenage boys and often mentioned their "unique physiques." Died 8/28/2011. Included on the Diocese's list in 2/20/2019.

Sources:

Fr. Vincent A. Zollo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Brooklyn NY

Named as a defendant in a 2002 lawsuit filed in Brooklyn in which 26 people alleged abuse by twelve priests and one religious brother. The suit said Zollo abused a male parishioner at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach, where he was assigned 1981-1983. He resigned at some point. Per the Diocese in 2/2019, it deemed the allegation unsubstantiated, but the claimant was allowed to participate in the IRCP. (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.) The Diocese did not include Zollo on its list in 2/2019.

Sources:

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.