Diocese of Toledo OH

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

40 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Thomas Joseph Beauregard

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused publicly in 2002 of abusing at least three teenage girls 1964-66, while a religion instructor at Central Catholic High School. He allegedly ordered girls to strip off their clothes during counseling sessions, took pictures of them, and fondled at least one. He also was said to sometimes take off his clothes and lie on top of the girls. Removed in 1994 from parish assignment after a woman complained. Assigned to Marriage Tribunal until at least 2002. Barred from public ministry. Allegations deemed substantiated. Died in 2/05.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Nelson G. Beaver

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Pastor of Resurrection in Lexington and St. Mary of the Snows in Mansfield since 2010 when suspended in 10/18 after an allegation he sexually abused a minor more than 25 years prior. Denied the allegation. Had been an ordained Lutheran minister 1969-72 before converting to Catholicism. Retirement announced by diocese 7/1/19. Still on administrative leave during diocesan investigation. Three more allegations surfaced after the first; the investigation into the first was closed in 3/19, per the request of the alleged victim. Law enforcement closed their investigations due to the statute of limitations. Diocese announced in 10/19 that the review board deemed the allegations credible. Case to be sent to Vatican with recommendation for laicization. In 4/22 the diocese announced that Beaver was sentenced by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance.

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Fr. Ronald William Bohl

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused of single incident in 1986 in Toledo OH diocese of making a sexual advance toward a minor. The 1993 settlement contained a confidentiality agreement. In treatment 1986-87, then reassigned to parish work. Removed from Louisville KY parish in 6/02. Also worked in Dubuque and Indianapolis archdioceses. Died 1/19/12 in KY.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Karl L. Burger

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese in 4/20. Alleged victim(s) came forward after Burger's death. He died 9/13/91.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Toledo Blade 04.29.20

Fr. Michael Doyle

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

A woman filed suit in 10/02 claiming Doyle sexually abused her as a child in his office at St. Anthony's Orphanage. She also alleged that at least two other orphans, including one he abused, knew of Doyle's alleged abuses. Plaintiff claimed she tried to tell the nuns at the orphanage but was punished and transferred to a residential school for girls for being defiant. She also tried to tell the diocese in 1973 but then-Bishop Donovan rejected her claims. One claim settled in 2004. Doyle died in 1987 at age 88.

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Fr. Albert A. Fate

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1913
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese in 4/20. Alleged victim(s) came forward after Fate's death. He died 6/16/63.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Toledo Blade 04.29.20

Fr. Philip S. Feltman

Ordained: 1966
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

A woman complained in 2002 that Feltman abused her when she was age 9 in 1972 at St. Thomas Aquinas parish. Diocesan review board found accusations to be credible and Feldman was placed on leave in 1/03. He denied all charges. A disciplinary panel was scheduled. The woman refused to appear before the local church inquiry board, so the matter was forwarded to the Vatican. In 7/03 Feltman was returned to ministry after a Vatican council found that there wasn't enough evidence to support the claims. He retired in 5/09.

Sources:

Toledo Blade 07.20.03
Associated Press 07.27.03

Fr. Robert J. Fisher

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Convicted of a sexual offense committed against a 14-year-old girl in 1987 (referred to as misdemeanor charges of sexual imposition and contributing to sexual abuse of a minor). He served 30 days in jail in 1988 and underwent four years of therapy, after which he was reinstated. Placed on leave in 7/02 after the Dallas Bishops' Conference. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2005.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. John J. Gallen

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 04/17/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

New York Province Jesuit. Accused publicly in 2004 of abuse of 16-year-old boy in 1980 in Toledo, OH and CA. Jesuit Provincial in NY wrote to the alleged victim in 1993 and enclosed a letter of apology from Gallen. Gallen sent another letter in 1994. Settlement in 1994 for $50K. Gallen remained active until 2003. Died 4/17/11. On the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/18. On the Phoenix diocese's list where he was at some point Director of Liturgy. On the Northeast Province Jesuits list 1/15/19. It notes allegations of abuse of minors 1970s-80s. "Impeded" 2001. Added to Baltimore archdiocese's list 4/24/19. Worked in the archdiocese at Woodstock College 1968-75. On Toledo's list.

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Fr. Frederick A. Garand

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Reportedly in 12/02, Garand was murdered in 1982 in Florida. Toledo police interviewed two youths at Child Study Institute who said they were abused by Garand and that there were other victims. As investigation progressed a man came forward to say that Garand had abused him between 1954 and 1958. A policeman complained in 1958 and Garand was transferred to another parish. In 4/20 the diocese included Garand on its list of credibly accused priests.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. William Geiger

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Suit filed by 3 men 5/1/03 against diocese alleging they were sexually abused in the 1970s by Geiger and another Redemptorist priest, at a Lima OH parish. Boys were 6-10 at time of alleged abuse. The identity of the 2nd priest is not specified due to confusion as to his identity. When suit was filed, Geiger was working near Charlotte NC, according to a Redemptorist source, but the 2002 Directory shows him assigned to a Pennsylvania church in the Harrisburg diocese. St James the Greater in Concord NC is a Redemptorist parish near Charlotte to the NE. The suit was settled in 2004. Geiger died 6/17/07. Geiger was included on the Harrisburg diocese's 8/1/18 list; no known allegations in that diocese.

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Fr. Dennis L. Gray

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 07/9/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Sued in 2002 and 2003. At least 11 suits alleged abuse of boys 1975-87. Diocese deemed allegations credible. Left priesthood in 1987 and was voluntarily laicized in 1994. In 2002 he was working for Toledo Public Schools as dean of students at a high school. Surrendered his teaching certificate. As of 4/12, SNAP reported he may have been attempting to join Blessed John Catholic Church in Perrysburg, OH. Died in 2019.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. John Hemstreet

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Left active ministry in 1987. Arrested in 1992 for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. Diocese paid for Hemstreet's treatment at St. Luke's. Sentenced to 90 days in jail in 1993. Per the diocese, he left ministry without requesting laicization. Hemstreet, an "admitted alcoholic, convicted child molester and former boy scout leader, " was active in protesting the Boy Scouts' policy of not accepting homosexual leaders. Absent on leave per 1988, 1990 and 1995 Catholic Directories. Died in 2007.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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WorldNetDaily 08.24.00
Toledo Blade 12.01.02
Toledo Blade 03.30.04
Diocese of Toledo Status Report 02.17.05
Diocese of Toledo Status Report 04.08.08

Fr. Bernard Kokocinski

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Sued twice in 2002. Accused of raping a boy in 1975 and of abusing the boy's brother. Arrested at least three times for improper sexual activity. Suits settled at mediation in 6/04. Barred from active ministry as of 2004. Teaching certificate revoked in 11/06. Dismissed from the clerical state in 2007.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Richard S. Liston

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused of raping a teenager in Norwalk in 1978. Diocese quietly transferred him at least twice. Toledo police investigation in 1985 into priest's financial interest in two gay bars uncovered the allegation from his past. Diocese sent him to treatment center in VA; he walked away from the Center. Removed from public ministry in 1989. Died in 1/94. The diocese added his name to its list of credibly accused in 4/20.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. C. Neil Lucas

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Placed on leave in 12/02 after allegations he sexually abused more than one boy in the mid-1970s. Review board recommended his removal. Lucas did not deny the allegations. Per a 3/04 report from the diocese, Lucas was one of 10 priests permanently removed from public ministry because of credible or substantiated allegations. Died 11/07.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. John L. McCullen

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Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 11/24/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Named publicly as accused by the Toledo diocese on its list in 3/04. Allegations surfaced after McCullen moved to FL in 1960; abuse apparently occurred in FL. Assigned to St. Ambrose in Deerfield Beach FL, per the 2002 Catholic Directory. Barred from public ministry. Matter sent to Rome. McCullen died 11/24/13 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Michael P. McLaughlin

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Sued in 2003. Accused of abuse of an 11-year-old boy in 1980 in a church rectory. Another man alleged he was abused by McLaughlin as a child in 1987. McLaughlin worked in four parishes before he was barred from ministry in 1990. A 3/04 statement from the diocese said McLaughlin and two other accused priests left the ministry without requesting laicization. Allegations against them range from credible to substantiated to admitted. In 2020, laicization in process.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Thomas E. Meiring

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 04/15/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

A man filed a civil suit in 2/06 alleging abuse by Meiring when he was age 15 and Meiring was a Toledo priest 1967-69. Meiring denied the allegations. Asked to be laicized in 1983; not granted until 2016. Worked as a licensed counselor and clinical supervisor with transgender people and youths with gender-identity issues. Case dismissed in 3/08 due to the statute of limitations, but the diocese and parish remained as defendants. Still licensed and working in 10/19. Died 4/15/22.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Richard G. Miller

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Reportedly in 9/03 a man had recently filed suit alleging that he was molested from ages 8-14, during 1967-73, by a Father Miller at at SS Peter and Paul in South Toledo. The Catholic Directories show that Rev. Richard G. Miller was pastor of the parish during the time in question. Per a court document, the case was dismissed with prejudice in 4/04. Miller died 3/30/09.

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Toledo Blade 09.24.03
Toledo Blade via Legacy 03.31.09

Fr. Alexander Pinter

Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Died: 11/15/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

From Hungary. First assigned in the Toledo diocese in 1946, where he was incardinated in 1955. Accused of abuse 1956-60 at St. Stephen's in Toledo. Sent to Canada for treatment and later assigned there. Became parish priest in Louisiana in 1974. Died in New Orleans 11/15/78. Also worked in the Diocese of Oakland. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019. Accused in a 1/20 lawsuit filed under the CA Child Victims Act of abusing an altar boy in 1964 at St. Francis in Vista, CA. Included in 4/20 on the Toledo diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Joseph J. Pucci

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 10/12/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Worked in the Archdioceses of Seattle, Indianapolis and Newark, and the Dioceses of Trenton, Richmond, Youngstown, Toledo and Palm Beach. Accused by two women of molesting them when they were young teenagers in the 1950s. One woman came forward in 2002; Oblate representatives acknowledged the complaints. Per 6/02 news, a man reported that Pucci molested him in 1980 at a rectory in Palm Beach, FL. He told his family in 1993 and they reported it to Palm Beach Bishop Symons and to police. No record of complaint at either place. Pucci retired in 1994 and died in 2000 in West Palm Beach. (In 1998 Symons resigned after admitting in 1998 that he abused a boy early in his priesthood; he later admitted to abusing four other boys.) Subject of settlement(s). Included on the Diocese of Richmond's list of those with allegations of abuse occurring in the diocese.

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Garabedian Law Assignment Record

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Fr. Samuel Punnoor

Ordained: 1996
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

From the diocese of Pathanamthitta, India. Placed on leave 5/22/15 after the Toledo diocese received an allegation against him of child sexual abuse. Punnoor was visiting his native India when the report was made 5/6/15; suspended upon return to Ohio. Had been working in the Toledo diocese since 4/11. Sent to back to his home diocese in 2015. Per Toledo, Punnoor abandoned ministry in 2016.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Toledo News Now 05.22.15
Norwalk OH Reflector 05.23.15
Diocese of Toledo List downloaded 01.28.20

Fr. Herbert M. Richey, Jr.

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused of abuse of several youths. At least seven known victims in two parishes from the 1980s. Confidential settlements pre-1992. Forced from priesthood in 1992 and laicized in 1997. Allegations substantiated. Later turned up working as a music director/organist in another Toledo parish. Banned in 2002. Found working in Detroit area in 1/11 as church organist. Removed. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's 6/10/19 list of credibly accused. Died in 7/21/20.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Gerald J. Robinson

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Placed on leave 2003 or 2004. Accused in 2003 of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in 1978 at Mercy Hospital; accuser claimed ritual abuse by several priests. Accused 2005 of ritual abuse of a girl in 1968-75. Convicted 5/11/06 of 1980 ritual murder of nun at Mercy Hospital; sentenced to 15 years in prison. Case appealed. Ohio Sup. Court refused to hear appeal 12/08. Civil suit involving abuse dismissed 1/07 on SOL. Court reinstated lawsuit 10/07. Dismissed again 1/10. Dismissal upheld 12/10 & 4/11. Believed to be terminally ill (debilitating heart attack) in prison as of 6/3/14. Seeking early release but state authorities opposed it. Early release denied 7/3/14. He died in prison 7/4/14. Was to be buried as a priest.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Stephen G. Rogers

Ordained: 1995
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Rogers, a religion teacher at Central Catholic High School, was placed on leave in 12/02 after being caught with internet child porn. Convicted in 2003 and sentenced to 21 months prison. Served 18 months. Diocese paid his salary while he was in prison. Teacher's certificate was been revoked as of 11/06. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2006. Still a registered sex offender as of 1/2/10. Not found in the registry in 11/20.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. James H. Roth

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1995
Status: Accused

Died: 02/11/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

In 1/15 a man reported to Roth's order sexual abuse multiple times by the priest when he was a 9- or 10-years-old, fourteen years prior. Roth was removed from position on a Toronto school board. Police informed. Roth died 2/11/15 of suspected suicide; left a note admitting to the abuse. Was an O.S.F.S. brother for about 20 years prior to his 1995 ordination. Worked at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo OH 1976-87, and 1995-2004 as a teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. Filled in at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception parish in Monroe MI. Also assigned to schools in UT and Ontario, Canada. Victim was younger brother of a St. Francis de Sales High student. On the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/19.

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East Niagra Post obit 03.26.16

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Fr. Lawrence C. Scharf

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Placed on leave in 3/02 after allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct with a minor in 1976. It was later learned that a similar offense occurred in 1981. Scharf admitted the conduct and was placed in inpatient therapy. As of 2004 he was barred from ministry because of credible allegations. Dismissed from the clerical state per 4/08 status report. Died in 1/08.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Joseph M. Schmelzer

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

In 2002 a man alleged that Schmelzer abused him as a teenager 1983-85. He said Schmelzer began touching him when he was 16 and then molested him at age 19 after giving him alcohol. The man complained first in 1993; Schmelzer was counseled and moved. Civil suit filed in 2003. Schmelzer was permanently removed after the Review Board found the claims credible. Teaching certification revoked in 11/06. Another allegation was reported in 2004, not revealed until 2007. In 11/18 a man told news outlets that in 2005 he first reported to the diocese that, when he was age 13, Schmelzer fondled, drugged and raped him in the St. Wendelin rectory. He said he got no response. He told the diocese again in 2015. In 12/17 the Review Board found his allegations "not substantiated."

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. George A. Schmit

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 4/20. Died 8/7/84. Allegation(s) reported to the diocese after his death.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Toledo Blade 04.29.20

Fr. John C. Shiffler

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

A lawsuit filed in 2002 alleged abuse of a boy by Shiffler in 1987 and by Rev. Dennis Gray 1983-87. Their accuser complained to the diocese in 1995; Shiffler admitted to abusing him and another youth in the mid-1980s. He was sent for therapy and returned to limited duty as chaplain at a home for the aged in 7/97 and as administrator of two parishes. Permanently removed from active ministry in 2006 because of credible allegations.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Deacon Glen Shrimplin

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Deacon. Two men filed a civil suit in 10/03 claiming abuse as boys by Shrimplin in the 1970s. Shrimplin said he left the active diaconate of his own accord in 1987. He denied the allegations. Late Bishop Hoffman acknowledged that Shrimplin was "removed from active diaconal ministry." A third man settled in 2004 and fourth man filed a civil suit in 2/08, claiming abuse on trip to Florida in 1975 or 1976. Laicized 11/30/07. Civil suit dropped due to SOL 6/08. Shrimplin died in 12/17.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Robert Ronald Thomas

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Placed on leave in 7/02 due to an allegation of abuse of a minor in the Toledo diocese while assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1982-84. Admitted the abuse, sent for therapy, reassigned to Holy Trinity in Bucyrus. Status in Toledo was Retired/Senior status in 1986. Moved to the Diocese of Tucson in 1986, where he was in active ministry. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2007. Died in 6/18.

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Deacon J. Michael Tynan

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Tynan, a 45-year-old ordained deacon, was two days away from becoming an ordained priest in 6/04 when he was placed on leave after the Diocese learned that he was being investigated for possession of child porn. Name appeared on a child porn web site based in a foreign country and the US Customs had begun an investigation. The reason he was not ordained for priesthood was not announced until 10/04, when he was criminally charged. Laicized in 2006. Sentenced to three years in prison. On OH sex offender registry.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Lawrence F. Varney

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Diocese announced in 10/08 that Varney, who retired in 2002, had been placed on leave and barred from public ministry after the Review Board found allegations that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor in the late 1970s to be credible. Accuser had recently come forward. Varney was an instructor at Toledo Central Catholic High School at the time of the alleged abuse. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2009. Matter referred to Rome.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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My Fox Toledo 10.10.08
Sandusky Register 10.11.08
Toledo Blade 10.11.08
Toledo Blade 10.12.08
WFIN 10.13.08
Diocese of Toledo Status Report 12.31.10

Fr. Chester John Warren

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

"Chet." Accused of abusing more than 10 girls, in what Bishop Blair in 2005 called "grievously sinful and criminal acts." Ritual abuse alleged. Settlements exceed $1.2M. Expelled from order in 1993. Barred from a parish and school by court order in 8/06 after families complained that he was showing up at all hours, sometimes in clerical garb, despite agreement to attend at only certain hours. Laicized in 2007. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/19, where he worked 1974-78. Reportedly died in 2021.

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Fr. Leo Patrick Welch

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abuse of at least two boys 1959-61, while assigned to Immaculate Conception in Bellevue. Said to have abused boys at his cabin with a pond in Bono, OH. One victim said Welch abused him when he was ages 12-14, and that when he was 15 he told the pastor. Welch reportedly was transferred after other victims came forward. Left active priesthood in 1965. Became a certified social worker in 1974. Admitted the abuse in 2002. Fired in 2002. Died in 1/16.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Fr. Stanislaus Wojciechowski

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 4/20. Allegation(s) were reported to the diocese after Wojciechowski's death. He died 11/5/79.

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Diocese of Toledo Assignments

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Toledo Blade 04.29.20

Fr. Robert J. Yeager

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Reportedly in 2004, attorneys for the diocese reached a settlement with one person alleging abuse. Yeager continued as a major fund-raiser for the diocese. Not placed on leave until 5/06 when the diocese investigation was completed and allegations were deemed credible. At least one other alleged victim also came forward. Retired in 2005.Teaching certificate revoked in 11/06. Permanently removed from public ministry.

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Fr. Michael J. Zacharias

Ordained: 2002
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Pastor of St. Michael's in Findlay when arrested 8/18/20 by the FBI on multiple charges of sex trafficking. He allegedly "manipulated and coerced drug-addicted boys and men into sex." Per court records, Zacharias made a "confession video" in 2015 in which he performed oral sex on a then-adult victim. He admits to first meeting the victim when he was a seminarian and the boy was in 6th grade St. Catherine's in Toledo. The boy became drug-addicted as a teen, and Zacharias offered him money for sex to feed his habit. A second young man told the FBI he met Zacharias in first grade at St. Catherine's and that the priest began sexually abusing him as a teen, when he was drug-addicted. Zacharias was placed on leave by the Diocese.

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