Diocese of Baker OR

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

5 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Harold H. Ernsdorff

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 08/21/1958
Diocese: Diocese of Baker OR

As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (dated 7/18/2011) the Province agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the province who are identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the bankruptcy case, and who have not denied the allegation. Ernsdorff's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Worked in San Francisco, Seattle, and Baker dioceses. Died 8/21/1958. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018. It notes claims in 2009 of sexual abuse of a minor 1949-1951. Assigned during the time of the alleged abuse to St. Andrew's Mission in Pendleton, OR.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Jose Joaquin Estrada Arango

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1997
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Baker OR

Estrada, a priest from Colombia, was arrested for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in Morrow County OR. He pleaded guilty in 2003 and was deported to Colombia. Estrada had served in Yakima diocese prior to his transfer to Baker Diocese in 2/03.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph B. Hayes

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Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Baker OR

A man filed a civil suit in 10/02 claiming he was sexually abused by Hayes for three years, beginning in 1980 when he was 10-years-old and Hayes was assigned to Sacred Heart . Hayes died in 1995.

Sources:

Associated Press via Statesman Journal 11.06.02

Fr. David Hazen

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Baker OR

One suit settled in 1997 for a small sum. Another 18 individuals participated in a suit filed in 12/01 which alleged abuse by Hazen in the late 1950s and late 1970s. Baker Bishop allowed Hazen to serve in multiple parishes, including some in the Portland archdiocese, even after Hazen admitted to abuse in 1959. This permitted him to abuse at least 16 of the plaintiffs. All 18 settled with the Baker diocese in 4/04 for $3.6M. Hazen died in 1983.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Br. Ronald James Anthony Warren

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Baker OR

Three accusers filed a civil suit in 2004 naming "Friar Anthony James Warren" as an abuser in the Portland Archdiocese. Warren was forced to retire when the allegations surfaced. Settlement had been reached with one claimant when Archdiocesan bankruptcy

Sources:

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Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.