Diocese of Greensburg PA

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

28 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Leonard J. Bealko

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 of sexually abusing an altar boy many times over a four-year period until 1978, beginning when the boy was age 12. The abuse allegedly occurred at Transfiguration Parish in Mt. Pleasant and at a church rectory in Clymer. In 1988 Bealko was charged with firing a gun at his 22-year-old housemate in Irondequoit, NY. Bealko was pastor of a Polish National Catholic Church parish at the time. He said he had been in a relationship with the young man for 2 1/2 years, and that the young man moved with him from PA. A 17-year-old boy was also staying with Bealko. The boy was removed by Child Protective Services. By the early 2000s Bealko was active as a traditionalist priest in Latrobe, PA. Per a news report in 2007, Bealko was dismissed by the Greensburg diocese in the mid-1980s, ousted later by a Tridentine church in Greensburg, and dismissed again by another in Unity, PA in 2007.

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Fr. Michael Bienia

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 04/28/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 8/18 (name misspelled Biena). Alleged to have sexually abused a minor in the early 1980s. Died in 2005. The allegations are noted to have been received after Bienia's death.

Sources:

Diocese of Greensburg List 08.19.18

Fr. Joseph E. Bonafed

Ordained: 1992
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Pastor of Holy Family in West Newton and St Edward's in Herminie in 8/18 when suspended due to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor 28 years prior. A canonical investigation deemed the allegation unsubstantiated, as announced in 10/19. The review board did find "inappropriate conduct in the workplace." Bonafed resigned from his parishes and was to go on leave of absence. (Per news in 2010 Bonafed was struck in the head with a blunt object by a burglar in the rectory.)

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Herald Standard 06.08.17

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Fr. James W. Clark

Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Suspended 6/29/18 after the diocese received an allegation of abuse against Clark. The abuse was said to have occurred 50 years previously at St. James School in Apollo, where Clark was working as a janitor prior to entering seminary. The diocese provided no further details about the allegation in its statement about Clark's removal, but it did refer to awareness "of the signs of child sexual abuse and how to report it." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 8/18.

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Fr. Dennis F. Dellamalva

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 06/12/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

"Denny." Allegations 1983 of abuse of two teen brothers 1981-82, in their home and on trips with the family. Admitted the abuse. Also accused of abusing their friend. Sent to Spencer Abbey in MA for treatment. Suit filed in 1983 by the two families; settled for $375K in 1986 and sealed at request of diocese. Families refused to pursue criminal charges in 1983. The suit also alleged that Bishop Connare failed to discharge Dellamalva after being confronted by the plaintiffs and others. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. It notes "numerous allegations." Accused of abuse of a 9th to 12th grade Mother of Sorrows in Murrysville altar boy during annual mountain retreats. Sued; settled 2004 for $25K. A fifth man alleged abuse at ages 13-15 in the Mother of Sorrows rectory. Sued; settled for $25K. Per GJ report, Dellamava last functioned as a priest in the diocese in 1984 and resigned from the priesthood in 1986. Moved to Baltimore, where he died of complications from AIDS in 1994.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Gregory Flohr

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Report in 11/04 of sex abuse 1967-69 of an Immaculate Conception in Irwin altar boy and parish school student, beginning when the boy was age 10 or 11. The abuse allegedly included tying the boy up in a confessional, then the priest sticking his penis in the boy's mouth to silence his screams. He also allegedly sodomized the boy with a crucifix. Flohr died in 2004.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Mark F. X. Gruber

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Professor at St. Vincent College, Latrobe; removed 8/09 after pornography was found on his work computer. Disagreement as to whether it was child porn or homosexual male porn. A student confessed that he did the downloading. Gruber sued college 9/10 for defamation; dropped suit 11/10. In 8/12 Vatican permanently banned him from ministry and ordered him to live in monastery. Abuse of confession/ defamation of superior at issue. Laicization announced 7/13 when he failed to move to monastery. Was to appeal to Vatican.

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Fr. Charles B. Guth

Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused

Died: 05/2/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Monsignor. First named publicly as accused in the 08/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Retired 1973. Died in 1986. Report to the diocese in 7/05 from a man that Guth sexually abused him at around age 7 in West Newton. Guth was assigned to Holy Family in West Newton 8/44-11/62. The man said that his Sunday School teacher told him that if a person missed mass, they would die. He said he was so worried about his mom, who didn't attend mass, that he sought out Fr. Guth. He said that he "cried and pleaded for his mother's soul," and that the priest pulled his [the boy's] pants down, fondled him and stuck his finger up his anus. He said that afterward Guth told him that if he told, both he and his mother and his whole family would burn in hell.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Andrew M. Kawecki

Ordained: 1980
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

From Poland. Ordained for the Greenburg diocese. Placed on leave in 5/19 pending investigation by law enforcement of an allegation that he sexually abused a minor fifteen years prior. Pastor of St. Joseph in Everson and St. John the Baptist in Scottdale at the time of his suspension. Arrested in 8/20, charged with indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with an altar boy for three years, beginning in 2004 when the boy was age 11. The abuse occurred at St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Fairchance. Kawecki pleaded no contest on 10/25/21. Required to register as a sex offender for ten years. Sentenced in 3/22 to 2 1/2 to 5 years in state prison.

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Fr. Francis M. Lesniak

Fr. Francis M. Lesniak, Diocese of Greensburg, May 9, 1969

Ordained: 1943
Status: Settled

Died: 02/28/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Retired in 1987. Died in 1991. Per 8/14/18 PA G.J. Report, diocese received report in 3/04 of sex abuse by Lesniak of a boy, age 13, in about 1977. The alleged victim said Lesniak invited him to a sleepover for altar boys, found he was the only boy there, and Lesniak fondled him. Sued. Settled in 1/06 for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 9/04 of sex assault of a boy in 1962 during an overnight at the rectory. Settled for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 5/05 of fondling a boy on an overnight rectory stay; in 1/06, same settlement as the previous two. Report in 2007 of abuse of a boy over 4 years, beginning 1983 when the boy was age 7 or 8. Accuser said Lesiak took him for a walk to his car during a picnic , then forced him to perform oral sex. He said he became an altar boy, and the abuse continued including anal rape. He said Lesniak gave him wine and that by the age of 12, he was an alcoholic. The diocese offered him $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Included on the diocese's list in 2018 of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Raymond Lukac

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 06/4/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused of abuse of multiple teenage girls while assigned to the Greensburg diocese in the 1950s. Impregnated a 17-year-old girl in 1956. Married her in 1/1957. Sent in 7/1957 to Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment. Divorced in 12/1957. In NM until 1961. Accepted into the Gary IN diocese on a "trial basis." Taught at a high school in Hammond IN 1961-1963, where there were more concerns about his behavior with girls. Removed. In a Chicago rectory 1963-1964. Accused in 2006 of abusing an 11-year-old girl while in Chicago. Accepted into the Wheeling WV diocese in 1/1964, transferred to VA in 8/1964. Died 6/4/2000. Gary bishop in 8/2018 said the Diocese received an allegation in 2012 against Lukac, and that the Diocesan Review Board said there wasn't enough evidence to deem it credible. Included on the Greensburg diocese's list in 8/2018. On the Wheeling-Charleston list late 2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least three "reported survivors."

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Henry J. Marcinek

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 11/18/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included in 8/18 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 1987. Allegation to diocese in 11/07 from a man who said Marcinek abused him from about 1972, when he was a 10-year-old Holy Rosary student in Republic, until the early 1980s. He said the abuse, including oral copulation, occurred at the rectory, Marsinek's cabin and on trips, including to to Sea World and Geauga Lake in OH and Niagara Falls. Marsinek may have also abused the alleged victim's brother. He said his family was poor and Marsinek gave him money and gifts, including a car. Settled for $10K and 90 counseling sessions.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Stanley Markiewicz

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 10/10/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Named publicly as credibly accused in 8/18 by the St. Vincent Archabbey Benedictines in Latrobe PA. The Archabbey received multiple allegations in 2002 that Markiewicz sexually abused minors 1966-1971, while assigned to St. Vincent's Preparatory School in Latrobe. He was removed from active ministry in 2002 and died 10/10/19.

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Fr. Michael W. Matusak

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 10/13/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Monsignor. Suspended in 8/18 due to a credible allegation that he sexually abused a minor about 20 years prior. A second allegation surfaced in 3/19 of sexual abuse of a girl 1973-76, beginning when Matusak was a deacon and continuing after ordination. His accuser said Matusak stalked and harassed her for almost 20 years. Retirement announced 6/12/19. Died 10/13/19, age 69.

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Fr. Robert Moslener

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.Included in 8/18 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Parish priest, teacher. Admitted in 1979 and 1980 to "inappropriate behavior" with a 15-year-old boy. Sent for evaluation. Returned to ministry. In 1986 several grade school to middle school children told the diocese that, during religion class, Moslener asked them if they masturbated and said other inappropriate things. Sent for evaluation. Police told diocese in 4/86 Moslener was investigated for sex with juveniles. Sent to St. Luke's in MD in 10/87. Said in 3/87 to be involved with a 16-year-old boy in North Huntingdon and another at St. Joseph's in New Kensington Kept in ministry. Pastor 1992-96 of several parishes. In 1999 a fourth accuser surfaced. Removed in 3/02. A fifth in 2003. In 2013 a man said he and his siblings were abused by Moslener as children.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. John J. Nyeste

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 05/19/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

In 11/18 a man alleged sexual abuse by Nyeste when he was an 11-year-old altar boy at St. Emory's in Connellsville, PA. The man said the abuse occurred at Nyeste's farmhouse in the mountains, that he passed out after the priest gave him wine and awakened to find Nyeste on top of him. Nyeste worked in PA, NY and OH. He died 5/19/87 in Cleveland, OH. Nyeste's accuser was offered a settlement by the diocese, but said was not sure he would accept it.

Sources:

Tribune Review 08.14.19

Fr. Fabian G. Oris

Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 8/18. Died in 2007. A woman told the diocese in 4/02 that Oris sexually abused her beninning when he was assigned to St. Hedwig in Smock, PA and she was ages 4 or 5. The abuse continued until she was 12. She said Oris also abused her older sister when she was in third or fourth grade until fifth grade. Oris was a close friend of the girls' parents. He would have each girl stay over in the rectory, sharing his bed. After the allegation in 2002, Oris was removed from public ministry. He said he had been "....asking god that they forgive me, asking all these girls to forgive me... ." In 2014 another woman came forward, alleging that when she was age 10 or 11 in 1977 or 1978, Oris kissed her on the mouth on about five occasions. She said she was a student at St. Mary's in Uniontown and that the abuse would occur when she was sent to the rectory by the school principal for counseling.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Emil Payer

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

In 8/20 the diocese announced that Payer had credible and substantiated allegations against him of abusing multiple minors and vulnerable adults in the 1980s, and was added to its list. He denied wrongdoing. The diocese learned of the allegations from law enforcement in 10/18. In 2014 Payer pleaded guilty to theft from a South Huntingdon parish; sentenced to probation.

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Fr. George R. Pierce

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 11/17/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA GJ Report. Included on the Greensburg diocese's 2018 list of credibly accused. Died in 2009. In 1997 a woman told the diocese that Pierce sexually abused her at ages 12-20, beginning in 1968 at St. Gertrude's in Aultman. In 1972 Holy Family parishioners complained to the diocese about young women staying overnight at the rectory. Parishioners from most assignments told diocese about Pierce's relationship with a "particular female." Pierce acknowledged but minimized the "relationship." She sued in 1997; received a $30K settlement. Pierce was treated 11/97-5/98 at the Anodos Center. Retired in 8/98, faculties removed. Moved to the Erie diocese where he may have helped out. Allegation to Greensburg diocese in 2002 from a man alleging abuse for three years, beginning at age 10 in 1969. Suit in 10/19 claiming rape of a girl 1973-78, starting when she was age 11.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Gregory F. Premoshis

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Report to the diocese in 3/02 that Premoshis sexually abused a 16- to 17-year-old male Geibel High student 1980-82. Accuser said Premoshis was his 'surrogate father' who gave him gifts, took him on trips, and plied him with alcohol. Premoshis was removed from job as president of the high school. Retired. Permanently barred from public ministry in 7/02. Civil suit filed in 8/02; dismissed in 2003 due to the statute of limitations. No criminal charges filed, also due to SOL. Settlement for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Leonard Sanesi

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 01/10/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Greensburg diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 1992. Report to diocese in 2002 that in the early 1960s Sanesi repeatedly sexually abused a boy who was a student at St. Joseph's Minor Seminary. Another former St. Joseph's minor seminarian alleged in 2013 that Sanesi sexually abused him 1962-1963.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Roger A. Sinclair

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Per the 8/14/18 PA GJ report, the diocese knew in 5/81 of abuse in 9/80 of two 14-year-old boys. Had been reported to St. Mary's in Kittanning pastor, but no action. One mother deterred by Rev. Klinzing from going to police. Indications in 2/83 from St. Mary's mothers that other boys were victimized. They told Chief of Police, who said he'd heard rumors and had spoken with their pastor. No action. Possible previous incident with a Latrobe boy. Sick leave 6/83-6/84, sent to House of Affirmation in MO, then Military chaplain in CA, FL, KS VA and MA. Fired in 11/91 from Topeka State Hospital after he "managed to gain access to a locked unit deceitfully" to try to take male teen patients to movies. Report in 2/02 of abuse of a boy, age 9 - early teens, at first assignment. Faculties revoked in 2002, sent to Anodos Center for treatment. Accused in 4/02 of abuse in 1979 of a 13-year-old Latrobe altar boy. Removed for life in 2002. Left priesthood in 1/05. Arrested in OR in 2017 for abuse of young disabled male. Convicted. Imprisoned. Included in 8/18 on the Greenburg diocese's list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph L. Sredzinski

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 10/10/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 8/18. Died in 2015. Found in 5/91 by police with a young boy in a car parked at night in a cemetery. Mayor of Everson met with Fr. Roger Statnick about the incident, and concerns from the community about Sredzinski spending too much time with boys. Allegation in 6/91 of misconduct while swimming with a boy, and of inappropriate touch with the boy on a drive to Cleveland. Father of boy forbade Sredzinski's contact with his son. Call in 4/02 to diocese from a woman who said Sredzinski abused her relative in 1985 in Brownsville, PA. Accused in a 6/20 lawsuit of raping and sexually abusing a boy 1991-1997, beginning when the boy was age 11. Per the suit, Sredzinski invited other priests to the rectory to rape the boy during orgies, and that the abuse also occurred at church-sponsored events in Washington DC. The suit was filed in DC.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. John Thomas Sweeney

Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Worked in Latrobe, Greensburg, Smock, Freeport, Lower Burrell, Apollo and West Newton parishes. Retired in 12/16. Arrested in 7/17 on charges of "involuntary deviate sexual intercourse" with 10-year-old boy during 1991-92, when Sweeney was assigned to St. Margaret Mary in Lower Burrell and the boy was a 4th grader at the parish school. His accuser reported the allegations to police in 2016 after seeing the movie "Spotlight." He said he was called into Sweeney's office after misbehaving on the school bus, and that Sweeney forced him to perform oral sex on him, warning him that he would get in trouble if he told anyone. He said the Sweeney's secretary brought him milk and cookies after the abuse. Sweeney pled guilty 7/31/18. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Sentenced 12/18 to 11 months to 5 years in state prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph A. Tamilowski

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 05/21/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included in 8/18 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died in 1994. In 4/02 a man told the diocese that Tamilowski touched him inappropriately in the 1960s, when he was an altar boy at Assumption parish in Leechburg and the Mission of St. Mary. The man said that on several occasions Tamilowski pushed him into a corner of the sacristy, grabbed his crotch, and told him his parents wouldn't believe him if he told. The accuser also said that many years prior to 2002 he told the office manager for the diocese of the abuse, whose response was to tell him to "not rock the boat." Suit filed by a man in 10/18, claiming abuse by Tamilowski for three years, starting in 1978 when he was an altar boy at St. Hyacinth in Monessen. A second suit was filed in 12/18 by a man alleging abuse ages 14-18 in the late 1970s at St. Hyacinth.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Roger J. Trott

Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted

Died: 10/17/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Criminally charged in 1987 for abusing as many as 12 young boys while pastor of St. John's in Delmont, PA. Pleaded guilty to abuse of one; sentenced to 5 years probation, with treatment as a condition of probation, and a $10K fine. Sent To St. Luke's in MD for treatment. Accused in a 4/02 complaint of abusing a 10-year-old altar boy in 1973, including repeated rape. Civil suit filed in 2005 claiming abuse 1973-76. Settled for $130K. Laicized around 11/04. Died in 2017 in FL. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Herman F. Ubinger

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 11/11/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

Named publicly in 8/18 by the Latrobe PA St. Vincent Archabbey Benedictines as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of multiple minors. The archabbey received the allegations in 2002 of abuse 1966-1971, while Ubinger was assigned to St. Vincent's Preparatory School. Ubinger died in 1997.

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Fr. Charles A. Weber

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 04/14/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Greensburg PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's 8/18 list of credibly accused. Died in 2000. Report to the diocese 5/11/15 that Weber sexually abused an 11- to 13-year-old boy in the early 1980s, at St. Gertrude's in Vandergrift. The alleged victim said that Weber had given a lecture to children about "impure thoughts and actions," and that afterward, when the two were alone, the priest fondled the boy's genitals.

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