Records Show Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse Worked in Cincinnati As "Brother Pius"

By Walter Smith-Randolph
WKRC TV
December 6, 2018

https://local12.com/news/local/records-show-priest-accused-of-sexual-abuse-worked-in-cincinnati-as-brother-pius-kenneth-hendricks-phillippines-cincinnati-local-12

Fr. Kenneth Hendricks, a priest from Cincinnati, is now accused of molesting 10 boys while living and working in the Philippines, but American investigators believe there may be more victims of Hendricks.

Hendricks has been working in the Phillippines for 37 years, but investigators say he would visit Cincinnati in the summers. Local 12 has found archived newspapers that say Hendricks worked at St. Francis Seraph Church in Over-the-Rhine and was known as Brother Pius Hendricks.

“Given what we know, we believe thus far that there's a high possibility that other children may have been impacted by his alleged actions,” said Special Agent Steve Francis with the Department of Homeland Security.

A spokeswoman for the Franciscan order confirms Hendricks took his vows in 1962 in Cincinnati but left the order in 1986. That's when Hendricks went to the Phillipines and was ordained a priest.

A 1969 online photo of altar boys and a Franciscan friar identifies the man in the middle as Brother Pius Hendricks in Naval, Phillipines, where he was arrested earlier this week.

"Our number one priority is to provide an opportunity to the victims and witnesses to disclose any contact they have had with Mr. Hendricks,” said Francis.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati says even though the diocese helped Hendricks raise money for his mission in the Phillipines, they had no authority over Hendricks.

A spokeswoman for The Franciscans says they turned over records of where Hendricks worked to federal authorities.

Anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim should call 513-246-1461.