Capuchin Franciscan Friars – OFM Cap - BishopAccountability.org

75 Accused in This Religious Order

Fr. Benedict Adams

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 04/15/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Died 4/15/2002. Worked in Wisconsin for much of his career. On the Saginaw diocese's list 8/9/2019, where he worked 6/26/1963-7/29/1964. Added to the La Crosse diocese's list 2/5/2020; worked at some point at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon

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Fr. Thomas Kieran Ahearn

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/17/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Arrested in 1/1993. Charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy he picked up while on a skiing vacation. Found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Sentenced to two years probation. His victim filed a civil suit in 1995. Settlement. Personnel file produced to court in 1999. Ahearn died in 12/1997. Accused in a lawsuit in 1/2021 of sexually abusing a St. Mary's in Bethel altar boy, ages 7-10, including raping the boy at age 9 in 1992, on the day of the boy's sister's wedding. Settled in 6/2024.

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Fr. Roman Ament

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 01/12/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly as accused by the St. Joseph Province Capuchins on its list in 1/2019 of friars with "confirmed allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults." Ament died in 1984.

Assignments:

Capuchins St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Roger Anderson

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1938
Status: Sued

Died: 08/7/1980
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

From Ireland. Began his priesthood in the U.S. in 1938 in Ukiah CA. Also assigned in Bend and Roseburg OR. Pastor 1970-1978 of Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang CA. Died in 1980. In its 2004 report, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles counts two accusers. Named in at least one civil suit.

Assignments:

L.A. Times Database 04.20.06

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Fr. Scott A. Asalone

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1983
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Arlington VA

Named publicly as accused by the Arlington diocese on its list in 2/2019. Rector of St. Frances de Sales in Purcellville 1984 until his removal in 1993, after an allegation of sexual abuse. Dismissed from his order in 2007. Living in NJ when arrested in 3/2020; charged with "carnal knowledge of a minor between 13 and 15 years old." The abuse happened in VA over several months in 1985. His victim reported the abuse to the church in the 1990s when he was in his early 20s, and received a settlement. Convicted in 12/2022. Sentenced in 6/2023 to eight years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life.

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Br. Berthold Ascher

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 05/20/1967
Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

Capuchin Brother. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. Died in 5/67. Included on the St. Joseph Province Capuchins' list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Br. James Avant

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

In 1993 a woman alleged that Avant abused her son and other boys in the early 1970s at St. Martin's rectory. Her son was an 8th-grader at the time in question. Allegations reported to the Capuchins. Avant had left the order in 1990. He was assigned to Morgan State University starting in 1972, St. Martin (Baltimore) 1972-1978 and Charles Lwanga Center 1979-1984. Requested dispensation from religious life in 1995. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's 2002 list of accused religious priests and brothers. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Gregory Beyer

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 12/9/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. One known credible allegation of abuse occurring in the 1970s. Died in 12/10.

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Fr. Martin Beyer

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 01/2/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Also known as Fr. Baldwin Beyer. Identified in 6/18/13 Capuchin audit report as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. Beyer's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was the subject of confirmed reports of inappropriate sexual behavior at St. Lawrence Seminary. Died 1/2/99.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. James Buser

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 12/21/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Buser, (a freshman counselor at St. Lawrence Seminary), Gale Leifeld and Jim Wolf are accused of molesting a boy in 1978 while he was a student in a Capuchin-run high school and later at a boarding house. A civil suit filed in 1993 was rejected by court in 1995 as beyond the statute of limitations. Numerous victims reported abuse but no action by Leifeld, his supervisor. Buser died 12/21/79. Name included on Capuchin list of friars with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors released 6/18/13.

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Fr. Bennett Colucci

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Denver CO

A woman reported to the Capuchin Franciscans in 2/15 that Colucci sexually abused her in the 1980s, when she was a student at Marycrest High School. The order deemed the allegations credible. The Archdiocese of Denver was investigating, per its 3/3/16 statement. Colucci worked in Denver 1970 until 1993, when he was removed for "reported misconduct." His assignments included Marycrest High School, Annunciation Parish and Samaritan House. The woman and the archdiocese reported the allegations to law enforcement. Colucci was living in a Hays KS parish as of 1994. Retired in 2005, living in a Victoria KS parish at least until 2014. On Capuchin Province of Mid-America list 3/1/19.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Arthur Cooney

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in 6/18/2013 Capuchin audit report as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Cooney's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was removed from public ministry and living under supervision. On the Saginaw diocese's list 8/9/2019.

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Fr. Augustine Cops

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From the Netherlands. Joined the Capuchin Order as a friar in 1959. Ordained in 1986. Named publicly as the subject of substantiated allegations by the St. Joseph Province Capuchins on their list in 10/2020. (Placing Cops' entry under Detroit, where the Province is based.) Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022, where he was assigned to a parish 1986-1988. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

St. Joseph Province Capuchins List 08.19.21

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Fr. Paul Daleo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington DE and MD

Accused of molesting two youths. Confronted with allegations in 1993 and sent for treatment. Reassigned to an office job. Left the Order in 2003. One confidential settlement for $100K in 1995; another in 1996. Two new civil suits were filed in 2008 and two other accusers known. Living in Jersey City in 11/2008 and performing baptisms, funeral rites and weddings. Another civil suit was filed in 3/2009. Nine accusers settled in 11/2011 as part of a $7M total settlement. Reportedly in one case, Daleo abused a 4th grade boy in the 1970s, continuing for 4 years.

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News Journal 5.08.07

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Fr. Richard Deakin

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1985
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Convicted in 1990 of sexual abuse, including rape, of a 13-year-old girl 1986-1988. Given a 20-year suspended sentence and a 15-year suspended sentence, to run concurrently, and 5 years probation. Civil suit filed in 1/1992; settled out of court in 9/1993. Archdiocese knew of his history of deviant sexual behavior. In 1987 (after he yelled obscenities and exposed himself to a woman), the Capuchins transferred him to Pittsburgh. Seminary officials knew of use of church money for x-rated movies and porn before ordination. Left priesthood in 1988 and married. Dismissed from the clerical state 12/29/1992. Became a licensed social worker, began work with the V.A. in 1996. The state board required him to avoid counseling those under age 21. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's 2002 list of accused religious priests and brothers. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/2018. Surrendered his social work license in 2018 per the state board's request, due to the public release of information about his sexual misconduct. Included in the MD Attorney General's 4/5/2023 Report.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Dennis Druggan

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

Removed as president and rector of St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mt. Calvary, WI 7/2012 after allegation in 6/2012 that he had sexually assaulted a minor at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT in mid- to late-1980s. He was at the school 1984-91. Druggan denied the allegations. He had worked with St. Lawrence since 1993. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. A second complaint received. Order found allegations credible and permanently removed Druggan's privileges. Prayer and penance suggested by the Order. Included on the Great Falls-Billings list in 8/21/2018. On the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, last name spelled Drugan.

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Capuchins St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Sylvan Fondriest

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 04/29/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019. Assigned to Ss. Peter and Paul in Cumberland 1956-1976. The archdiocese received an allegation in 2007 of abuse in the late 1950s-early 1960s. A second allegation was received in 2008 of abuse in the late 1950s. Died in 1976. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Br. Thomas J. Gardipee

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in 12/92 of sexual misconduct with St. Lawrence Seminary High School students. Charged in 1/93 with enticing a child for immoral purposes and intimidation. Judge dismissed case, noting evidence Gardipee disrobed in front of boy. Suit in 4/93 said he abused, harassed and stalked teen; expanded in 1994, accusing Capuchins of coverup. Suit said to have settled and Gardipee was barred from teaching and ministering to minors. WI teaching license denied. Left Capuchins in 2001; taught in private Hawaii High School from 2002. Leave in 9/09; resigned in 11/09. Included on the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

Br. Leonard Gibeault

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Identified in 6/18/13 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a former friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Gibeault's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was the subject of confirmed reports of inappropriate sexual behavior at St.Lawrence Seminary. He was restricted from ministry and then left the order.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Ronald Sam Gilardi

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1988
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Arrested and charged in 2000 with 14 counts of indecent solicitation of a child and other crimes, including sodomy, of a 14-year-old boy at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School 1993-94. Pled guilty in 2001 to 3 counts; sentenced to at least 32 months in treatment at Vianney Center in MO and 5 years probation. Suit filed in 2001 in TX. Dismissed and refiled in KS. Settlement announced 12/01. School paid $30K. Family also settled with insurance co. and Diocese in confidential settlement. Living with Order in St. Louis 12/06. Registered as MO sex offender. Last known address per 11/17 internet search is RECON/Wounded Brothers Project in Robertsville, MO. On Capuchin Province of Mid-America list 3/1/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Anthony Giudice

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in lawsuit filed 8/14/19 of abusing a boy, ages 9-11, during 1961-63, at Immaculate Heart of Mary, which was a Capuchin minor seminary in Geneva. The boy was an altar server at St. Patrick's church in Seneca Falls.

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Br. James Gleason

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

Capuchin Brother. "Jim." Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/18. Per a 6/82 news article, Gleason was granted a sabbatical for studies.

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Fr. Leopold Gleissner

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Gleissner's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was removed from public ministry and was placed under supervision.

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Fr. Francisco Gomez

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of San Antonio TX

Ordained for the San Antonio archdiocese. Joined the Capuchin Franciscans in1980. Died in 1998. Accused in 2004 of sexually abusing a teenage boy in the late 1970s. Archdiocese deemed the allegation credible.

Sources:

Diocese of San Antonio List 01.31.19

Fr. David Gottschalk

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Kansas City archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. On the Capuchin Province of Mid-America list 3/1/19. More than one credible allegation of abuse, occurring in the 1970s. Removed from ministry/under supervision.

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Fr. Matthew Gottschalk

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Gottschalk co-founded House of Peace in 1968. Per claims filed as part of Milwaukee bankruptcy, three individuals accused Gottschalk of abusing them as minors in the 1970s and in 1993. He admitted to committing "inappropriate" act against a minor. Order says most of the actions were not criminal acts per DA's office. Retired as head of House of Peace and was moved to Order's headquarters in Detroit.

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Fr. Clarence (Rudolph) Grosser

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 05/13/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Born in Czechoslovakia. Grew up in WI. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Grosser's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he went to the New York Province in 1952. Per his obituary, Grosser taught at Mt. Calvary minor seminary in WI in his early career, then worked at parishes in Milwaukee WI, Yonkers, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, NY. Also assigned to friaries in Hudson NH and Garrison NY, then to a chapel in Springfield MA. Semi-retired in 1974 to the Milton MA novitiate, then the Abington MA friary. Died 5/13/1989.

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Fr. Julian Haas

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Removed from ministry/under supervision, per Salina diocese. More than one credible allegation of abuse, alleged to have occurred 1970s-80s.

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Fr. Jude Clarence Francis Hahn

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Madison WI

Accused of sexually abusing a minor boy in 1976. Civil suit filed in 2/94. Hahn admitted in a deposition to having sexual contact with four teenage boys, including the plaintiff, in the 1970s and '80s. A teacher at St. Lawrence Seminary High School told the Order in 1981-82 that Hahn, a dormitory supervisor, was having inappropriate contact with students. Left priesthood in 1993 and requested laicization. Pope approved the request. Died in 2008. Included on the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

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Capuchins St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Robert Harrison

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Cardinal Hayes High School teacher from around 1989; also basketball coach, assistant principal. Admitted 12/22/14 to sexual abuse of 10 minors in 1970s and '80s in NYC and WI. Was borrowing money from staff members; when asked why Harrison said he needed it to pay a victim. Removed from ministry, sent to a "facility" and district attorneys notified, per Order. Included on the Capuchin's list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

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Fr. Mel W. Hermanns

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 01/24/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor of Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Chicago 3/18/2012. Removed in 9/2012; living under supervision. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. First incident in 1969 involved a St. Lawrence Seminary student. Reported in 1993. Order paid for student's counseling. Hermanns sent to Paracletes. Also reported in 1990 for suspect conduct involving physical activities with minor males. Died in 1/2021. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Emmett Hoffmann

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 02/1/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

Named as abuser in 12/30/11 civil suit filed against Diocese and Order. Plaintiff (a member of Cheyenne tribe) alleged Hoffman molested and raped her between 1955 and 1962 when she was a minor and he was assigned to St. Labre Mission School in Ashland. He started at the school in 1954. The girl was a boarding student. He left the Capuchin order and became a Diocesan priest. He retired from the mission in 1993 and lived in a retirement community on the reservation until his death 2/1/13. Per a 2017 news report, 5 former St. Labre Indian School students accused Hoffman of having molested them between 1955 and 1984. On the diocese's list 8/21/18 (as "Emmitt Hoffman.") On the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. James Francis Hopkins

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Camden NJ

Transferred to the Camden diocese from Pittsburgh in 1973. Parents complained in 1988 of inappropriate behavior toward their son. Sent for therapy. Removed from ministry in 1995 after an accusation of abuse of a boy. In 1999 this accuser's younger brother also alleged abuse. Lawsuit in 1999 by younger brother settled for $625K in 2001. Arrested in 2003. Laicized in 2004. Convicted in 2005 of abuse of boy and sentenced to 8 years in prison as of 3/5/2005. On NJ sex offender registry 6/12/2011. In 2012 a man told the Pittsburgh diocese that Hopkins performed a "medical exam" on him when the man was a freshman at St. Fidelis Seminary High School. decades earlier. Named in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. On Camden diocese's list 2/13/2019.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Luis Jaramillo

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Ordained in Colombia, South America, assigned to Los Angeles CA. Accused of abuse of two 1986-1988, per Archdiocesan Report. Civil suit filed in 12/2003. Left the Archdiocese in 1988. Also accused of abuse in Baker OR diocese after leaving L.A. As part of 2007 $660M settlement with 508 plaintiffs, Archdiocese was to release personnel files. Accused in a civil suit filed in 9/2014 against the Baker diocese of abusing an altar boy, age 9-10, in 1988-1989, while assigned to Our Lady of Angels in Hermiston, OR. Said to have threatened to kill the boy if he told. The boy told his mother in 1989; she reported the abuse to the Capuchins, who allegedly dissuaded her from contacting police. Jaramillo admitted the abuse. Sent to Jemez Springs NM for treatment. Returned to Mexico because he was not responding to treatment. Subsequently worked in Argentina, the Philippines, and Mexico.

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Br. Earl Johnson

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a 6/2008 civil suit of abusing a boy at St. Elizabeth's in Kansas City for three years during the 1970s. Per the suit, on one occasion a priest closed a door to the room where the abuse was going on. Johnson left the order at some point and in 2008 was possibly working in Kansas City as a public elementary school teacher. Claim settled in 8/2008 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Included on the diocese's 9/5/2019 list.

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Br. David Jones

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Abuse reportedly occurred around 1986. More than one credible allegation, per the Salina diocese. Dismissed from Order in 1987.

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Fr. Marvin Justi

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 02/11/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Died 2/11/2009. First named publicly as accused in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Worked in Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese in the 1970s. In 2016 the Pittsburgh diocese received a report from a woman that when she was age 17 in 1969 and a Sewickley Valley Hospital nursing students, Justi was a patient who became aroused as she bathed him and insisted she keep washing his genitals. She said he then would send her suggestive letters and notes. Her mother reported Justi to his superior. The woman also said that in 1982 when she worked in physical therapy in Ambridge, Justi was a patient who undressed and refused to dress when she tried to start the session. In 1985 he reportedly showed up at her house, used the restroom, then entered the living room naked, his genitals freshly shaven. On the Kansas City KS archdiocese's list in 1/25/2019.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Christopher Kearney

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Removed as head of San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez in 2002 due to accusations of abusing boys 1971-1984. At least two civil suits filed. Archdiocesan report shows 11 accusers. Inactive status. Lawsuit filed in 12/2019 under the CA Child Victims Act, claiming abuse of a boy, ages 15-17, in 1984-1986. The boy was a student at St. Francis High School in La Canada Flintridge, and an altar server. Kearney taught at St. Francis High 1970-1995. Removed from the school in 1995 after allegations. Would allegedly sexually abuse boys under the guise of wrestling. Five more suits to be filed naming Kearney, per attorneys in 12/2019.

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Fr. Victor Kriley

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Harrisburg PA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/20. Missionary in New Guinea 1964-1985; appears to have spent the remainder of his priesthood in PA. Per the list, Kriley was possibly deceased. A 12/21 church bulletin for St. Francis of Assisi in Cabot, PA (Diocese of Pittsburgh) shows Kriley's name listed under sick, suffering or homebound members of the parish community in need of prayer.

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Fr. John Baptist Kurcz

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

John Baptist/Donald Kurcz. Identified in 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as former friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Kurcz's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he left the order in 1958 and married.

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Fr. David LaPierre

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of abuse of a minor 1983-1984 while assigned to St. Francis High School in La Canada, CA. Named in the 2004 L.A. archdiocesan report. At least one civil suit filed. Included in 8/2021 on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused, where he worked in hospitals 1991-2002.

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Fr. James LaReau

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in 1992 of performing oral sex on a 16-year-old student at St. Lawrence Seminary Preparatory School in the 1970s, where he was a Latin teacher. The same student was abused on multiple occasions at the same school by Gale Leifeld. LaReau is not listed in the 1979-82 Catholic Directories. The Saginaw diocese, where it notes he was assigned 1981-85, included him on its list 8/9/19. He died in 1987.

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Fr. Fergus Lawless

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1933
Status: Sued

Died: 06/18/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

From Ireland. Arrived in CA in 1934, assigned to a parish in Burlingame in the SF archdiocese. Later worked in Los Angeles, CA and Hermiston, OR, returning to Our Lady of the Angels in Burlingame, CA in 1961 as pastor, where he remained until his death 6/18/1991. Named Capuchin Custos Provincial in 1962. Accused in 2004 or 2005 of abusing a minor 1952-1953. Named in a civil suit.

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L.A. Times Database 04.20.06

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Fr. Gale Leifeld

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 06/22/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Principal of St. Lawrence Seminary until 1982, then academic dean at Sacred Heart School of Theology until 1993. A civil suit alleges Leifeld, Jim Buser and James Wolf molested a student at St. Lawrence. Plaintiff went on to be a counselor for men abused by clergy and claims his therapy in 1992 revealed flashbacks. Suit tried in 1995 but jury found it was too late under the statute of limitations. Leifeld admitted in a deposition to abuse of at least seven, but not of plaintiff. He died in 6/94.

Fr. John E. Mahoney

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Died: 12/15/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 4/03 lawsuit of spanking and caressing the bare buttocks of a boy , age 11,on a trip to West Point in 1967. Later attempts to molest the boy "occurred in the sacristy, the bell tower and in defendant's car." At the time of the alleged abuse, was Director of the Capuchins' St Francis Retreat House, across the Hudson from West Point. For many years, celebrated Mass at St Barnabas. In addition to the Rockville Centre diocese and the NY archdiocese, Mahoney was assigned to a parish in the Manchester NH diocese 1990-94. Died 12/15/04. Named in two suits 8/19: claims of abuse 1971-74 of a St. Barnabas student, ages 11-14. (Plaintiff also accused Rev. Edward R. Andrea of abuse 1975-78.); claims of abuse in 1968 of an altar boy, age 10, at St. Barnabas. On the RVC diocese's list in 3/21, noting abuse allegedly occurring many locations.

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Fr. Andrew Mannetta

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1983
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Assigned to Aiea and Pearl City HI parishes and on Guam. Parents of two altar boys complained in 1994 but the Diocese said Mannetta's behavior was not sexual in nature. Underwent treatment for sexual issues and alcohol abuse. Admitted giving alcohol to boys. Accused in a 5/2003 lawsuit of abuse by a 22-year-old mentally-challenged man beginning when the man was a minor in 1997 or 1998 until 12/2001. Mannetta had been reassigned in 10/2002 to NY after the man's uncle reported the abuse to the Diocese. Settled for $375K in 1/2007 just before trial. Accused of abuse on Guam during seminary and his first assignment. A lawsuit in 2017 alleged abuse in 1985 of an altar boy, age 9-10, on Guam. A suit in 10/2017 claimed abuse in 1985 of 14-year-old boy in Talofofo, Guam. Included on the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019 (name misspelled "Manetta"). Accused in a lawsuit in 1/2022, along with Fr. J. Michael Morrissey, of abuse of a boy in the 1980s in Mangilao, Guam.

Fr. Gabriel Massaro

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Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Massaro, founder and longtime head of Youth Ministry program for Northeast province of the Capuchins, was accused in 2002 of molesting several boys, including one in Long Island and one from Queens, a number of years previously. He was removed from his assignment in New Hampshire (no claims of offense there) and placed on leave. Remained a priest without privileges.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Sources:

Fr. Finian Meis

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 06/23/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

Worked in Dioceses of Salina and Archdiocese of Kansas City KS. Allegations made in 2003 to Review Board. A woman said he abused her when she was 18 and he was part of the Salina diocese. Also, a man alleged abuse as a boy in the 1970s at Church of the Good Shepherd in Shawnee. Three claims settled alleging abuse of one girl and two boys. Meis was "dismissed from the church" in 1986 and later laicized. He died in 1997. In 2013 a man claimed abuse at age 11 in 1972 by Meis during counseling sessions. The Review Board determined that the man's claims could not be validated. He was barred from suing due to the statute of limitations. Meis was named as credibly accused on the KCK diocese's list in 1/2019. Included on the Capuchin Province of Mid-America list 3/1/2019. Per the Salina diocese, abuse occurred in the 1960s-1970s.

Sources:

Br. Matthew Migan

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 02/27/1958
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Migan's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he went to the New York Province in 1952. He died 2/27/1958.

Sources:

Fr. Edwin Modicowitz

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Worked in Indiana, Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts. Died in 1980. Accused in 1998 of having sexually abused an altar boy in 1965 or 1966 at St. Denis' in Westwood, Massachusetts. The accuser indicated there may have been other victims. Modicowitz' former Provincial acknowledged in 1998 that he had removed Modicowitz from a New York parish due to "problems." Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. J. Michael Morrissey

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Portland OR

Ordained for the Capuchins' New York Province. Assigned in 1980 to the Archdiocese of Agana, Guam. Transferred around 1989 to the Archdiocese of Portland, OR, where he was incardinated in 1992 and retired in 2017. Accused in a 1/22 lawsuit of sexually abusing an altar boy, beginning when the boy was 13, over several years in the early 1980s at Santa Teresita in Mangilao, Guam. The abuse allegedly occurred during sleepovers in the parish rectory and included physical assaults and plying the boy with alcohol. The plaintiff also alleged abuse by Fr. Andrew Mannetta, later at the same parish.

Sources:

Fr. Jack Niland

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Died: 08/5/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Capuchin Franciscan Friar of the Province of St. Mary, ordained in NY. Worked on Guam 1976-1999 then Pearl City, HI 1999-2008. Teacher, counselor, pastor, vice-provincial. (First Guam assignment was assistant parish priest under Rev. Anthony Apuron who later became bishop, accused of abusing at least 7 minors, convicted by the Vatican in 2018.) Nilan died 8/5/2009 in New York. He was accused in a 6/2017 lawsuit of molesting a 14-year-old boy in the rectory of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish in Agat in 1982. The boy aspired to be a priest and was living at the rectory. A lawsuit was filed in 10/2017 by man alleging rape as a 10-year-old altar boy by Niland in about 1979, during confessions.

Assignments:

Capuchin website accessed 07.14.17

Sources:

Fr. Randolph Nowak

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Worked in New York, Guam and Hawaii. Accused in a 2008 letter to Order's NY provincial of abusing a boy 1961-66, when the boy attended St. Mary's Seminary High School in Glenclyffe, NY. The accuser produced correspondence that substantiated his claim, including an apology from Nowak. Order has paid for counseling for him. Faculties had been removed in 2004 for past allegations that "arose elsewhere." Nowak worked in almost every parish in Guam staffed by his Order. Retired and living in Guam at Capuchin Friary in 4/17; there since at least 2007.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Carl Pulvermacher

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 05/29/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/18.Died 5/29/06.

Sources:

Fr. Celestine Quinlan

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of abuse of four St. Francis of Assisi parish altar boys 1957-62, per 2003 civil suit. HIs accusers said he also abused other altar boys, and that he "rushed through mass" so he could molest them. One mother reportedly told authorities, after which Quinlan was transferred to WIllitis CA. (Part of the San Francisco archdiocese until the Santa Rosa diocese was established in 1/62.) Plaintiffs' attorney said that the Church told them that Quinlan had been sent to an Indian reservation in Arizona to pay penance for his sins. Quinlan died in 1970. Listed in L.A. Archdiocesan report. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19. Assigned there 1962-68.

Assignments:

LA Times Database 04.20.06

Sources:

Fr. Francis Roscetti

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV

Worked in PA, MD, WV. Named publicly as accused on the Wheeling-Charleston diocese's list in late 2018. Allegation received 5/7/2015 of abuse of a girl in WV 1967-1972, beginning when she was 15. Added to the Baltimore archdiocese's list 4/24/2019. Accused in 2013 of abuse of a second grade boy in MD in the mid-1980s. Assigned 1978-1989 to St. Ambrose in Cresaptown. Roscetti died in 1991. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Sources:

Br. Benignus Scarry

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Per the Salina diocese, there is one known credible allegation against Scarry, occurring in the 1980s. He left the Order in 2016.

Sources:

Fr. Daniel Schartz

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. More than one credible allegation, of abuse occurring in the 1970s. Left the order in 1980.

Sources:

Fr. Austin Schlaefer

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 06/19/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in 6/18/2013 Capuchin audit report as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. He died 6/19/1992 in Saginaw, MI. Worked in Milwaukee, Detroit and Chicago. On the Saginaw diocese's list by 8/9/2019. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Michael Scully

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1965
Status: Unsubstantiated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

Former Provincial of the Capuchins' St. Conrad Province. Assigned in Colorado and Kansas. Worked most of his priesthood with youth. Named publicly by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in 3/22 as accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The abuse allegedly occurred during Scully's time outside of the archdiocese. Placed on leave pending investigation. Scully denied the allegation. Allegation deemed unsubstantiated by the diocese in 4/22.

Sources:

Fr. Wendelin Shafer

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 10/9/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

"Leslie." Worked as a missioner in Central America for 52 years. Joined the Central American Vice Province. Retired and returned to Wisconsin. Died 10/09/2005. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Shafer's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him.

Assignments:

Capucin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

Sources:

Br. Felix Shinsky

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Salina KS

Capuchin brother. Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Removed from ministry/under supervision, per the Salina diocese. One known credible allegation of abuse, which occurred in 1977.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Smetana

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Spent 31 years as a priest in Nicaragua. Identified in the 6/18/2013 "Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph" as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Smetana's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Removed from public ministry, living under supervision. Included on the La Crosse diocese's list 1/18/2020, where he worked at some point at St. Henry in Eau Galle. Permanently removed from ministry.

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

Sources:

Fr. Robert Spader

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 09.19.21

Sources:

Br. Francis Mary Sparacino

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 01/19/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Sparacino's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Served most of career as tailor for the Province of St. Joseph. Living in 8/2013 under supervision in a nursing home. Died 1/19/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

Sources:

Fr. Kenneth Stewart

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a former friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Stewart's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. The audit reported that he had been removed from ministry and placed under supervision. He left the Order and was laicized at some point. On the Saginaw diocese's list by 8/9/2019, where he was assigned 1973-1974. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Elmer Stoffel

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 12/2/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Saginaw MI

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Saginaw on its list in 2019. Assigned to the diocese 1958-1970. Died 12/2/1992. Included on the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

Assignments:

Sources:

Br. Thomas Tomasunas

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 06/15/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Professed vows as a Capuchin brother 2/28/1955. Worked in MD and PA. Died in 2001. Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. Accused in 2008 of sexually abusing an altar boy, age 12 or 13, in 1959 while assigned to St. Peter and St. Paul in Cumberland, MD. The alleged victim received a $50K settlement with the Archdiocese in 2004.

Sources:

Fr. Urbano Vazquez-Ortega

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 2014
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Washington DC and MD

Accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl at Sacred Heart Shrine in Columbia Heights in 5/2015. The girl's mother reportedly informed Rev. Mosis Villalta, OFM.Cap. in 2015; police were not notified until 10/26/2018, after Villalta told a visiting priest about the situation. Arrested 11/7/2018, charged with second-degree child abuse. Also accused of kissing a 16-year-old girl in 2015, and of rubbing a 15-year-old girl's leg during confession the same year. Archdiocese suspended Vazquez after notified by Order of allegations 10/26/2018. Removed as pastor. Parish's child protection coordinator placed on leave. Arrested on new allegations 12/11/2018, of abuse of a girl starting when she was age 9. On the Baltimore archdiocese's list 12/14/2018. Indicted in 5/2019 on seven counts of sex abuse of two children and a woman. Convicted in 8/2019. Motion for a new trial in 9/2019; denied. Sentenced in 11/2019 to 15 years in prison. Found guilty in 11/2021 of abuse, which occurred during confession, of the young woman. Sentenced to 180 days in prison, to be added to the 15-year sentence. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report (name spelled Vasquez-Ortega). Included on the Washington archdiocese's list.

Fr. Jorge Antonio Velez-Lopez

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1989
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Tertiary Capuchin. Colombian. Arrived in the U.S. in 2001. Suspended from ministry in the Diocese of Alexandria in 2/2016 pending the investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct with a female minor during an 8-year period, while assigned in the Baltimore archdiocese. Report in 2009 from a man who said he walked in on Velez and a teenage girl naked in bed. Velez was dog-sitting at the man's house while he was away. The man said Velez threatened harm to his family in Colombia if he told. Velez and the girl denied the allegations. Faculties removed in Baltimore in 3/2010. The girl became pregnant with Velez' child. He was transferred to the Diocese of Alexandria. In 2016 the girl told her parish priest in Baltimore that Velez was her child's father, and the investigation was reopened. Velez admitted the allegations. Criminally charged. Convicted in 2020 of sex abuse of a minor, sentenced to 25 years with all but 9 years suspended. On the Alexandria diocese's list 2/6/2019 (name spelled "Valez-Lopez.") Case sent to the Vatican. On Baltimore's list updated 7/23/2019. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Sources:

Br. Paul White

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

In 9/13 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced a settlement on behalf of a woman who accused White of abusing her in the late 1960s, when she was about age 9 and he worked at St. Lawrence Friary in Milton. White is deceased.

Sources:

The Republic (AP) 09.04.13

Fr. James C. Wolf

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused in a civil suit along with Revs. Jim Buser and Gale Leifeld of molesting a student in the 1970s at a Capuchin run high school and after graduation. The plaintiff was a counselor for men abused by clergy and claimed his therapy in 1992 revealed flashbacks. Case tried in 1995. Jury decided it was not filed within the statute of limitations. Two of the priests admitted abusing other boys but not the plaintiff in this case. Included on the Capuchin Friars' list of those with substantiated allegations against them 8/19/2021, which notes, "Retired/Restrict in Ministry" since 2005. Included in the MI A.G.'s 10/2022 report; assigned 1963-1976 in the Marquette diocese. In 2008 a man reported to the Marquette diocese that Wolf sexually abused him over two years in the 1970s when he was ages 11-12. In 2011 a man alleged abuse by Wolf when he was 20 in 1971-1972.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Norman Charles Wolfe

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Kansas City KS

"Chuck." Accused in 2005 of abusing a 14-year-old boy while assigned to Church of the Good Shepherd in Shawnee in 1976 and 1977. Order's review board found allegations "believable." Accuser also filed civil suit which was later dismissed on SOL. He later received payment of $25K. On the archdiocese's list 1/25/19. On the Capuchin Province of Mid-America's list 3/1/19. Per Salina diocese, dismissed from Order 1987.

Sources:

Fr. Robert Yurgel

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1996
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Charlotte NC

Arrested in 4/08. Charged with sex abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 1999 at St. Matthew's in Charlotte, where he was assigned 1997-99. Transferred out of diocese in 10/99. At time of arrest, was chaplain at St. Mary's in Passaic, NJ. Extradited to Charlotte and released on bail. Victim filed civil suit vs diocese and Capuchins 10/08, saying diocese knew before transfer to NJ and case covered-up. Pled guilty to 1 count 2/09; sentenced to 7 years 8 months to 10 years prison. Suit settled 5/10 for $1.23M ($1M from Diocese and $230K from the Order). Released from prison 8/16. Moved from NC to NJ in 11/16. Per Capuchins, defrocked in 2010. Suit in 12/20 claimed abuse of a boy ages 5-7, at St. Matthew's, beginning in 1997.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Hilary Zach

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 03/22/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Zach's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Spent several years at St. Lawrence Seminary as teacher and novice master, then became a hospital chaplain. Died 3/22/1997.

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21