New: Franciscan Brother Found Dead

By Patrick Buchnowski
Tribune-Democrat
January 26, 2013

http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1303530652/New-Franciscan-friar-found-dead The Franciscan friar at the heart of a high school sex scandal in Johnstown is dead. Brother Stephen P. Baker, who had be

Brother Stephen P. Baker

The Franciscan friar at the heart of a high school sex scandal in Johnstown is dead.

Brother Stephen P. Baker, who had been accused of sexually abusing boys when he taught at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, died today.

A spokesman for St. Bernardine Monastery of the Franciscan Friars Third Order Reagular near Hollidaysburg issued a statement confirming the death.

“We regret to announce that Brother Stephen Baker died this morning,” said Father Patrick Quinn, TOR, minister provincial.

“The matter is under investigation by the authorities.”

Baker taught at Bishop McCort from 1992 through the early 2000s. He was both a religion teacher and worked in the athletic department.

An attorney of three alleged victims is planning to sue on their behalf. 

See Sunday's Tribune-Democrat for additional information.



Contact: PBUCHNOWSKI@TRIBDEM.COM