'Credible' abuse claims against 12 Little Rock clergy listed

The Associated Press/KATVMonday
September 10, 2018

https://katv.com/news/local/credible-abuse-claims-against-12-little-rock-clergy-listed

The diocese named eight priests against whom credible allegations have been substantiated, and another four about whom it has received unsubstantiated though credible allegations.

The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock has released a list of 12 clergy who have had assignments at some point in Arkansas who have had "credible" allegations of sexually abusing minors.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor said the list released Monday was preliminary and the result of an internal review in the wake of a sweeping grand jury report on child sexual abuse by clergy in Pennsylvania. He says the list will be updated following an independent review of its files by an outside consulting firm.

The diocese named eight priests against whom credible allegations have been substantiated, and another four about whom it has received unsubstantiated though credible allegations. The diocese says it has offered or is offering assistance to their known victims.

The list of priests against whom credible allegations have been substantiated was provided by Bishop Taylor and is listed below:

• Donald Althoff - Left ministry in 1995. Served 1982-1995. 1 known victim.

• Joseph Correnti - Served 1972-2002. 2 known victims. Died in 2002. Direct allegations against him were not received until 2014.

• Nicholas Fuhrmann, OSB - Removed and barred from active ministry and retired to Subiaco Abbey in 2002. Served in Arkansas 1980-1981 and 1994-2002. 8 known victims.

• Paul Haas - Died 1978. Served in Arkansas 1964-1965. No known victims in Arkansas, but multiple victims in Tennessee.

• Anthony McKay, CSSp - Dismissed from the priesthood and religious life in 2004. Died 2015. Served in Arkansas 1991-2001. No known victims in Arkansas, multiple victims elsewhere.

• Timothy Sugrue, SM - Dismissed from the priesthood and religious life in 2005. Military chaplain in Blytheville, 1978-1979. 1 known victim.

• Robert Torres - Removed from ministry in 1994. Served 1966-1994. 5 known victims.

• Patrick Walsh, MSC - Died 2011. Removed from ministry in 2004. Served 1976-1987. 1 known victim.

The list of priests about whom unsubstantiated though credible allegations of abuse of a minor have been received was provided by Bishop Taylor and is listed below:

• Robert Dagwell - Died 1997. Removed from ministry in 1986. Served in Arkansas 1954-1986. Specific number of victims unknown.

• John McDaniel - Died 1974. Served 1955-1974. 3 known victims.

• Edward Mooney - Died 2009, left ministry in 1971. Served 1949-1971. 2 known victims.

• Francis Zimmerer, OSB - Died 1984, from Subiaco Abbey. Served 1932-1983. No known victims in Arkansas, 3 known victims in Texas.

Althoff released the following statement in response to the list: "The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arkansas recently released the names of priests who have been accused of inappropriate relationships with minors. My name was on that list due to my involvement with a minor female 30 years ago. My conduct was wrong. At the time, I disclosed my actions to the Bishop and after evaluation and treatment, it was determined that the event was not related to any desire to be with minors; it was, however, directly related to my extremely poor judgment. After taking responsibility, and after being assured that the church would provide full support to the young woman and her family, I returned to my duties as a priest in a different parish. Several years later, I decided to leave the priesthood to pursue a more traditional life. Ultimately, I became married and was blessed to have three wonderful daughters. While our marriage did not last, my former spouse and I remain close and have continued to raise our daughters as a team. Thanks to the loving support of many family and friends, our daughters are weathering this news as well as can be expected. I pray for continued healing for all parties who have been hurt by my actions and I ask for privacy for my daughters."