Diocese releases names of 31 priests named in abuse allegations

Salem News
October 30, 2018

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Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced the list of names of those who have served in the Diocese of Youngstown since its establishment in 1943 who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor and who have been reported to civil authorities.

“I am very sorry that the church has failed to act aggressively to eliminate this evil,” said Bishop Murry through a media release . “I humbly ask forgiveness from the victims and their families for the grave mistakes the church has made.”

For the purpose of this list a “credible accusation” against a priest or deacon who has served in the Diocese of Youngstown is an accusation that, after a thorough investigation and review of available information, appears more likely true than not in the judgment of the Diocesan Review Board, and is accepted as credible by the bishop.

The Diocese of Youngstown is committed to comply with local law enforcement and with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. The Charter contains a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy, along with areas that assist the diocese in efforts to provide preventive measures designed to keep minors safe from harm now and in the future. Also included are guidelines for reconciliation, healing and accountability.

Through ongoing education, the Diocese of Youngstown strives to empower people to create and maintain safe environments for our children and youth. Bishop Murry said, “that as painful as the process of voluntary disclosure of names is for parishioners where these men served, this is one way that we can offer support and dignity to the survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families.”

This list will be supplemented based upon any future determinations of credible allegations.

The Diocese of Youngstown stands firm in its commitment to report and investigate all allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy. If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse or know someone who is, you are urged to make direct contact with law enforcement. You may also contact retired Detective Sergeant Delphine Baldwin-Casey, the victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Youngstown at 330-718-1388.

Clergy of the Diocese of Youngstown against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made: Robert Burns, Thomas Crum, Anthony Esposito, Richard Evritt, James Fondriest (deceased); Ernest Formichelli (permanent deacon); Paul Gubser (deceased); John Hammer, Robert Hill (deceased); Thomas Kelly (deceased); Donald Oser (deceased); Robert Reidy, John Ryan (deceased); Robert Sabatino (deceased); Louis Santucci, John Schmidt (deceased); William Smaltz, John Warner, Francis Zapitelli (deceased).

Clergy of the Diocese of Youngstown against whom credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made after the accused was deceased: Joseph Bennett, John P. Cunningham, Gerald Curran, Joseph Galganski, Henry Gallagher, John Gallagher, James Hennessey, John Lyons, John Parillo.

Clergy from religious orders against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made while serving in the Diocese of Youngstown: Gerald Dupont, OP; Donald Marrokal, CR (deceased); Giles Nealen, OSB (deceased).

Clergy from other dioceses against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made and who have subsequently reside in the territory of the Diocese of Youngstown: Robert Castelucci (Diocese of Pittsburgh); Anthony Cipola (Diocese of Pittsburgh, deceased).

Non-clergy from religious orders against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made while employed in the Diocese of Youngstown: Stephen Baker, TOR (deceased).