KENTUCKY
WHAS
Derrick Rose, @WHAS11Derrick
LOUSIVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) — In a videotaped deposition and several documents released Tuesday, which include a letter written by Louisville native Father Gilbert “Allen” Tarlton, the priest admits to several incidents where he engaged in sexual misconduct with students or children in his care.
The documents and video were made public as part of a settlement between Tarlton, St. John’s Abbey and lawyers representing the victim known in court records as “John Doe 2.” The case had been scheduled to go to trial May 4.
When asked if he touched the genitals of prep students at St. John’s, Tarlton replied, “I did do that, yes,” but could not recall how many times.
It was the first time Tarlton has been seen publicly admitting his role in the sex abuse scandal within the Catholic Church.
WEB EXTRA:
Watch Father Tarlton’s full deposition video
Part of the records released highlight Tarlton’s time at Holy Cross. In the earlier described letter, Tarlton does not name the pastor who invited hiim to Louisville. In the letter, Tarlton does, however, admit to numerous sexual encounters with students as well as alcohol abuse before he transferred to Louisville. There is no mention of whether Tarlton revealed his past to the pastor or if there was any investigation prior to his hiring in 1973.
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