Diocese of Birmingham AL

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

5 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Frances Mary (David) Stone

Order: MFVA
Ordained: 1998
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Arrested 10/09/2013, charged with the sexual abuse of a minor. Per the Archdiocese, Stone is no longer with the MFVA order and "they are following canonical procedures in the case." The alleged victim is Stone's son born in 2008. The boy's mother is a former EWTN co-worker; Stone is a former EWTN TV show host. Stone and the boy's mother were in a custodial dispute. The mother said the boy told her Stone put his finger in son's anus, causing him to defecate on a bed. Stone denied the allegation. Trial in 5/2016. Found not guilty. Granted custody of his son in 1/1208.

Sources:

Fr. Charles Joseph Bordenca

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

"Fr. Joe." Accused of molesting a 12-year-old boy in the 1960s. "Retired" in 1991 but continued to work part time in the Mobile archdiocese. Removed by Bishop Foley in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops' Conference. Also accused of inappropriately touching several men during counseling situations. Other minor victims known. Bordenca died 6/28/2017. Included on the diocese's list 12/14/2018, which notes that he was removed from ministry in 1989.

Sources:

Fr. Kevin Cooke

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Removed in 2002 due to an allegation of inappropriate contact with girl, age 14, occurring more than 25 years previously. Cooke was a seminarian during the time in question. Faculties withdrawn in 2003. Included on the diocese's list 12/14/2018.

Sources:

Fr. Charles V. Cross

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 04/24/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Not allowed parish ministry after 1985 due to an allegation that he of sexually assaulted a "transient" man. Sent to Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment. Worked after 1985 overseeing maintenance at diocesan headquarters, on the Tribunal, and as a diocesan spokesperson. In 1993 a man reported to the Diocese that Cross sexually abused him as a boy during 1960-1964. The man filed a lawsuit in 1995, which was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Cross allegedly molested at least four teenage boys in the early 1960s. Resided 1986-2002 at Blessed Sacrament Parish. Removed from ministry in 5/2002. Forced to retire in 6/2002 without privileges. Died 4/24/2010. Included on the diocese's list 12/14/2018.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. John J. Ventura

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Birmingham AL

Ordained for Diocese of Paterson NJ. Incardinated 1974 into Birmingham diocese. Removed in 1985 due to allegations. Included on the Birmingham diocese's list 12/14/2018.

Sources:

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.