Fr. Polienato Bernabe
Visiting priest from the Lingayen-Dugapan archdiocese in the Philippines. Worked in St. Petersburg diocese 1975-1989. Accused of repeatedly raping a girl there 1978-1986, starting when she was age 8. Listed as an Army chaplain in the Ogdensburg NY diocese 1989-1991. Listed in the Palm Beach FL diocese as a parish priest 1992-1994. Fled the country after allegations became known in 2002. Warrant out for his arrest. In 1/2003 the Diocese of St. Petersburg reached a $33,500 out-of-court settlement with the woman. Announcement in 4/06 that Bernabe had died in 2004 in the Philippines.
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.