Fr. Alvin L. Campbell

Ordained: 1952
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 12/2/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Ordained for the Diocese of Springfield IL. U.S. Army Chaplain 1963-1977. Resigned from the Army when confronted with “a moral problem with boys/young men.” Diocese was informed in 1/1978, yet assigned Campbell as parish pastor. Named pastor of another parish in 1979, where allegations surfaced in 1/1980. Admitted in 12/1981 to abuse of a girl. Reassigned. Worked 1982-1985 at St. Maurice in Morrisonville where he abused 26 children. Arrested in 1985 for abuse of boys, ages 11-15. Owned child porn. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 14 years prison. Released in 1992. Bishop requested laicization in 1989 but was denied by CDF prefect Cardinal Ratzinger because Campbell did not agree. He later agreed and was laicized, possibly in 1992. Died 12/2/2002. At least one civil suit settled in a 2004 mass settlement. Six more victims from 1970s and early 1980s settled with the Diocese in 1/2007 for $625K. On Diocese’s list 11/29/18. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report. It notes reports that Campbell sexually abused 33 children in the diocese.

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