Fr. James J. Gildea
In 1991, a man reported to the Diocese abuse by Gildea 1976-1979, beginning when the man was age 13 and a student at Notre Dame High School. The abuse occurred during trips Gildea took to Wilkes-Barre PA to visit his sick mother. The Diocese settled 7/31/2006. Gildea allegedly used his power as guidance counselor to threaten the boy. Another man went public 8/4/2006 about a $60K settlement the Diocese offered him in 8/2002; he had reported abuse by Gildea 1958-1966, starting when he was age 7 or 8 and continuing into his first two years at Notre Dame High School. The victim’s attorney in the 7/31/2006 settlement stated she knew of a third victim. Gildea died 7/5/1986. Five cases involving four priests of diocese, including Gildea, settled in 5/2017. Included on his Order’s list 6/12/2019. A 2019 report commissioned by the Diocese states there were 9 victims, all boys ages 14-15, abused 1965-1982. (The report mistakenly says Gildea was removed in 2002.)
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