Fr. Thomas James Pagni, III
Accused in a 1995 lawsuit of sexually abusing two young boys, who were brothers, when he was their counselor in the late 1980s-early 1990s. The diocese put Pagni through school for a mental health counseling career in 1986 in exchange for leaving the priesthood. The lawsuit says the Diocese lied to the state about Pagni’s background. The Diocese agreed it helped him change careers but denies deceiving the state. Also sexually abused girls. Arrested in 2/1995 and again in 6/1995, facing charges of molesting the two brothers and another boy. Two more suits were filed in 1996. Pleaded no contest in the case of the third boy in 1/1996. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Released in 7/2000. On sex offender registry. Per the FL Attorney General’s report 11/6/2020, Pagni is deceased. Included on the Orlando diocese’s 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused .
- San Jose Mercury News 12.31.87
- Florida Today 04.17.93
- Orlando Sentinel 02.18.95
- Orlando Sentinel 02.24.95
- Orlando Sentinel 03.18.95
- Orlando Sentinel 04.07.95
- Orlando Sentinel 06.10.95
- Orlando Sentinel 09.09.95
- Orlando Sentinel 09.17.95
- Orlando Sentinel 01.17.96
- Orlando Sentinel 01.30.96
- Orlando Sentinel 02.22.96
- Palm Beach Post 06.10.98
- FL Attorney General’s Report 11.06.20
- Diocese of Orlando List 10.06.21
Sources:
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