Fr. Robert Joseph Petrella

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Washington DC and MD

Per the Archdiocese, a first report of abuse was received in 1966. Alleged to have raped two brothers. Sent to treatment, returned to ministry. Sent for treatment three times. Permanently removed 1989 after more allegations. Indicted and convicted 1997 for the sexual abuse of 10-year-old boy in the late 1970s. Sentenced to six months in jail, reduced to seven days. Convicted in 2003 for abuse of three. Sentenced to 18 months in prison. Laicized in 4/2003. At least one claim was included in a $1.3M settlement with the Archdiocese in 12/2006. At least 25 accusers. Living at his mother’s home in North Arlington, MD as of 9/2008. Included on the Archdiocese’s list 10/15/2018.


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.