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Total Individuals: 135


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Br. Jorge Acosta

Order: SDB
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Joined seminary at age 17. Left religious life in 1983. Age 46 in 2005 when named as abuser "Br. Jorges Acosta" by two men in a civil suit against the Salesians and Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa. Admitted in a 2/2007 deposition to sexual relations with three students in 1983 when he was teacher and cleric at school. He told the principal about two of the incidents; not reported to law enforcement. A second suit was filed in 4/2007. One settlement was announced in 7/2008. Amount confidential. Acosta developed a career as an actor in Tampa FL and NYC under the name JL Rey. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.

Fr. Richard J. Allen

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 08/22/2007
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

In 2002 a man told the Diocese that Allen abused him for two years, when he was ages 12-13. Allen resigned from his position and his privileges were suspended in 4/2002. The Diocese denied any prior knowledge. No criminal charges were filed. In 5/2002 the Diocese stated that Allen's file did not raise any red flags during its review of the files of 240 active priests. Died 8/22/2007, age 64. Per his obituary, Allen was a licensed mental health therapist. Name included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Thomas M. Anglim

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 01/19/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

From Ireland. Pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Ft. Myers FL 1966-2004. Retired in 2004. Died in Ireland in 1/2010. Accused in a 4/2010 civil suit of abuse of at least one youth 1967-1968. Per the plaintiff, there were other victims. The suit names the Archdiocese of Miami and the Diocese of Venice, which was part of Miami at the time of the alleged abuse. Anglim supervised two other known abusers.

Fr. Russell Gerald Appleby

Order: MSF
Ordained: 1966
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Also known as Gerald Russell Appleby. In 1994 a young man accused Appleby of molestation over a 2-year period. Suit filed in 1996; later dropped. Appleby left St. Petersburg in 1979; Diocese said no knowledge of complaints until 1994. Order paid the accuser $4,800 for therapy in 1995. Removed by Order in 1990 or 1991; laicized in 1995. Arrested in TX on FL abuse charges in 3/2003. Pleaded guilty in 2004; sentenced to 12 years prison and 20 years sex offender probation. Died in prison in 2005. On the Corpus Christi diocese's list 1/31/2019. It notes removal from ministry in the diocese in 1983.

Fr. Arnulfo Arandia

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Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

From Diocese of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Accused of abusing a youth, age 15, in Miami in 1988. Moved to the Jackson MS diocese in 2000. Suspended in 6/2002 when charges surfaced. Believed to have fled to Ecuador. Arandia's accuser said he told a deacon about the abuse in 1988 and Arandia was immediately transferred. The same man also accused Fr. Castellanos of abuse. Prosecutors decided in 1/2004 not to file criminal charges because the statute had run. Included on the Jackson diocese's list 3/19/2019.

Fr. Donald Baier

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Retired in 2000. Per news in 7/2002, Baier's ministerial rights were permanently revoked by the Bishop after an anonymous letter with documentation of alleged abuse was received in 5/2002. Investigation found evidence of at least two victims in separate locations. 


Fr. Norman G. Balthazar

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Initially charged in 1991 in Tampa with soliciting a lewd act from a male undercover police officer. Charges dismissed by court. Sent for therapy and returned to ministry. Diocese paid $75K in 2010 to a man claiming abuse by Balthazar at Christ the King in Tampa in the early 1980s when he was 17. Settlement not revealed until 1/2011. Per Tampa police, in 2002 a man accused Balthazar and another priest of sexually assaulting him in 1971 at age 9. State did not press charges. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Carl Bartholomew

Order: SAC
Ordained: 2000
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Ordained at age 53. Assigned at some point to St. Martha's in Sarasota. Accused in 4/2002 by a woman of molesting her 16-year-old son in 1994 when Bartholomew was a chiropractor in Bradenton, FL, prior to ordination. Bartholomew was not assigned to the Venice diocese in 4/2002 and was reportedly in England. In 10/2002 a committee of lay persons investigated and cleared Bartholomew. The priest acknowledged genital contact with the boy, but said it was part of a medical procedure. One committee member, a psychologist, had once examined another teenage boy who had alleged that Bartholomew made sexual advances toward him in 1998. Bartholomew was returned to full active status.

Fr. Arthur Bendixen

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Chancellor of the Diocese of Orlando 1984-1991. Seminary rector 1991-1993. Seen nude in bed with a nude boy by a priest in 1978. A former priest and a church activist claim they asked for investigations in 1986 and 1992, but no action. Sued in 1994. Accused of abuse of several boys. Several settlements in 1995. From 2009 Bendixen was vice president for programs and partnerships for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. He retired in 2016. Included on the Orlando diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused; noted to be deceased but is said in 6/2024 to be alive and continuing housing work in Chicago in retirement.

Fr. Matthew Berko

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/13/2008
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of St. Josaphat of Parma. Working in Toronto, Canada when he abused a 14-year-old girl. Pled guilty in 1985 to molestation charge and served a year of probation in Connecticut. The girl and her family sued and won judgment (never paid). Berko turned up as pastor of a Ukrainian Catholic church in St. Petersburg FL. Removed in 4/2002 when Ukrainian Bishop was informed of his past. Died in 5/2008.

Fr. Polienato Bernabe

Ordained: 1966
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

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.

Fr. Vijaya Bhaskar Godugunuru

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Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

From India. Visiting friends in Florida and assisting at a local parish in 6/2006 when accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. Arrested. Later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. Did not serve prison time. Was forced to return to India as part of a plea deal. Civil suit filed in 2/2008 by the girl's parents. He was working as priest in Sarteano, Italy until 4/18/2010. Included on the Pensacola-Talahassee diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Richard J. Bowles

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Died: 12/22/2013
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Monsignor. Resigned in 2003 after admitting to molesting a boy 34 years prior. The diocese investigated after someone reported the molestation in 8/2003. Shortly after the abuse in 1969, Bowles underwent a psychiatric evaluation. In 9/2003 a second man came forward to allege abuse by Bowles at age 15 in 1971. His parents had complained to diocese the same year. This accuser filed suit 5/2005 in and settled in 10/2005 for $30K. Included on the diocese's list 11/6/2020. Also included on the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 12/22/2013.

Fr. George Brennan

Ordained: 1987
Status: Sued

Died: 01/20/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Accused in a civil suit filed in 11/2005 of abusing an 11-year-old boy in the early 1980s while a seminary student at Incarnation Catholic Church. In 1991 Brennan pleaded no contest to exposing himself to an undercover deputy at a highway rest stop. Retired in 9/2008. Continued to assist at Incarnation Parish. Died 1/20/2011.

Br. William Michael Burke

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1993
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Professed vows as a Salesian brother in 1983. Ordained for the order in 1993. Worked in NJ, FL and NY. A 2002 civil suit alleged abuse in 1986-1987. Reported in 1989. Working in a New York religious center until suspension in 2002. Order was dismissed from the suit in 11/2002. At least one other alleged victim later came forward. Possibly living in Virginia as of 7/2005. Included on the Salesians list of credibly accused in 3/2020.

Fr. Francisco Carrera

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Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Visiting priest from Spain. A former altar boy sued Carrera in 2002 alleging that the priest molested him in 1981 at Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in west Miami-Dade when he was 13. He also said the Diocese transferred Carrera back to Spain when it learned of the abuse. A second suit filed in 5/2011 alleged abuse of a 10-year-old boy in 1976 at the same parish. Appeals court upheld lower court's dismissal due to the statute of limitations 4/17/2013. Carrera had lived in Spain since the early 1980s.

Fr. Charles Cassetta

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Worked in the Buffalo, NY diocese prior to transfer to Florida. Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of sexually abusing a female student at least ten times in 1971-1972 at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach. Settled in 5/2004 for $220K. Cassetta left the priesthood, married and was last known to be living in Maryland.

Fr. Ricardo Castellanos

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Placed on leave in 2002 due to allegations in a lawsuit that he sexually abused a boy, ages 14-16, in the early 1970s. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Kieran Church and LaSalle High School in Miami and during overnight trips to Disney World. Criminal charges were not pursued due to the statute of limitations. At least four civil suits named Castellanos. Two claims settled 9/22/2004. Retired in 2005 when a new suit was filed. Another suit filed in 5/2012 claims Castellanos abused a youth more than 150 times in about 1995 at San Isidro Church in Pompano Beach.

Fr. Richard Castillo

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Admitted to abusing four boys. Reported to police in 1996. No prosecution due to the statute of limitations. In order for the boys to received therapy, their parents had to file a release saying they would not file suit. Two brothers said they had previously told the Diocese of their abuse but were ignored. Castillo was permanently barred from ministry, sent for treatment, and barred from contact with children. Included on the Diocese's 2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Rolando Castillo

Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 10/2007 civil suit of sexually abusing a 17-year-old youth in 2001. Placed on leave. Denied all allegations. Cleared by the archdiocese in In 4/2009. Was to be returned to active status and reassigned to a different parish. Civil suit was unclear as to whether the plaintiff was actually a minor at the time of the alleged abuse in 2001. Lawsuit was "mutually resolved."

Br. John Casula

Order: SDB
Status: Sued

Died: 08/2/1994
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

From Italy, where he made his profession as a Salesian brother in 1941. Arrived in the U.S. in 1947. Worked in WV, NB Canada, FL and NY. Died in 1994. Accused in a 3/2016 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of boy, ages 12-14, at Mary Help of Christians boarding school for disadvantaged children in Tampa FL, 1976-1978. Per the suit, another student accused Cosula in 1977, but the Salesians did not call police. Between 2002-2016, about 10 other former students alleged abuse by priests and brothers at the school, which closed in 2006. Included on the order's list of credibly accused in 3/2020.

Fr. Michael A. Cherup, Jr.

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

The Diocese learned on 7/19/2013 of an allegation that Cherup sexually abused a 15-year-old boy in 8/1993, while assigned to Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola. His conduct was described as  lewd and lascivious in nature, like "groping." The Diocesan Review Board found the allegation credible. Removed without privileges from St. Mary's in Fort Walton Beach 8/29/2013. Cherup denied all allegations. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused. Noted to have been permanently removed from ministry in 2013.

Fr. Benjamin Cieply

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Order: LC
Ordained: 2008
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Named publicly as accused by the Legionaries on 9/6/2018. Ordained in Dallas TX in 2008, transferred to the Archdiocese of Miami in 2015. Report to Child Protective Services in late 2016 of child sexual abuse. CPS could not substantiate the allegations. The Archdiocese removed Cieply from ministry after their internal review. Returned to the Legionaries. Cieply would not participate in the Order's investigation, claiming innocence. In 6/2018 the Order determined a "high probability" that abuse occurred and Cieply was not to return to ministry. He was dismissed from the Legionaries. Case sent to the Vatican, which in 2023 determined that it could not "reach moral certainty that abuse occurred." In 4/2023 Cieply remains a priest, but without faculties.

Fr. Charles Michael Cikovic

Ordained: 1986
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 05/2/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Placed on leave in 1993 after allegations of a sexual "relationship" with a 13-year-old girl 6/1992-2/8/1993. Pleaded guilty in 1993 on four counts of sexual battery and/or lewd acts; sentenced to 6 months in jail and 20 years probation with mandatory treatment and forced retirement. Released from jail in 12/1995. A civil suit was filed and settled out of court in 1997, reported in 2002 to have been $550K. Previous allegations in the 1980s.On Sex Offender Registry. Settled in MO, married in 2001. Per his obituary, Cikovic "accepted [his wife's] three daughters as his own." Died 5/2/2022.

Fr. Joseph Cinesi

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Per news in 9/1999, a man told police in 7/1998 that Cinesi had had sexual contact with him about 100 times when he was between 12- and 15-years-old in the late 1970s- early 1980s. The Diocese settled at least five claims and/or lawsuits against Cinesi between 1999 and 2001. Another civil suit was filed in 5/2004 alleging abuse of a boy in 1978-1979. It settled in 9/2004.

Fr. Innocente Clementi

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 03/19/1999
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Accused of sexually abusing at least two boys at Mary Help of Christians school, East Lake, FL (boarding school for troubled boys). Claim vs the Eastern U.S. Province of Salesians said to be quietly settled. Also worked in NJ and NY. Died in 1999. Included on the Salesians List of credibly accused in 3/2020.

Fr. Edwin J. Collins

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

In 1998, Collins, a retired priest from Rockville Centre, NY, made advances toward a teenager in Palm Beach. The boy fought him off and immediately told the Diocese; Collins resigned. The vicar general wrote a letter and placed it in Collins' file. The Diocese of Rockville Centre was notified. Name not released publicly in 2002 with other accused clergy. Family immediately complained to the Diocese about the omission. The Diocese said it "missed" the file. Included on the Rockville Centre Diocese's list of accused in 3/2021. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. William the Abbot in Seaford NY, where he was assigned 1968-1976, and at Collins' house in Wellington FL.

Fr. James M. Coyle

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Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Died: 06/11/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused in 1996 of sexual molestations over five years in the 1980s at St. Peter's in DeLand, and of plying boys with marijuana and alcohol. Suspended and sent for treatment. News not released to the public by the Diocese until 2/1997. Bishop Dorsey promised in 1997 that Coyle would never be returned to diocesan duties. Died 6/11/2007. Included on the diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Thomas Anthony Crandall

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Assigned to St. Rose of Lima in Milton when arrested in 1/2002 for dealing drugs and taking money from the parish. Sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. Out on probation in 2005 when he was arrested on child pornography charges. Convicted by a jury in 6/2006. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. On the sex offender registry. Included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused. Permanently removed from ministry in 2002.

Fr. Rocco Charles D’Angelo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

The Miami Archdiocese knew in 1966-1967 that D'Angelo had molested at least 4-5 boys. The boys and their parents confronted church officials, and were promised he would go away and never work with kids again. D'Angelo went for therapy and then on to new assignments in the St. Petersburg Diocese. Numerous suits were filed in Miami and Tampa. Several settled; others were dismissed on the statute of limitations. Per the 11/6/2020 FL Attorney General's report, D'Angelo was "retired" in 1994 after an allegation. He died in 2005. One man who settled in 1998 sued again in 2002, alleging fraud on the part of Archdiocese. Settled in 4/2009.

Deacon Carlos Humberto Ramirez

Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained for the permanent diaconate 2008. Deacon and teacher at Holy Family Parish in North Miami in 6/2023 when arrested on charges of molesting two students, both girls, ages 11 and 12. The incidents allegedly occurred at the school in 3/2023.


Fr. Thomas A. Dennehy

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 04/10/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained in Ireland. First public allegations against Dennehy were made in a civil suit filed 10/5/2010. The plaintiff alleged that Dennehy abused him when he was an altar boy, ages 12 and 13, in 1967-1968, at St. John the Baptist parish. In addition to masturbation, oral sex, and sodomy, the plaintiff was allegedly forced to dress in a girl's school uniform during the abuse. Dennehy was the parish pastor and Cardinal Gibbons High School principal. He retired in 1993 and died in 1999. Miami said it offered counseling to the plaintiff in 2009, but he denied that happened.

Fr. Neil “Gus” Doherty

Ordained: 1969
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Parish priest, counselor for Catholic Family Services. Archdiocese was warned of Doherty's behavior many times, as early as 1971. Kept in ministry until 4/2002. Lawsuit in 2003 claimed abuse of four to five boys. Settlement in 1994 for $50K. New suit in 2005 claimed abuse of a boy over five years, starting when the boy was 11 in 1997. Drugged and raped victims. Had them call him "Gus." Arrested in 2006. Settlement(s) in 2006. Two claims settled in 6/2007. Three more plaintiffs came forward in 4/2007. Multiple suits 2007-2013. By 11/2011 26 men had come forward with allegations. Trial awarded $100M in 11/2011; plaintiff(s) will never collect. Pleaded no contest in criminal matter 1/14/2013. Sentenced to 15 years 1/28/2013. New allegations emerged during the FL A.G.'s investigation, report released 11/6/2020. Reportedly in 8/2023, Doherty had been released from prison and was living in a residential neighborhood in Orlando.

Fr. Cyril J. Donnelly

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Order: SMA
Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Died: 01/8/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Born in England, ordained in Belgium. Member of the Society for African Missions. Spent early priesthood in West Africa. British Colonial Service military chaplain during WWII, resumed work in West Africa afterward. Arrived in Port Orange, FL in 1964, assigned to Church of the Epiphany. Assigned 1969 until his death in 1994 to Our Lady of Lourdes in Melborne, FL. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Orlando diocese on its list 10/6/2021. List spells name 'Donnelley.' The Official Catholic Directory shows 'Donnelly.' Died 1/8/1994. Name spelled in the Necrology section of the 1995 Directory 'Donnoly.'


Fr. John H. Dux

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Died: 05/13/2021
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

The Diocese announced in 3/2020 that Dux had been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1976, while assigned to St. Patrick's in Gainesville. The allegation was received in 5/2019. Per his accuser, Dux abused him at age 14, in 1976, during a trip to the state fair in Tampa. Faculties removed. Dux worked in the St. Augustine diocese until 1985. He was a US Navy chaplain 1985-1998. He was living and assisting in the Charleston diocese at the time of the announcement. A second man came forward after the news of Dux's removal, alleging the priest abused him as a boy 1980-1982, at St. Madeleine Sophie in High Springs. On St. Augustine's list 11/6/2020. Added to Charleston's list. Died 5/13/2021.

Fr. Christopher T. Eggleton

Order: OP
Ordained: 1988
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Removed in 8/2002 from his assignment in the Baton Rouge, LA diocese after a civil suit was filed in Miami alleging sexual abuse by Eggleton 1990-1991 in FL. Also worked in New Orleans in 1993. The Archdiocese announced in 7/2004 that Eggleton was found "innocent of all charges by a Miami court" and was to begin work as prior for the Dominican House in Raleigh, NC.

Fr. Richard A. Emerson

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Litigation alleges the Gary IN Diocese knew of Emerson's abusive history when he was allowed to begin work in Orlando in 1986. In 1992 he was ordered to return to Gary after allegations in Orlando. In 2004 a man from Orlando filed a civil suit. A second civil suit filed in 2/2008 in FL alleged a long-term 'relationship' with Emerson, beginning when the plaintiff was age 9. A suit filed in IN in 12/2008 claims abuse after Emerson returned to Gary. Laicized in 2006. New FL suits filed in 5/2010 and 7/2010. Emerson filed bankruptcy in 2/2011. Included on the Gary diocese's list released 8/27/2018. Included on the Orlando diocese's list of credibly accused 10/6/2021.

Fr. Thomas J. Engbers

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Resigned from his parish in 4/2002 citing health reasons. The Archdiocese confirmed in 6/2002 that Engbers' resignation was because of a complaint in his file of child sexual abuse 22 years prior. Notes in the file showed the boy's name and a reference to Engbert's treatment for a foot fetish. The alleged victim said that his father reported the abuse to church authorities at the time but nothing was done; he came forward again in Spring 2002.

Fr. Rafael Escala

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 01/27/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained in Cuba. Expelled after the Castro revolution. Spent some time in the Dominican Republic, and ended up in the Miami area in 1977. In late 2011, a man notified the Archdiocese that he had been sexually abused by Escala in the late 1980s when he was 16. Escala caught him stealing from the collection plate, threatened to tell the boy's father but abused him instead. Escala died 1/27/2009. The claim was settled in 1/2013.

Fr. Miguel A. Fernandez

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 2005 civil suit against the Archdiocese of Miami of abuse of a young teenage boy in a West Palm Beach parish rectory. The boy had arrived in FL from Cuba in 1980 in the Mariel Boat Lift and was living at a church-operated refugee facility. He also alleged abuse by multiple other priests in the Archdiocese and elsewhere. The suit settled in 2007. Fernandez died in 4/2004.

Fr. James J. Flaherty

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Monsignor. Parish priest, Judicial Vicar, Director of the Office of the Tribunal, Director of lay formation and priestly formation. Asked to "step down" for "non-specific concerns" in 2018. Report to police and the Diocese in 2023 that Flaherty sexually abused a boy, age 12 or 13 to 14, beginning in 2011. Flaherty was pastor at the time at St. John the Evangelist and the boy was a student at the parish school. No criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations.


Fr. James K. Flemming

Ordained: 1986
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

A man filed suit in 1/2004 alleging that he was abused by Flemming and his brother, Rev. Neil Flemming, beginning in 1969 at Boystown, a Miami-area orphanage. At the time of the alleged abuse, James Flemming was not yet a priest. The suit alleges that both men used him as their "personal sex servant." James Flemming was a tutor at the school at the time of the alleged abuse.

Fr. Neil Flemming

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Placed on leave in 2002 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. Incident was alleged to have occurred more than 30 years prior. Permanently removed in early 2004 after man filed a civil suit alleging Flemming and his brother James abused him at Boystown, a Miami-area orphanage, where Flemming was named director in 1965. At least one suit settled in 9/2004 as part of large Archdiocese of Miami settlement. Two new suits were filed 9/30/2009 against the Archdiocese of Miami; settled in 2011. Three new suits were filed by three men in 8/2011.

Fr. Frank Flynn

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

From Ireland. Working in FL since at least 1978. Accused in 4/2002 of kissing and groping a young girl 1979-1986 when she was ages 12-18. Police closed its investigation in 9/2002. Accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward at least three women, an "affair" with at least one woman. The Diocese was notified about Flynn's behavior toward women at least four times 1982-1997. He left the Diocese in 1997 and returned to Ireland because of a "weak heart." Was working at a seminary in Dublin in 2002. Retired by 2004. The Diocese paid at least two settlements involving Flynn. Named in a lawsuit.

Fr. Rolando G. Garcia

Ordained: 1986
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

From Cuba. Accused in a 2007 civil suit of sexual abuse of 11-year-old boy in 1989 at St. John Bosco in Little Havana. Settled in 2009. A new suit filed in 9/2012 alleges abuse in the 1980s when Garcia was in seminary. Suspended for 10 days then returned to active ministry. Per the Archdiocese, Garcia passed a polygraph test. Accused in 10/2012 of covering up abuse by another priest. A new suit filed 10/23/2012 claims abuse beginning in 1994. Garcia denied all allegations. Removed without privileges 10/24/2012. Resigned 11/30/2012.

Fr. Ernesto Garcia-Rubio

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Worked for a year in Miami; moved to Cuba; expelled in 1969 for "serious difficulties of a moral nature (homosexuality)." Miami took him back. Accused in 1988 of sexually abusing four Nicaraguan and Salvadoran refugee boys 1983-1988. Evaluated at St. Luke's Institute in 1988; sent on sabbatical to Colombia; assigned in Honduras. The priest who replaced him at his parish told a news outlet that Garcia-Rubio was sent on sabbatical because he had just celebrated his 25th anniversary as a priest. The Miami Archdiocese removed Garcia-Rubio's faculties in 1989. He was reportedly working at a hotel in the Dominican Republic in the early 1990s and defrocked in 1999. Per the FL Attorney General's report 11/6/2020, Garcia-Rubio was known to befriend and offer help to teenage boys, mostly immigrants, withholding help if they would not provide him with sexual favors. A fifth man sued in 2004, alleging rape in 1984 when he was a refugee, age 13. Some claims settled in 9/2004. New documents revealed in 3/2010. New suits filed in 6/2010 and 2/2013. At least 11 known victims. Deceased.


Fr. Hector Gonzalez-Abreu

Ordained: 1979
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a civil suit filed in 11/2003 of sexually abusing a teenage boy after he reported to Gonzalez-Abreu that he had been abused by Fr. Alvaro Guichard. Gonzalez-Abreu allegedly plied the boy with alcohol and pornography. Denied the allegations. Placed on leave in 12/2003. Was reportedly later cleared by the Archdiocese. Helped another victim with his case against the Archdiocese; said some priests not only told him about abusing the boy, but bragged about it.

Deacon Tom Gordon

Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Deacon at Little Flower Catholic Church in Pensacola. On 2/2/2023 the diocese received complaints about Gordon by three Little Flower Catholic School students. Gordon was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. In 3/2023 the Diocese announced that there was no evidence that the alleged touching was lewd or lascivious. Gordon was returned to ministry.


Fr. Joaquin Guerrero

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Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained in 1960 Cuba. Worked in the Archdiocese of Miami, apparently until 1965. Accused in 11/2002 of raping and abusing a boy, age 14, for six months in 1962. His alleged victim said he had come to FL from Cuba under a program sponsored by the Archdiocese and was placed in a camp, where the abuse occurred. The claim settled in 9/2004.

Fr. Alvaro Guichard

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 5/2002 lawsuit of abuse of a teenage boy in the 1970s. Criminal charges not pursued due to the statute of limitations. Reinstated as pastor after 15 months on leave. The Archdiocese could not prove the allegations. Another civil suit was filed in 11/2003; Guichard was again placed on leave. Named in at least four suits. In 9/2006 Guichard filed lawsuits against his accuser and the family of a deceased accuser. He filed another suit in 10/2006. Five plaintiffs are known to have settled claims. A Church trial was held in 11/2007.

Fr. Elias Francisco Guimaraes

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Order: SSP
Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

From Brazil. Arrived in the in Palm Beach diocese in 2001. Arrested in 9/2002 when he arrived on a beach for a sexual rendezvous with a detective who had been posing as a 14-year-old boy on the internet. Guimaraes sent many sexually explicit messages and bragged of having sex with a 14-year- old boy and a 16-year-old boy. Pleaded guilty in 2003; sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison. Released 5/23/2006. May have been deported to Brazil upon release.

Fr. Louis Hamm

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 01/8/1988
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Named publicly as accused by the FL Attorney General in its report released 11/6/2020, name misspelled "Lewis." Rev. Louis Hamm was from Germany. He worked as a physician and Holy Name Province Franciscan friar in China beginning in 1934, and was ordained there in 1949. He arrived in the U.S. in 1951 and worked for the Province in NC, GA, NJ, RI. The 1986 volume of the Official Catholic Directory shows Hamm as at the Franciscan Home for Retired Priests in St. Petersburg, FL. Died 1/8/1988 in Butler, NJ, age 86. Included on the Province's list in 10/2021 of those against whom there are substantiated allegations.

Fr. L. Yates Harris

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Died: 11/1/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Taught public school in MD for 14 years prior to seminary and was a guidance counselor for five of those years. Moved to South FL after ordination. Accused in a 3/2003 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy in 1982. Harris was the boy's guidance counselor and chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale. The alleged victim said the counseling office at the school was lined with pictures Harris had taken of shirtless male students. All had hand-written notes on the back on them. Harris died in 1996.

Fr. Ramon Hernandez

Ordained: 1973
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

From Cuba, moved to the US in 1980. Removed himself from ministry in 2/2006 after a man accused him of abuse in 1999 when the man was 16 and Hernandez was assigned to St. Rita's in Dade City. Hernandez denied the allegations. Police investigated; no charges filed. The Diocese conducted an investigation, then announced that  Hernandez would be returned to active ministry as of 8/30/2006.

Fr. Thomas J. Hidding

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Died: 10/12/2005
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Hidding was removed from his assignment at a Miami parish in 5/2002 after a credible allegation that he molested a student at Jesuit High School in Tampa sometime during 1980-1982. Transferred to Jesuit College Prep in Dallas, TX where he worked 1982-1983. Hidding was a Jesuit seminarian during the time in question. Also had assignments in New Orleans. Died 10/12/2005. Included on the Jesuits Central and Southern Province list 12/7/2018.

Sr. Kathleen Francis Honc

Order: OSF
Status: Accused

Died: 09/9/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused in 2007 of molesting a girl sometime between 1962-1971 at Melbourne Central Catholic High School, where Honc was a teacher. Honc left the area in 1971. Her Order deemed the allegations credible and she was removed from her assignment in Seminole, FL. She died 9/9/2016. Per her obituary, Hoc "fully retired in 2007 and was warmly welcomed home to the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY." Included on the Orlando diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Joseph Huck

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a suit filed in 6/2003 of sexually abusing a boy, ages 12-14, in the mid-1970s. Huck's accuser was a resident of Boys Town, outside of Miami. Huck allegedly silenced the boy with threats. The boy is said to have told his house parent and the director and was punished. He said he also told Archbishop McCarthy, who told him not to say such things about a priest. Claims settled in 2004. Huck retired in 2002.

Fr. James Ingram

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Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Orlando on its list 10/6/2021. The Official Catholic shows Ingram as in the Orlando diocese through 1987, after which he is not indexed until he reappears in the 1990 Directory as "on duty outside," without indicating where. By 1999 he is shown as assigned in the Diocese of Santa Rosa, CA, and seems to be absent from the Directory thereafter.


Fr. Edward T. Jones

Ordained: 2003
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crawfordville and Sacred Heart in Lanark when removed in 8/2018 due to allegation of 'inappropriate contact' with an underage girl in 2004, while assigned to Blessed Sacrament in Tallahassee. State's Attorney was to investigate. Included in 2020 on the diocese's list of credibly accused (first name 'Eddie'). Permanently removed from ministry in 2018.

Fr. Jean Ronald Joseph

Ordained: 1993
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

From Haiti. Ordained for the Diocese of Venice. Allegations first made in 8/2008. Agreed to a leave of absence in 12/2008 pending an investigation of allegations that he had sexually abused a 16-year-old boy in 1993 at St. Frances Xavier parish in Ft. Meyers. Joseph denied all allegations. Canon law trial held in 2013 found denials not credible. Settlement of claims announced 08/20/2014. It is believed that Joseph was was laicized in 2013. Apparently the case was settled only after secret 2013 documents were given to the plaintiff which showed that the  Church knew the priest was guilty of abusing him as a child and that other victims were also known.The decision to laicize was appealed to Rome.

Fr. Pedro Jove

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused, along with Rev. Gustavo Miyares, in a suit filed in 10/2006 of abusing a boy, age 14, in 1981 and 1982. The abuse allegedly occurred at at a Palm Beach County seminary, a Miami rectory and a condominium in the Keys. In 2006 Jove was referred to as "a former priest who runs a nonprofit Miami-Dade agency for senior citizens." He left the Archdiocese 20 years prior and "formally left the priesthood" 12 years prior.

Fr. Joseph J. Kershner

Order: SchP
Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Principal of Cardinal Gibbons High School when suspended in 6/2002 due to allegations of abuse in the 1980s. Allegedly grabbed a student's buttocks. Two male teachers also complained that he groped them. Cleared by the Review Board in 12/2002 and returned him to active ministry. He then retired because of health problems. Named in a civil suit filed late 2009 or early 2010 in FL.

Fr. Gerard T. LaCerra

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Died: 07/25/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Monsignor. Died in 7/2000. Accused in a 2005 lawsuit of touching, fondling and sexually abusing a youth in the early 1980s, after the youth told him he had been abused by numerous other priests in Miami and other locations. The suit settled in 2007. LaCerra was Chancellor of the Archdiocese during the time of the alleged abuse. He was also accused of destroying incriminating files regarding other priests and protecting Rev. Neil Doherty, a prolific abuser.

Fr. James C. Lara

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 02/14/2019
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Ordained for the Diocese of Toledo, Spain. Sent to the Florida as a missionary priest in 1959.  Incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1968. Pastor of Church of the Nativity in Brandon 1969 until he retired in 1999. Elevated to Monsignor the same year. Per 4/2002 news, Lara was accused in a 11/1987 lawsuit of touching and making sexual advances toward the daughter of the parish music directors, who had been fired five months earlier. The abuse allegedly began when the girl was 14 and continued for 5 years. The parents also accused Lara of slandering them and of hitting and pushing the wife just before the church fired them. The suit was "amicably resolved" in 1990, per court records. Lara died 2/14/2019 in Spain.

Fr. William A. Lau

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Pastor of Blessed Trinity in 5/1996 when accused of a sexual incident involving an older teenage boy years earlier. Resigned from the parish and was sent to St. Luke Institute in MD for treatment. Bishop Lynch waited five months before telling the parish why Lau left. Per the diocese in 4/2002, Lau "was removed from the ministry and sought employment elsewhere." Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Howard T. Litts

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 07/11/1980
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville. Named publicly as accused by the St. Augustine diocese on its list 11/6/2020 (erroneously with middle initial C). Abuse noted to have occurred 1967-1968; was on leave in FL from Steubenville. Died in FL in 1980, where he had been since 1964.

Fr. Ronald John Luka

Order: CMF
Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

In two 2002 civil suits Luka is accused of abusing three male students in the late 1970s at St. Helen's Catholic School in Lauderdale Lakes. Luka left the school in 1978 after a mother went to the parish pastor. Luka's Order, the Claretians, claimed they received their first allegation against him in 1999, of abuse occurring in NY state around 1979. Sent St. Luke's in MD for treatment. Permanently removed from ministry. Living in 2002 at Wounded Brothers Project in MO. Judge ruled in 2/2003 that the latest suit against Luka could go forward. At least one claim settled in 9/2004 for $150K. Included in 3/2018 on the Rockville Centre Diocese's list of accused. Reportedly died around 2011. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago Archdiocese's list. Included on the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report. 


Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado

Order: LC
Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 01/30/2008
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

From Mexico. Rejected by multiple seminaries, ordained by his uncle. Founder of the Legionaries of Christ in 1941. Called the "most brilliant fundraiser in the modern church." By 1997 the Legion had seminarians - as young as age 10 - in 18 countries. Maciel sexually abused young boys throughout his career and fathered at least three children with two women. Nine men came forward publicly in 1997 to allege abuse as young boys when they were seminarians. Maciel was suspended from Legion leadership by Pope Pius XII in 1956 reportedly due to accusations of drug abuse and abuse of boys in Mexico. Reinstated in 1958. Pope John Paul II ignored reports of his abuse and, in fact, celebrated Maciel. Removed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, given life of prayer and penitence in Jacksonville FL. Died 1/30/2008, age 87. By 2019 all but three of the men who had come forward accepted settlements from the Legionaries. The three called on the order to retract its "lies" about them to the media and called their low five figures offer a "humiliation."

Fr. Jan Malicki

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained in Poland. Arrived in FL in 1989. Accused in a 1998 lawsuit of abusing a 13-year-old girl and a woman. Police investigated for two years; no charges filed. Suit was dormant for four years until the FL Supreme Court ruled in 3/2002 that Churches were not protected from negligent hiring and supervision claims. It settled in 2005. Malicki filed a suit in 7/2002 against the Archdiocese for publicly accusing him of wrongdoing. His suit was dismissed in 6/2003.

Fr. William J. Malone

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Named publicly by the Diocese in 3/2019 as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor in the early 1980s at Sacred Heart in Jacksonville. His accuser was a girl, age 11. Her parents met with Bishop Snyder in 1991 after learning of the abuse, which allegedly occurred during confession. Malone was moved to St. Elizabeth Seton in Palm Coast. Diocesan documents included in the FL Attorney General's report released in 11/2020 show that, since 1991, at least four women had reported to the Diocese abuse by Malone at Sacred Heart. One said she was age 15 in 1982 when the priest molested her weekly for six weeks during counseling sessions. Another young woman gave birth to Malone's child. The Diocese paid the mother $3K per year 1993- 2010 for child support. Malone worked in the Diocese of St. Augustine 1/1982 - 3/1992. He went to live with his Order on Long Island, NY in 3/1992, then returned to its Ireland Province, where he died in 2003. Included on the St. Augustine diocese's list 11/6/2020.

Fr. Francis Edward Maloney

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 10/26/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

Ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville. Transferred in 1986 to the Palm Beach diocese. Removed from a Florida parish in 2002 after 17-year-old accused him of behaving inappropriately around him. The youth said he found Maloney in bed with another man and that the priest would walk around his home nude while the youth was there. No criminal charges filed. The youth filed a civil suit in 3/2003. Settled in 5/2004 for less than $1M. Maloney admitted to a long-term, "sporadic" sexual relationship with the other priest. He died in 2011.

Fr. David McCreanor

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

From Ireland. Ordained for the Diocese of St. Augustine. Accused in 10/1997 by three sisters of 'seducing' them in the 1980s when they were teenagers. The sisters claimed they came forward to his current Diocese at least 14 months prior to the time they went to the newspapers. McCreanor was not removed from his parish until they went public. Per the Diocese, at least five more women have come forward to claim that he had made sexual overtures toward them. He denied all allegations. No charges filed. Included on the St. Augustine Diocese's list 11/6/2020, abuse noted to have occurred 1973-1975. Included on the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese's list of credibly accused. Permanently removed in 1997.

Fr. Edward McLoughlin

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

The Diocese knew in 1983 that McLoughlin had boys sleeping overnight at his rectory. Accused in a 1997 lawsuit of abuse of a boy after the boy sought counseling because of prior abuse by his choir director. Settled in 1999 for $599K. Laicized 11/21/2000. Reportedly in 2002 McLoughlin was living in Ireland. (McLoughlin's brother, Fr. Nick McLoughlin, also priest of the diocese, was accused of helping to cover up his brother's history. Fr. Nick was suspended in 11/2018 after an allegation dating to the 1970s.)

Fr. Nicholas McLoughlin

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Priest of the Diocese of Venice, formerly St. Petersburg diocese territory. Suspended from ministry in 11/2018 after the Diocese of St. Petersburg notified Venice of an allegation of inappropriate contact with a minor. Incident alleged to have occurred in the 1970s when McLoughlin was pastor of Corpus Christi in Temple Terrace. The Diocese stated that the allegation had "a semblance of truth." (His brother, Fr. Ed McLoughlin was accused of abuse of teenage boys in the 1980s and 1990s. Fr. Nick McLoughlin was accused in lawsuits of covering up for for Fr. Ed.) Accused in a 10/2019 lawsuit of groping and sexually assaulting a woman during confession in 4/2018. A second woman filed suit in 10/2019, alleging in about 9/2017 McLoughlin forcefully kissed her.

Fr. Thomas V. McNamara

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Accused in 2004 of inappropriate contact with three minors in the late the 1960s. He was a visiting priest from Ireland assigned to Christ the King and St. Patrick's parishes in Jacksonville 1966-1968. Irish Bishop confirmed in 12/2004 that McNamara continued to abuse boys for many years after his return to Ireland. Retired in 1993. Bishop denied knowledge of abuse in the U.S. McNamara died in Ireland in 1997. Per a 5/2014 report on the Killaloe diocese, there were 26 complaints against him there. Included on the St. Augustine diocese's list 11/6/2020.

Sister Joan Marie Meidinger

Order: OP
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a suit filed 4/12/2011 of groping and fondling a first grade boy during the 1978-1979 school year at St. James Catholic School in North Miami. Meidinger was the school's principal. The abuse allegedly occurred under the guise of tucking in the boy's shirt. Defendants are Archdiocese of Miami, the archbishop, the Dominican Sisters of Adrian MI, and the school. Died in 2001.

Fr. Jose Mena

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Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Accused in a 2005 lawsuit of abusing a 5th-grade boy many times during the 1965-1966 school year at Incarnation Catholic School. Suit settled by the St. Augustine Diocese for $150K. In 2005 Mena was retired and living in Jacksonville. Two 2008 suits alleged abuse in the 1960s and 1970s in the Orlando diocese. Mena may have moved to Spain. Another suit filed in 12/2009; plaintiff had already settled with the Diocese. Included on the Diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Anthony Mercieca

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Ordained for the Diocese of Gozo, Malta. Assigned in the Archdiocese of Miami from the mid-1960s through the early 2000s. Admitted in 10/2006 that he fondled altar boy Mark Foley (later U.S. Rep for FL,) in the mid-1960s when Foley was ages 11-13. John Doe 26 then filed suit, alleging that Mercieca performed oral sex on him in the late 1970s at age 12-13. Mercieca admitted that he skinny-dipped with Foley, gave him nude massages, and took him on trips to DC and NYC. (Foley was forced to resign from Congress in 2006 because of his behavior with congressional pages.) A civil suit against Mercieca settled in 7/2007. Another suit filed in 10/2008 claimed abuse in 1977. In 2006 Mercieca was in active ministry in Malta. The Archdiocese of Miami removed his faculties.

Fr. Gustavo J. Miyares

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused, along with Rev. Pedro Jove, in a suit filed in 10/2006 of abusing a boy, age 14, in 1981 and 1982. The abuse allegedly occurred at at a Palm Beach County seminary, a Miami rectory and a condominium in the Keys. Resigned as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish. Faculties removed. The abuse allegedly included oral sex and sodomy. Another man filed suit in 11/2006, claiming Miyares abused him for over three years when he was a St. Timothy's altar boy in the early 1980s. Accused in an 8/2013 suit of abusing an altar boy in the late 1990s at Immaculate Conception School.

Fr. David Terrence Morgan

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

The Diocese announced to parishioners in 12/2020 that Morgan was being investigated for multiple allegations. Morgan had gone on a six-month "sabbatical" in the summer of 2018 at St. Luke's Institute; it appears that he did not return. In 9/2020 someone reported to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office that Morgan had a sexual 'relationship' with a Bishop Kenny High School student in 1977. Morgan was a religion teacher at the school. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. In 2/2021 Morgan was reportedly being investigated by the FL Attorney General's office after it learned that the Diocese did not disclose the local criminal investigations of him until after the A.G. had concluded its state-wide investigation in 11/2020.

Br. Thomas J. Mulryan

Order: CSC
Status: Accused

Died: 08/14/2009
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Made perpetual profession of vows in 1955. Accused in 1994 of abuse of three boys at Notre Dame International School in Rome, Italy, in the early 1960s, when he was a religious brother. He left the order in the 1970s. He had worked for Catholic schools in MA and NY prior to becoming a teacher at Jesuit High School in Tampa in 1988. Became principal in 1992. Placed on leave in 12/1994 when allegations became known. He denied all allegations. Mulryan retired in 6/1995. Included on the Fall River diocese's list in 1/2021 of credibly accused. Died in 2009.

Fr. Sebastian C. Naslund

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Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Ordained for the Benedictine Order. U.S. Air Force Chaplain. Teacher and chaplain 1975-1977 at St. Martin's College in Olympia WA. Assigned in Panama City FL in 1977. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese on its list in 2020. Permanently removed from ministry in 1997.

Fr. Jose Pablo Nickse

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Died: 12/24/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

From Cuba. Worked in Florida for at least 20 years. Placed on leave in 6/2002 after a lawsuit claimed he and Fr. Ricardo Castellanos abused a 15-year-old youth in 1982. Additional complaints and/or suits filed. Some settled in 2004. Nickse died of a heart attack in 12/2002, before the allegations were completely investigated.

Fr. Kevin F. O’Brien

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Died: 06/4/1981
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Made first vows as a Salesian brother in 1966. A suit filed in 3/2005 claimed sexual misconduct by O'Brien in 1978 and 1979 with a student at Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa, where he was principal. Known to have also worked in OH and Boston MA. Died in 1981. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians' list of credibly accused.

Fr. Terence O’Donnell

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Sued in 2003 and 2004. Accused by three people of abusing them at a boarding school in Tampa, Mary Help of Christians, in the early 1990s. When parents complained, he was reassigned to Salesian Boys and Girls Club in Boston, and the Salesian Provincial House in New Rochelle. Placed on leave in 2003 after suit filed. Had been investigated in 1993 by Florida's Dept of Health and Rehabilitation Services for allegations. No charges filed. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.

Fr. Eamon O’Dowd

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 11/29/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Ordained in Ireland for the Diocese of Grand Island, NE. Later transferred to the Diocese of Orlando, FL. Investigated in 1977 for fondling two 12-year-old girls; no charges filed after he apologized and said he meant no harm. Arrested in 1983 for fondling another girl, age 12. Those charges dropped after he agreed to psychiatric treatment. Reportedly had an affair with the girl's mother. A civil suit settled in 1986 for $250K and files sealed. Still an active priest until he "retired" without privileges in 1995 after news of the 1983 incident became public. Died 11/29/2009 in Dublin, Ireland. Included on the Orlando diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Juan Ramon O’Farrill

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 11/30/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

From Cuba. Sought political asylum in the US in 1959. Retired in 1983. A 4/2011 civil suit alleged that in 1988 O'Farrill sexually molested a 16-year-old boy from Nicaragua who sought counseling from him at St. Michael the Archangel in west Little Havana. O'Farrill allegedly gave the boy alcohol in orange juice and performed oral sex on him. O'Farrill died in 1994. Just before his death he was arrested and charged with giving an alibi to a robber in exchange for sex.

Fr. Thomas James Pagni, III

Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

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 .

Fr. Jose Palimattom

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Order: OFM
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

Arrested, charged with obscenity in 1/2015 for showing child abuse images to a 14-year-old boy. Admitted behavior. Served six months in jail then deported to his native India in 6/2015. The boy's father alerted police. Palimattom sought the boy's help to delete the photos. Assigned to Holy Name of Jesus, West Palm Beach since 12/2014. Police said Palimattom had gotten in trouble in India for involvement with a boy. The Diocese said a background check prior to Palimattom's arrival showed no prior misconduct. Holy Name Administrator, Rev. John Gallagher, told police he was instructed that when Palimattom arrived he was to have no contact with minors without an adult present. Gallagher, who also alerted authorities about Palimattom, claimed demotion/poor treatment by the Diocese as a result in 1/2016. The Diocese refuted the claim. Gallagher filed suit against the Diocese 1/11/2017. Appeals court dismissed the suit in 5/2018, saying court cannot get involved in church administrative issues.

Br. Anthony R. Parlangeli

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Order: SM
Ordained: 1997
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/5/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Professed vows as a Marianist in 1963. New York Province. Worked in Fl and Puerto Rico. Per news in 3/2002 a man said that at age 15 he was drugged and raped by Parlangeli on an overnight camping trip. Parlangeli said he was too tired to camp and rented a hotel room. The drugs caused convulsions; Parlangeli had to take the youth to hospital ER. Police notifed; he was arrested. Charges later reduced to administering drugs illegally. Spent a brief time in jail. Transferred to Baltimore where he also abused. A 1994 civil suit settled. Left the order in 1973, married and raised three children. Moved to CA. Died in 1997. Included on the Order's 6/24/2020 list of accused.

Fr. Timothy Pathe

Ordained: 1926
Status: Accused

Died: 02/11/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

From Ireland. Monsignor. Worked in the Mobile AL diocese until 1942. Army chaplain 1942-1946. Priest of the St. Augustine FL diocese 1967-1974. In Pensacola-Tallahassee 1975-1977. Died 2/11/1977. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese on its list in 2020.

Fr. Leonard Prusinski

Order: CR
Ordained: 1936
Status: Arrested

Died: 06/27/1995
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

Name also spelled Pruszynski. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Resurrectionist Order on its list in 10/2021. Included on the Chicago Archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Per news accounts in 1961, Prusinski was arrested in Florida, along with 19 other men, for molesting children. Prusinski was pastor of St. John's in Panama City at the time. He was evidently kept in ministry. Prusinski died in 1995. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.


Fr. Cristobal de Jesus Puertas

Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

A civil suit filed in 2010 claimed abuse by Puertas of a boy. The archdiocese reported in 2012 that there was a settlement involving Puertas, who was no longer a priest in the Archdiocese. His alleged victim said that Fr. Rolando Garcia knew about the abuse at the time and paid him to keep it quiet.

Fr. Hubert John Reason

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 07/10/1984
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

In 8/2002 the Diocese announced that "several individuals" had come forward with credible accusations that they had been abused by Reason as minors. Per a 12/2002 news article, two brothers had come forward to allege abuse by Reason and Fr. Gerry Appleby, and by an Episcopal priest and an Episcopal seminarian. The men said that, in effect, the four traded them around. They said that Reason would also give them and other altar boys money and alcohol and take them to Tampa for professional wrestling. Reason left the diocese in 1978 and died in 1984, at age 60. Accused in 2005 of child sexual abuse at an Altamonte Spring parish in the early-to-mid-1960s. Three claims settled for $1.5M in 7/2005. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese's list of credibly accused. Included in 10/2021 on the Orlando diocese's list. 


Fr. Louis J. Reczek

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Order: MS
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 05/12/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Priest of the LaSalette Province of Mary, Mother of the Americas Missionaries. Permanently removed by the Order in 1974. Assigned in Peoria IL early career, including as a hospital chaplain. Active priest in FL 1970s and 1980s until his death. Died in 1986, age 57. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese on its list in 2020.

Fr. Lawrence Redmond

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 02/17/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Parish pastor, vicar general. In 8/1995 the diocese settled with at least six men who claimed abuse by Redmond when they were boys. After allegations became public in 12/1994, Redmond was placed on leave and later retired. In 8/1995, another man's suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Other victims were expected to file. Died in 2/2006. New suit filed in 10/2011. Included on the Orlando diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Michael S. Rhodes

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Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Per news in 2004, Rhodes was accused of sexually abusing two boys in the late 1970s, when he was a seminary student. One of the alleged victims came forward in late 2003 and the second was located by church investigators. Rhodes left the ministry in 1993. In 2004 he was possibly living in Florida and working as a clinical hypnotherapist. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Harry Ringenberger

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Died: 05/23/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

"Fr. Bud." Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/19/2015 of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in 1989 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, Pembroke Pines FL. Allegations include his wrestling naked with the boy, and that he abused other children similarly. The lawsuit claims the Archdiocese was informed of the allegations in 1989 but allowed Ringenberger to work at another parish after sending him away for a year. He died in 2016.

Fr. Norman J. Rogge

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1956
Status: Convicted

Died: 02/4/2009
Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Pleaded guilty in FL in 1967 to one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Sentenced to three years probation and psychiatric counseling. Charged in FL in 1985 with one count of sexual battery or lewd and lascivious act on a boy under age 14 in 1984. Pleaded no contest. Sentenced to one year in jail. Also worked in TX, CA, KS, AL, LA. Living in LA in 2002. Complaint in 2004 of abuse in 1962. Died 2/4/2009. Included on the Mobile archdiocese's list 12/6/2018. On the Alexandria diocese's list 2/6/2019. On the Jesuits Central and Southern Province's list 12/7/2019.

Fr. William Romero

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Venice FL

Retired in 1995. Faculties revoked in 5/2002 due to accusations dating back "many years." Allegedly, during the 1975-1976 school year at St. Ann's in Naples, Romero would force students to undress in his bedroom, after which they would share wine from the chalice and take the host wafer. He would also take nude pictures of some children. Hosted foreign exchange students; two from Germany alleged abuse. Several suits filed. Some settled 2004-2005. A 6/2003 suit claimed rape of a Miami boy, age 10, in 1975. An 8/2003 suit claimed abuse of three siblings, a girl and two boys, 1982-1989 in Moore Haven. Left the priesthood in 2003. Was still hosting exchange students. Suit in 10/2003 said abuse of boy, age 12, in 1976. New civil suit vs the Miami archdiocese 3/22/2012 claimed abuse of a boy at St. Augustine's in Coral Gables in the 1970s.

Fr. Fred Ruse

Ordained: 1976
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused in a lawsuit filed 4/27/2020 of sexually abusing a boy, about ages 14 and 15, in 2001 and 2002. Ruse's alleged victim claims the abuse occurred in a classroom and in the chaplain's office at Demilly Correctional Institution in Polk City, FL. Ruse was pastor at the time of the alleged abuse of St. Matthews in Winter Haven. Per the lawsuit, Ruse "suddenly retired" in 2018. He denied the allegations. Ruse's lawyer said the priest was suspended in 2/2020 and reinstated in 4/2020 after he was "cleared of any wrongdoing."

Fr. Oscar Salazar

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1996
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused of groping a 17-year-old boy in 1996 at Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Deltona. Not charged because the boy and family declined to do so. Removed from his assignment and sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment. The Diocese made no public announcement until 2/1997. The Bishop said Salazar would never be assigned in the diocese and would not be recommended for assignment in another diocese. Included on the Orlando diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Robert L. Schaeufele

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Placed on leave in 4/2002 after allegations surfaced. The Diocese knew in 1994 that Schaeufele was bringing boys to his rectory. Several civil suits 2003-2004. In 2004 the Diocese agreed to pay $1.1M to 12 men abused by him as boys. Others refused to settle. Found not guilty in 5/2003 of some charges, but convicted in 6/2003 on other charges of abuse in the 1980s. Received two 30-year concurrent sentences. Also sentenced in Pasco County 7/2003. At least 22 accusers are known. Abused in parishes that were later part of the Venice diocese. Scheduled for release from prison in 2/2015, after serving only 12 years. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Patrick J. Sheedy

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

On 5/12/2010 the attorney for a minor plaintiff announced he would soon file suit against Sheedy. Sheedy emphatically denied the allegations in a public news conference. On 5/13/2010 the plaintiff's attorney said he had agreed to delay filing suit at the request of the Diocese, which reportedly called the allegations "totally false."


Fr. Trevor Smith

Ordained: 1967
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 9/2002 civil suit of sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy over four years in the late 1990s. Smith was chaplain at a nursing home owned by the Archdiocese of Miami, where the boy's grandmother was a resident. Settled in 2003 for $500K. Smith was also accused of inappropriate contact with boys in the 1970s. Sent for therapy in 1973. Arrested in 6/2004 and charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious assault against the boy he abused at the nursing home. Pleaded guilty in 12/2004. Sentenced to two years house arrest and eight years probation.

Fr. Edward W. Sokol

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1987
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Professed vows as a Marianist brother in 1962, Province of New York. Left the Order in 1986. Ordained for the Franciscans in 1987. Arrested in 4/2001 in a police sting after arranging over the internet to meet a 15-year-old boy for sex. Pleaded no contest to computer pornography in 12/2001; the judge allowed him to continue running a group home for disabled adult males. Ordered to leave the home in 3/2002 by social services. Also worked in the Boston archdiocese, at Perkins School for the Blind, and in NH. Briefly had privileges in Miami after the Franciscans withdrew his privileges. Included on the Marianists 6/24/2020 list of accused. Noted to be deceased.

Fr. Jeremiah M. Spillane

Order: LC
Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Chaplain at a Catholic high school in Sarasota (Diocese of Venice) when charged in early 1997 with internet solicitation of a 13-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover policeman. Pleaded no contest to charges. Sentenced to two years house arrest and two years' probation. Admitted abuse in prior assignments in Mexico. Did parish work and taught in schools in Spain, Italy and from 1990 to 1995 in Cozumel, Mexico in the Archdiocese of Yucatan. Dispensed from religious vows in 1998. In March 2021, the Legion of Christ announced that it was adding Spillane to its list of credibly accused priests. It is not clear if that was the result of the 1997 conviction or another more recent allegation. The Florida Sex Offender database lists Spillane's last reported address as Merida, Yucatan (released from probation in 2005).

Fr. Thomas D. Sykes

Order: SA
Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Also known as Damascene Sykes. Sykes is believed to be the "Fr. Thomas S." cited in a 12/31/1987 San Jose Mercury News article. Thomas S. was removed from the Orlando diocese in 1976 after the parents of a 16-year-old boy complained that he had molested their son. Father S. was transferred to a Richmond, VA parish. Thomas Sykes was laicized and married. He testified in the Rev. Authenrieth matter. Settlement in the early 1990s. Sykes died in 2002. The Diocese announced in a 2/2007 that a new credible allegation of abuse occurring in the 1970s had recently been received. Civil suit filed 7/20/2011. Added to the Richmond diocese's list 2/27/2019. Included on the Orlando diocese's list 10/6/2021 of credibly accused.

Bishop Joseph Keith Symons

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

Bishop of the Palm Beach Diocese from 1990 until he resigned in 6/1998 when it was revealed that he had molested five boys early in his ministry (1958-1960s) in the Miami archdiocese. The news was made public after a victim came forward to a church official. Symons admitted the abuse and also to the abuse of the other four youths. The Bishop of Pensacola-Tallassahee knew of abuse by Symons in 1995 but did nothing. By 1999 Symons was leading spiritual retreats for adults in MI. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese's list of credibly accused. 


Fr. Arthur Terminello

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee FL

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese on its list in 2020. Died in 1962. (Arrested in 1946 for disorderly conduct after giving a speech in Chicago against Jews, the Roosevelts, Communists and others, resulting in a riot. Convicted. Conviction was overturned in 1949.)

Fr. Ignatius Tuoc

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of St. Petersburg FL

Arrived in the St. Petersburg diocese in 4/1976 from Vietnam. Temporarily removed in 2003 from his assignment after a female parishioner accused him of abuse in the early 1990s, when she was a minor. Asked to step down from assignment after investigation by the Diocesan Review Board, pending a more in-depth investigation. Returned to ministry because allegations could not be proved. Active priest per diocesan website accessed in 7/2008 and again in 8/2020.

Fr. Vernon Uhran

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Accused in two lawsuits settled in 7/2005 of abusing at least two boys in the early 1970s. Both plaintiffs claimed that the diocese knew of abuse by 1969 and did nothing except transfer Uhran. Removed from duties in 1992 after an allegation of abuse. Two suits filed in 9/2005 and three more in 12/2005. Two suits settled as of 7/2006 for $250K. He pleaded the 5th amendment 90 times in an 8/2008 deposition. Also worked in Alaska and the Dominican Republic. New case filed in Florida in 5/2010. Multiple victims. Included on the diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Peter Uniowski

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 08/10/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Orlando FL

Suspended from his parish assignment in 2003 after the Diocese received an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior involving a 12-year-old girl. Police were notified. No criminal charges filed. Permanently removed from his parish assignment in 7/2003. The Bishop said that while there was not enough evidence regarding the child's accusation, there was clear evidence of inappropriate conduct with regard to sexual affairs with adult women. Died 8/10/2021. Included on the Diocese's 10/6/2021 list of credibly accused.


Fr. Donald J. Walk

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Walk is named in a 7/2006 settlement with the Miami Archdiocese as having abused a teenage boy in the 1970s-1980s. He had no particular assignment at the time and was still "absent on leave," per the 1989 Catholic Directory. Chaplain of the Miami Dolphins at one point. Accused in a civil suit filed in summer 2007 of abusing a boy, ages 14-16, in the late 1970s. Another plaintiff filed suit in 12/2007 alleging abuse 1977-1982.

Fr. Bryan O. Walsh

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 12/20/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Accused in a 6/9/2006 complaint of the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 1964, including penetration and oral sex. The boy was a ward of Operation Pedro Pan, which Walsh founded and directed. Pedro Pan brought 14,048 Cuban children to the US in 1960-1962 and placed them in orphanages and foster care to remove them from Castro's educational system. Walsh was born and trained in Ireland and ordained for St. Augustine diocese. He became a Miami priest when the diocese was erected in 1958. Retired in 1996. Died 12/20/2001.

Br. Kenneth Ward

Order: FMS
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Miami FL

Former dean of students at Msgr. Edward Pace High School. Allegations reported to police in 2006; the Archdiocese says it did not learn of them until Fall, 2012. In an 8/2013 civil suit, three men in their mid-20s alleged that Ward abused them in the early 2000s. He worked at Pace 2000-2006. Spent two more years at Christopher Columbus High School in Westchester. A fourth man sued in 9/2013. Left the order in 2008. Got a state license as a registered nurse in 2012. Worked in a psychiatric hospital.

Fr. William J. Weinheimer

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 01/20/1986
Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine FL

In a civil suit filed in 2/2008, a man alleged that Weinheimer sexually abused him as a boy in 1954. Plaintiff had "love" letters that Weinheimer wrote to him at the time, beginning when the man was age 9. Petition claimed diocese knew of other allegations against Weinheimer, who died 1/20/1986. Diocese was investigating. Included on the diocese's list 11/6/2020.