Database of Publicly Accused

Viewed by State:
AL AK AR AZ CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY
Total Individuals: 163

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Fr. James Edward Fritsch

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

"Edward." Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of raping a girl, age 13, in 1966. The complainaint demanded release of Fritsch's diocesan file. A settlement in 12/2004 revealed that the Covington Diocese had hospitalized Fritsch in 1965 after he had "contact with about 9 to 10 girls," one age 15. He was assigned in 1965 to St. William's in Lancaster, KY. The behavior continued during treatment. Fritsch was returned to work, then suspended. Sent to the Owensboro diocese. The complainant alleges abuse there and in the Evansville IN diocese. Fritsch left the priesthood and married in 1969. He went on to work in NJ as a clinical social worker and on a school board. Included on the Diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington Diocese's list in 8/2020.

Br. Joseph J. Alexander

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Placed on leave by the Lafayette LA diocese in 4/2002 due to an allegation that he had abused a teen boy prior to ordination in the early 1960s, while a Benedictine brother. Alexander acknowledged his involvement in the incident. At the time of the abuse, Alexander was a monk at St. Maur's Priory in South Union KY and the boy was a student, apparently at St. Maur's Preparatory Seminary. Alexander had joined the Benedictine order in 1955. Ordained a Benedictine priest in 1973. Arrived in the Lafayette LA diocese in 1984. An allegation was reported to Lafayette in 1/2019 of abuse of a minor by Alexander while at St Anthony's in Eunice, where he worked 9/1988 - 4/2002. Included on the Owensboro diocese's list 4/12/2019, which states that the St. Maur allegation was considered substantiated. On the Lafayette LA diocese's list in 4/2019.

Fr. Paul Marion Arbogast

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 10/16/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Removed in 9/2003 from Covington Latin School, where he was a teacher, after allegations of abuse. He was  headmaster of the school 1968-1973. Left the priesthood in the 1980s. Laicized and married in 1993. Returned to Covington Latin in 2002 as a lay teacher. Identified as "Priest 32" in pending litigation. Named in pleadings in other pending litigation against the Covington and Lexington dioceses, which say he was part of a ring of priests in the 1970s who held parties to which they brought boys as their dates. Sent for treatment in the 1970s. Died 10/16/2013. Included on the diocese's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020, where he worked at Lexington Catholic High School 1981-1986.

Fr. Gerald H. Baker

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Pastor of St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville KY since 6/2012. Suspended after the diocese received an allegation on 5/3/2016 of 'improper conduct of a sexual nature' with a male minor from St. Mary's. Kentucky State Police investigated. Two more people came forward with allegations of sex abuse by Baker as minors. Baker worked in parishes across Western KY. At the time of his suspension he was also pastor of St. John the Baptist in Fordsville. The Review Board deemed the allegations substantiated and Baker was permanently suspended from ministry in 10/2018. Included in 4/12/2019 on the Owensboro diocese's list of priests with substantiated allegations. (Diocesan assignment list omits deanship 1996-2003 and other chancery positions.)

Sr. Marlene Bertke

Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

A former student nun filed a lawsuit in 10/2002 alleging that she was abused in 1959 in her first year at St. Walburg Convent by Sister Christopher, whose given name is Marlene Bertke. The student was 18 at the time. In the same suit, the woman also alleged that she had been previously abused at Villa Madonna Academy (a girls' school) by another nun and that a third nun also fondled her. Bertke transferred in 1974 from KY to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA.

Fr. Earl Charles Bierman

Ordained: 1957
Status: Convicted

Died: 06/13/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

First complaints received in 1961. May have abused 100s of boys. Long time Covington Latin School faculty member; Diocese knew when he arrived at the school in 1968 that he had abused at least 50 boys. In and out of treatment, including Jemez Springs, NM in the Santa Fe diocese, where he was allowed to work at a parish and minor seminary. Assigned 1975-1976 to St. Francis Seminary in the Altoona-Johnstown, PA diocese. Faculties removed 7/9/1992. Arrested in 11/1992, charged with sodomizing a boy, age 15, in 1974. Allowed to live at the Diocese's Catholic Center until arrested in 2/1993 for threatening to kill a journalist who was a former student. Convicted in 1993 of abuse of six boys; received a 20-year sentence. Died in prison 6/13/2005. Sued in KY and NM. One case in 1995 went to a jury verdict of $700K in punitive damages after the Diocese was accused of failing to reveal abuse of other victims. Another suit settled in 2003. Suit filed in Albuquerque in 5/2016 claiming abuse in 1963-1964 of a 15-year-old boy. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/2017. On the Covington diocese's 7/31/2020 list.

Sr. Mary Justa Birochik

Order: SND
Status: Accused

Died: 05/23/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Entered the Convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame (S.N.D.) in 1939. Included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Worked at St. Joseph Orphanage 1950-1952. Per her obituary, Birochik "shared her culinary skills" in the Dioceses of Covington, Lexington and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. She died 5/23/2002.

Fr. Ronald Borman

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1992
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Arrested 10/11/2006 on charges of internet child seduction. Employed by Louisville KY archdiocese as a teacher 1978-1985. Worked as a priest 1992-1998 in the Lansing MI and Toledo OH dioceses and the Indianapolis IN archdiocese. Left the priesthood in 1998. Taught in Louisville archdiocesan schools until 2001, and in Louisville public middle schools until his arrest. Pleaded guilty in 2/2009 to one count of possession of child pornography. Sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Fr. Robert A. Bowling

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 06/14/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Louisville. Transferred to Reno NV in 1969, where he was incardinated in 1972. In 2002 at least nine women claimed that he abused them between the mid-1950s and in 1963 when they were minors in KY. He is also accused of molesting adult women in Reno. Louisville settled with eleven victims in 6/2003 as part of a $25.7M settlement. Bowling died in 6/2003. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list of accused in 2019. On the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019.

Fr. Joseph Edward Bradley

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Suspended in 3/2019 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the 1980s while principal of Owensboro Catholic High School. Assigned to the school 1976-1995, principal 1980-1985. Pastor of five parishes. Retired in 2011. Volunteer chaplain at Owensboro Catholic High in retirement. Diocesan Review Board deemed the allegation substantiated. Bishop Medley sent a report to the Vatican, recommending the suspension be permanent. Bradley filed an appeal with the Vatican. In 4/2021 the Vatican informed Medley that Bradley was to be reinstated, with restrictions lifted. The Vatican decree noted Bradley's "imprudent behavior" and imposed a restriction that he was not to enter any primary or secondary school for five years.

Fr. Raymond Leo Broering

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 03/12/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Included on the Covington diocese's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). Retired 8/1/1995. Administrative leave 11/10/2004. Died 3/12/2013. Included on the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020, with one known credible allegation of abuse, occurring at Sacred Heart in Corbin in 1982.

Fr. Philip Bronk

Order: ST
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 12/29/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Given name James Bronk. Per his obituary, Bronk was assigned to parishes throughout the southern and eastern U.S. and he led pilgrimages to holy sites throughout the world. From the early 1990s until his death 12/29/2011 he was chaplain and in residence at Little Flower Haven in La Mesa, CA. Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/2019.

Fr. Joseph Aloysius Browne

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 01/13/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Also referred to as "James Aloysius" or "Jay" Browne. Sued in 2003. Accused of rape of a girl, ages 13-16, who was a resident of Diocesan Children's Home in Fort Mitchell 1963-1966. He allegedly gave her alcohol, impregnated her and and forced an abortion. He left the priesthood in 1969, married, and moved to Canada. Laicized 11/3/1973. Died 1/13/2013. Included on the diocese's 7/3/2020 of those with substantiated allegationa(s).

Fr. Freddie Byrd

Ordained: 1988
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Pastor of St. Ann's in Morganfield KY when suspended from ministry in 6/2016, due to allegations he sexually abused a 17-year-old boy in 1983, prior to ordination. In 2008 a 23-year-old man shot and killed himself outside of Byrd's then-parish, Blessed Mother; the man mentioned Byrd in a suicide note. He wrote that he had experienced "pain and torment" because of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, but did not name an abuser. Of Byrd, the man wrote, "I forgive you." Reinstated in 9/2016. Per the diocese, "...the Diocesan Review Board further explored the information that has been compiled and counseled the bishop that there was insufficient information to substantiate the allegation."

Deacon Marvin A. Carney, Jr.

Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Nickname "Skip." Assigned to St. Rita Parish as a transitional deacon. Arrested 5/16/1981 and charged with sexual abuse, sodomy, distribution of obscene material to a minor and unlawful transaction with a minor, the same week he was to be ordained to the priesthood. Police had questioned a teenage boy in a car outside an adult bookstore who said he was waiting for Carney. Carney was arrested after he came out of the bookstore and handed the boy a bag with pornographic books. Charges were dropped; Fr. Joseph Herp, who was later the subject of substantiated allegations of abuse, may have intervened. The boy's parents got an attorney who would not allow officials' further contact with the boy. Carney was ordained in 1986 for the Diocese of Metuchen. No longer in active priesthood after 1990. Living in NJ at least through 2021. 

Fr. Joseph E. Carrico

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Died: 05/20/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Also known as Gene or Joe Gene Carrico. Accused in four lawsuits filed in 2003 of sexually abusing girls while a priest, at least one as young as age 7. Carrico left the priesthood in 1973, having moved through three different parishes in six years. He was laicized in 1974 and went on to marry and raise a family. He was working in 2003 as a lay religious educator in the Louisville archdiocese. Placed on leave with pay. Carrico denied the allegations in the first two lawsuits but did not comment on the others. Included on the archdiocese's list in 2019 of those with substantiated allegations. Died 5/20/2021.

Fr. Thomas P. Casper

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 11/4/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Parish priest; Army chaplain 1960-1962; Superintendent of Catholic Schools 1967-1974. Accused in a 6/2002 lawsuit of forcing a boy, age 10-11, to perform oral sex in 1964-1965 in the cathedral rectory. Accused in a 4/2003 suit of abusing a youth at Christ the King Church around 1955-1956. Died 11/4/1991. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019 (name spelled Caspar).

Fr. Raymond Chappa

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Died: 01/25/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Included on the Diocese of Covington's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). Assigned 1984-1986 to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Hazard, KY. Married in 1995. Laicized 1/29/1996. Included on the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. One known victim, abused 1984-1986, in Hazard. Settlement with the Order in 12/2008. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list 2/14/2022. Included in 6/2022 on the St. John the Baptist Franciscans list. Chappa died in 1/2021.

Fr. Paul Peter Ciangetti

Ordained: 1942
Status: Settled

Died: 06/19/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Died 6/19/1995. Named in a 2002 employment suit by a father and son. The son alleged that, as an altar boy, he was physically and sexually abused in 1971-1972 by Ciangetti and that, as an adult, he was abused by Rev. J. Kendrick Williams, who later became bishop. Suit settled in 2003. Diocese paid $50K for the abuse claim. Accused of abuse in two additional suits filed in 2003. One accuser said the abuse occurred when he was an altar boy, ages 7-13, at Mary Queen of Heaven in Erlanger. Another claimed abuse at the same parish, 1967-1969, starting at age 12. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s).

Fr. Daniel C. Clark

Ordained: 1980
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed from ministry in 1988 after pleading guilty to having abused two boys in the early 1980s. Sentenced to 15 years' probation and 90 days in jail. Allowed to volunteer and wear clerical collar. Litigation settled in 1989 and 1997. Named in 19 lawsuits in 2002-2003, of which 18 settled in 6/2003 and one in 4/2006. Convicted in 2003 of abusing two brothers, starting when they were ages 11 and 12, from 1998 to 5/2002. Sentenced to 10 years in prison. Laicization announced in 11/2004. Sentence overturned in 5/2007. Pleaded guilty in 11/2007 in return for release from prison, with 5 years' probation and 5 years' court supervision. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Thomas R. Clark

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In 2002 it was revealed that the Archdiocese paid $30K in 1998 to settle allegations against Clark. He was investigated and cleared by Louisville County Police. Based on that and a psychological assessment of Clark, the Archdiocese decided no abuse occurred, but offered the alleged victim a financial settlement because of "difficulties he was facing in his life" and because Clark had cared for him for years after juvenile court placed the boy in his custody.

Fr. Delma Clemons

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Died: 02/6/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Accused along with two other priests of abuse of a girl in the 1960s. The alleged victim settled with the Diocese in 1999 for $41K. In 2003 she died by suicide. Her family returned the settlement and filed suit on her behalf, saying she didn't have the capacity to enter into settlement. She had been hospitalized several times. The Diocese said she was 18 at the time of the 'relationship' and that it was consensual. Clemons was retired as of 11/2009. He died in 2/2021.

Fr. Kevin Cole

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 09/25/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

At least five suits were filed in 2002 claiming abuse of girls. Died in 1991. May have also abused in Ohio prior to arrival in Kentucky. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019.

Fr. Thomas P. Creagh

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 02/15/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Archdiocesan officials knew of abuse of a teenage boy in 1983 and contributed $10K to a settlement with the victim. Four suits filed in 2002 alleged abuse 1983-1997; removed from parish. Spent some time in a FL parish after the first settlement. Permanently removed from active ministry as of 10/2002. Laicized in 2004. Died in 2008 ion Sarasota FL. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. C. Patrick Creed

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Died: 04/5/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 2001. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of making sexually inappropriate comments to a teen in 1951 when the youth sought counseling after abuse by Fr. Louis Miller. In 2003 four or five other suits were filed by women claiming abuse by Creed when they were school girls. Three claims settled in 6/2003 as part of a massive settlement by the Archdiocese. One other was dismissed by court in 2004 due to the statute of limitations. Included on the Archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Sr. James Patrick Cronin

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Died: 03/31/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in a civil suit in 8/2004 by a woman who said she was abused as a child by Cronin, two other nuns, and Fr. Lammers at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Her order confirmed that Cronin was at the orphanage between 1958-1961. Per her obituary, Cronin was a teacher and child-care worker at St. Philip Neri School, Mackin Day Nursery and St. Thomas-St. Vincent Home for Children. She died 3/31/2001, age 98.

Fr. Charles F. Dearing

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 02/23/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Parish priest, Air Force chaplain. Left the priesthood in 1971. Married and raised a family. A woman filed suit in 4/2003 alleging abuse by Dearing when she was about 10 in 1966-1968. Suit settled in 6/2003 as part of a massive diocesan settlement. Criminal charges filed in 7/2003. He pleaded not guilty. Charges later dismissed after prosecutor said there was "insufficient evidence at this time" to proceed. Dearing died 2/23/2009.

Fr. Robert J. Dollinger

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 07/13/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused of abuse in four civil suits filed in 2002. Moved to Canada in 1983 and was an active priest there until at least 1994, when two men reported past abuse to the Louisville Archdiocese. Dollinger "retired" but continued to live in a parish headed by his brother, also a priest. Permanently removed from active ministry in 10/2002. Ordered in 10/2005 by the Vatican to live a life of prayer and penance. Died 7/13/2011 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Br. Francis Dominic

Donate Photo
Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Given name was Anthony Salomone. Assigned to Conventual Franciscans' Province of Our Lady of Consolation, based in Mount St. Francis, IN, 1969 -1980. Transferred to the Conventual Franciscans' Province of St. Bonaventure, based in Chicago, before leaving the order in 1989. Named as an abuser of at least six boys in lawsuits filed in 2002 in KY. All accusers alleged they were abused in the early 1970s. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019.

Sr. Mary Camilla Donahue

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Died: 10/11/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in at least three 2004 civil suits. Accused of abuse of at least four girls at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage. Order confirmed that Sr. Camilla was at the orphanage. Died 10/11/2000. Per her obituary, Donahue was a child-care worker and housekeeper in KY, MA and TN.

Fr. John A. Elder

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 03/2/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in three suits filed in 2002 of abuse of at least two minor females in 1959, and of abuse of a woman in 1973. A fourth woman filed suit in 4/2003, alleging abuse when she was a minor in 1959. Elder died in 1993. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Daniel Emerine

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 06/15/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in six lawsuits filed against the Louisville archdiocese in 2002. Allegedly abused five boys and one girl as grade school students. Several plaintiffs said they told church officials and/or teachers but no one believed them. Two additional suits were filed in 4/2003. Also worked in Dioceses of Lansing MI, Cleveland OH, Grand Rapids MI, Fort Wayne-South Bend IN, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis IN. Included in a massive 6/2003 settlement with the Louisville archdiocese. Died in 1986. On Louisville's list of accused in 2/2019.

Fr. Bruce O. Ewing

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Died: 03/28/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Left the priesthood in 1977. Married and raised a family. Civil suit filed 4/2002. Criminally charged in 2003 with the rape and sodomy in the early 1970s of the plaintiff in the lawsuit , beginning when she was age 14. He denied the allegation. Settled through mediation in 3/2003. Criminal trial ended in mistrial in 2004. New criminal trial held in 3/2007; found guilty of one count on 3/22/2007. Sentenced to 5 years' probation in 5/2007. Laicized in 2004. Led parish council in 2010; terminated in 2/2011. On Sex Offender Registry. On Louisville's list of accused in 2019. Died 3/28/2021.

Fr. William J. Fedders

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington when it was established in 1988. A man reported to Lexington Bishop J. Kendrick WIlliams in 1993 that Fedders sexually abused him three times in 1983 when he was a 14-year-old 8th grader and altar boy at Christ the King in Lexington. The alleged victim suggested a settlement of $200K in 1994, but the Diocese offered only to pay for counseling. The man rejected the counseling offer. He filed a civil suit in 6/2002. Fedders was suspended. Lawsuit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Fedders was permanently removed in 9/2004 and given a 'life of prayer and penance'. Not reported to police until 2004.  Included on the Covington diocese's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). On Lexington's list in 8/2020. It notes that Fedders admitted to "a single incident of inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor."

Fr. Douglas F. Fortner

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 01/30/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Placed on leave in 11/2006 due to a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a child dating back at least 25 years. "Charter suspension" in 2/2009. Laicized 1/27/2010. Died 1/30/2015. Per his obituary, Fortner was a retired priest of the diocese. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s).

Fr. Richard Frazier

Ordained: 1996
Status: Settled

Died: 09/16/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Worked at Camp Marydale and the Campbell Lodge Boys Home as a lay person. Removed from ministry in 1/2006 after allegations of abuse in the late 1970s-early 1980s, prior to ordination. Also accused of abuse of a child in the late 1990s, while a priest. Allegations were made as part of a settlement of a class action suit against the diocese. Frazier denied abuse. Laicized 10/11/2010. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegations. Died 9/16/2020.

Fr. John Donald Gallagher

Ordained: 1940
Status: Sued

Died: 11/12/1968
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 2/2002 alleging abuse in 1950 by Rev. "Bernard" Gallagher at Holy Trinity Church. Her attorney said this was actually John Donald Gallagher. She claimed she was a 4th-grader and confessed to the priest that she had touched herself, and that he responded by molesting her. The woman said she developed obsessive-compulsive disorders the next year, washing her hands as often as 20 times a day. Gallagher died in 1968. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Stephen Francis Gallenstein

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Lexington diocese when it was established in 1988. Permanently removed from ministry in 2003. Accused of abuse of a girl for four years, beginning when she was 13 in 1980 at Holy Family in Ashland, and then stalking her for another 10 years. Name was revealed in support of allegations in a court case regarding abuse by another priest. In 3/2006 the diocese announced that the allegations were credible. Vatican was asked to laicize him. Included on the Covington diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. One known victim, who sued in 2003; settled. Gallenstein admitted to the abuse.

Fr. Linus T. Giesler

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 08/13/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A man filed suit in 6/2002 alleging that he was abused at ages 7-11 by both Fr. Giesler and Fr. Thomas Casper. The man said he told his grandmother and she sent him to live elsewhere. Giesler died in 1999. Included on the archdiocese's list in 2019.

Fr. John Wiley Goeke

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 06/7/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

"Jack." Arraigned 8/1994 on charges of the sexual abuse of two girls in the early 1960s; removed by the Diocese. Criminal charges were dropped when the women did not want to pursue them. A third woman filed a civil suit which claimed Goeke took advantage of her when she sought marriage counseling. This suit settled in 1997. Permanently removed in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops Conference. Two women filed complaints in 12/2004 as part of a class action, alleging abuse in 1963 and 1971 when they were ages 11 and 15. Honored at an event in 6/2018 by a housing non-profit in Northern KY, where he had been involved for 25 years. On the non-profit's board was another diocesan priest, who emceed the event. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Died 6/7/2023.

Fr. Robert B. Gray

Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 07/5/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 civil suit of abuse of a boy. Placed on leave. The plaintiff said he told the Archdiocese in 1994 and 1998. Gray returned to active status in mid-2002 because police could not substantiate the allegation. Gray died in 2021.

Deacon James Griffith

Order: CP
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Passionist deacon. Convicted in 1988 of abuse of a boy 1974-1977 at St. Raphael, starting when the boy was age 11. Sentenced to 60 days' jail and 5 years probation. Sued by the same victim in 1988; suit dismissed due to the statute of limitations. A 5/2002 lawsuit alleged abuse in the 1970s. As of 2002 Griffith was "long removed from public ministry" and lived at a Passionist residence in Chicago. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019. Living in MI in 4/2021 under a safety plan. Added to the Detroit archdiocese's list in 4/2021.

Fr. James E. Hagan

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 07/20/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 civil suit of abuse of an 11-year-old girl in 1956 at St. Leo the Great. The girl allegedly told her pastor shortly thereafter and he said he would take care of it. She also allegedly told her mother, who did not believe her. Hagan left the priesthood in 1973, and was laicized in 1974. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019. Went on to marry. Died in 2021 in Carlisle PA.

Fr. Walter A. Hancock

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 03/2/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list, which stated: 'multiple allegations deemed substantiated.' Assignment list published by the Owensboro diocese omits Hancock's assignment as pastor at St. Charles church in Livermore, as listed in the 1987 Official Catholic Directory. Died 3/2/2012.

Fr. James E. Hargadon

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/16/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Four civil suits were filed in 2002 by men accusing Hargadon of abuse when they were altar boys. Privileges removed in 2002 after suits filed. Twice criminally convicted of abuse in 2004. Received separate eight-year sentences in two counties. One man who lived in Texas said he reported the abuse to Bishop Tschoepe of Dallas in about 1990. Apparently nothing done. Hargadon died in 5/2005 after one year in prison. In 10/2005 the Vatican ordered him (after he had died) to a life of prayer and penance.  On Louisville archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Raymond Joseph Hemmerle

Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A man told the Archdiocese in 9/2001 that Hemmerle molested him at age 11 in the mid-1970s at a summer camp. He wanted Hemmerle to get counseling and not work with youths. Went to police in 1/2002 when Church officials did not act. Hemmerle was placed on leave. Reinstated in mid-2002, Church saying police had investigated and closed the case.A later article said police had not completed investigating. Active until 5/2014 when removed after a new allegation of abuse in the 1970s. Had been pastor of St. Francis and Holy Cross parishes in Marion County, KY. Indicted 9/18/2014 on six counts of sodomy and three charges of sex abuse on claims made in 5/2014. Found guilty in 11/2016 in the first case. Sentenced in 2/2017 to 7 years in prison. Pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the second case in 5/2017 in plea deal; sentenced 6/29/2017 to 2 years in prison, in addition to the 7 years already serving. Denied parole in 12/2017. Appealed in 3/2020, said "no intent to abuse." Appeal denied in 1/2019. Included on the Archdiocese's list in 2019. Released from prison 10/1/2021. Was to be monitored by a parole officer. Not required to register as a sex offender.

Fr. J. Gilbert Henninger

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Died: 03/5/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Included in the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations, which stated: 'multiple allegations received after his death, but deemed substantiated.' Diocesan list of assignments omits his appointment as Chancellor (1938-1947) and Vicar General (1947-1982). Title of monsignor granted in 1949. Died 3/5/1990.

Fr. Joseph T. Herp

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 10/25/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sued in 2002 and 2003 by four men alleging abuse 1970s-1980s. Archdiocese admitted in 5/2002 to other concerns about Herp in the 1970s. Police investigated in 1988 and 1990, while Herp was a police chaplain. Privileges permanently removed in 10/2002. In 2003, the archdiocesan review board substantiated the allegations. Laicization announced in 10/2005. Died 10/25/2013. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Louis Joseph Holtz

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 10/27/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

A man told the Diocese in 1995 that Holtz sexually abused him as a boy 1974-1975. Claims were settled in 1997 and Holtz agreed to be laicized. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/2002 of abusing a boy in 1970. One plaintiff alleging abuse by Holtz joined a 2003 class action suit against the Diocese, but later withdrew and settled. Laicization announced 8/12/2003. Died 10/27/2014. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). (Brother of accused priest Raymond Holtz.)

Sr. Frances Howard

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Settled

Died: 03/7/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 1995. In an 8/3/2004 addition to a lawsuit, Howard was accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Vincent Orphanage in Louisville, beginning in 1938 when the girl was age 6 and continuing until the girl was removed from the orphanage in 1943. The complainant also accused Rev. Herman J. Lammers and Sr. Stanislas Kotska Willett, who was mother superior of the orphanage 1940-1944. The Order settled in 8/2006 with almost all plaintiffs with claims.

Sr. Mary Eugene Imbus

Order: OSB
Status: Accused

Died: 04/15/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Given name Rosemary Imbus. Included on the Diocese of Covington's list of those with substantiated allegation(s). Worked at Villa Madonna Academy 1955-1958. Dispensed from vows 6/3/1966. Went on to marry. Died 4/15/2005.

Fr. Herman Bernard Kamlage

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 12/1/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegations. Ministry restricted 10/9/1994. Retired 4/28/1995. "Charter Suspension" 9/13/2002. Died 12/01/2018. Reportedly, court records show accusations against Kamlage of the abuse of at least six boys, ages 5-18, during visits to the priest's cabin at Lake Carnico. Journals kept by Kamlage 1981-1985 surfaced in 7/2020, in which he asked God for forgiveness for "carnal" behavior, and said of a boy's pending visit, "What fantasies and anticipation."

Fr. James Louis-Bertrand Kilkenny

Donate Photo
Order: OP
Ordained: 1936
Status: Accused

Died: 02/15/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Included on the Archdiocese of Louisville's list in 2/2019, where abuse took place. Added in 12/2019 to the Diocese of Columbus' list. Died in Louisville 2/15/1985.

Fr. Robert Paul Klein

Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Died: 06/20/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Accused in a 12/2003 civil suit of abusing a youth at Sacred Heart Parish in Bellevue in 1964, three years after Klein was told to investigate allegations against Rev. Earl Bierman. Klein told Bishop Ackerman; nothing else done. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s) of abuse. Klein retired in 1992. "Charter Suspension" 9/9/2002. Died 6/20/2005. Included on the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes the 1964 allegation, deemed credible, and that there is evidence that Klein admitted to the abuse. Also, a lawsuit by a different victim in Boone County settled.

Fr. James Edward Kleman

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 03/9/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

In 12/2003, a woman joined a class action suit against the diocese, alleging she was abused by Kleman in Northern Kentucky in 1959 when she was 10. She also alleged that Kleman abused her (now) deceased older brother when the boy was 12. Kleman reportedly also abused a teenage boy at least 50 times 1958-1961. This claimant was also included in the settlement. Kleman died 3/9/1974.

Fr. Lawrence Kuntz

Order: CR
Ordained: 1914
Status: Accused

Died: 07/14/1952
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

From Ontario, Canada. Per his obituary, after ordination Kuntz taught at St. Jerome's College in Ontario and St. Stanislaus College in Chicago. He was next assigned in Louisville KY, then returned to parishes and later St. Jerome's infirmary in Waterloo, Ontario. He died in 1952. Per news in 6/2004, a man said that he was molested at age 7 in 1928 by a "Father Lawrence" at St. Cecilia's in Louisville. The Archdiocese confirmed that a Fr. Lawrence Kuntz worked at the parish 1928-1935. This plaintiff did not file suit against the Archdiocese but is one of three plaintiffs in a class action suit filed against the Vatican. The suit does not include allegations against specific priests. The case against the Vatican was dropped in 8/2010.

Fr. Herman J. Lammers

Ordained: 1932
Status: Sued

Died: 08/11/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Lammers was director of Catholic Charities 1939-1976. Named as an abuser in numerous suits filed 2002-2004.  Accused of abuse by at least 34, much of it at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Home, an orphanage in Anchorage, KY. Retired in 1982 and died in 1986. Victims of Lammers were included in a large settlement in 8/2006 between the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who ran the orphanage, and numerous victims. Included on the archdiocese's list of accused in 2019.

Fr. Patrick Mackan

Order: CR
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 11/23/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 suit of sexually abusing a 17-year-old Canadian girl after she had been raped and impregnated by another man. The abuse is alleged to have continued 1972-1975 and to have included oral sex and sexual intercourse. Some of the abuse occurred during trips to the U.S., where Mackan supervised other priests of his order in the Louisville archdiocese. His later career involved the education of children with special needs. Mackan died in 1990.

Fr. David Mark MacPherson

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

In 2003 two women settled claims with the Covington diocese over allegations that MacPherson molested them in the 1960s at St. Patrick's in Maysville. The diocese paid a total of $750K to the two women and to a man who alleged abuse by Fr. Earl Bierman. Both women were part of a class action suit filed against the Diocese of Covington. MacPherson left active ministry in 1978 and was laicized 1/20/1984. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s).

Fr. John E. Magel

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 04/15/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Retired in 1995. Placed on leave in 6/2002 when a man claimed in a lawsuit against the Archdiocese that Magel exposed himself to a group of boys by preparing a meal in the nude while on a camping trip. The same plaintiff also alleged abuse by a parochial school teacher. Magel was returned to active (retired) status in 3/2003 when Archbishop Kelly determined there was no evidence that he had abused children. Magel died 4/15/2012.

Fr. Theodore Meisner

Donate Photo
Order: CR
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 7/2002 lawsuit of fondling a 13-year-old youth during a counseling session in 1981. Meisner had assignments in various other states and in Canada before leaving the priesthood in 1989. As of 2002 he was living in Georgia and working part-time for the state. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019.

Fr. John R. Meredith

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Meredith was placed on medical leave in early 12/2013 before being removed later in the month for credible accusations of inappropriate conduct with a minor. Police decided 1/16/2014 that alleged his conduct was not a criminal offense. Also, the case was closed because the minor was now an adult and did not want to be interviewed by the police. The incident may have involved a violation of church policy. Was to remain a priest, still on leave. Included in the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'one allegation deemed substantiated by the Diocesan Review Board.'

Deacon David Meyer

Ordained: 1999
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Ordained a permanent deacon in 1999. Placed on leave 2/23/2007 from his assignment at Blessed Sacrament in Fort Mitchell after an allegation of abuse of a public school student thirty years prior. Included on the diocese's  7/2020 list of those with substantiated allegations. It notes that Meyer worked 1977-1979 at Third District Elementary School in Covington.

Fr. Louis E. Miller

Ordained: 1956
Status: Convicted

Died: 03/4/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Complaints in 1961 but Archbishop Floersh refused Miller's resignation. Civil suits in 1990 and 1999 alleged that Miller abused minors. Settled out of court. Not removed until 3/2002 when earlier suits were revealed. Named in at least 94 civil suits in 2002-2003. Many settled in 6/2003 as part of large settlement. Pleaded guilty in 3/2003 to abuse of 21 children. Sentenced to 20 years in prison. Pleaded guilty in 6/2003 to abuse of 8 more children; received an additional 10-year sentence. Laicization announced in 11/2004. Incarcerated in 6/2014 at the Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County. Died 3/4/2017.

Fr. Balthasar John Modica

Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 10/30/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

The Diocese was warned several times 1974-1978 about Modica's behavior. Accused in 12/1978 of smuggling marijuana to a 20-year-old male inmate at a State Reformatory. Pleaded guilty. Given a brief jail sentence. Sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment due to sexual misconduct. Reassigned. Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of abuse of a teenage boy in the mid-1970s. Court of Appeals denied plaintiff's claim 8/5/2011. Other cases settled. Retired in 2000. "Charter Suspension" 9/13/2002. Died 10/30/2015. Included on the Covington diocese's list of those with substantiated allegation(s) 7/31/20. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes one known Lexington victim and multiple victims elsewhere.

Fr. Reuben Thomas Moscowitz

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1948
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/25/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Included on the Covington diocese's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). Per news articles from the time, Moscowitz was charged in 1952 with transporting a 14-year-old Newport girl from KY to Washington DC for "immoral purposes." His first trial, in 12/1952, failed due to "jury disagreement." An FBI agent testified that Moscowitz "broke down and cried" and said the priest "regretted having brought disgrace to himself and the girl." Moscowitz had been sent to DC by the diocese after the girl's parents complained about his behavior with their daughter. Moscowitz bought the girl an airline ticket so she could join him in DC. Retried and convicted in 3/1953. Sentenced to two years in prison. Left the diocese in 1956. Died 5/25/1974.

Fr. Joseph Irvin Mouser

Ordained: 1965
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Placed on leave in 5/2002. Beginning in 6/2002, five men filed separate civil suits accusing him of abusing them as minors in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Mouser allegedly took several of the boys to drive-in movies at various times, gave them alcohol and assaulted them. Settled in 2003. The Review Board deemed the allegations credible in 6/2004. The Vatican ordered Mouser to live life of prayer and penance, per a 10/2005 announcement. Archbishop Kelly reportedly knew in 1992 of credible allegations. In 1/2020 Mouser was discovered working as chaplain for the Sisters of Loretto in KY, despite the Vatican's directive that he no longer wear clerical garb, celebrate mass publicly, administer sacraments or present himself publicly as a priest. The Sisters of Loretto's website showed photos of Mouser dressed as a priest and celebrating mass. After publicity in 2/2020 the Sisters said they were going to remove him. Criminally charged in 1/2025 with child sodomy and sexual abuse, of a child younger than age 12 in 1989-1993. Per the archdiocese in 1/2025, Mouser was living in a nursing home.

Fr. Joseph Nicholas Muench

Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington when it was created in 1988. In 3/2009 three men told the Lexington diocese that Muench abused them in the 1980s, while assigned to Good Shepherd in Frankfort. Suspended in 7/2009. Indicted in 10/2009 for the abuse of two of the accusers 1980-1981 and 1984-1985. Named in a 11/2009 civil suit by a victim in a criminal case. Entered Alford Plea in 3/2010. Sentenced to two one-year terms in prison, to run concurrently. Released 9/30/2010. Living in 2019 in Independence, KY. Included on the Covington diocese's 7/31/2020 list of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes five known victims in the 1980s in Frankfort. Case sent to the Vatican.

Fr. Joseph T. Neeson

Ordained: 1890
Status: Sued

Died: 07/8/1966
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing an altar boy in either 1951-1252 or 1954-1955. The plaintiff filed the suit pro se. Neeson retired in 1965 and died in 1966. He had been a priest for 76 of his 99 years. He was believed to have been the longest-serving priest in the U.S. When he filed suit, the plaintiff was in prison serving time for forgery, sexual abuse, theft, and being a persistent felon.

Fr. Leonard Bernard Nienaber

Ordained: 1934
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/19/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington, which then encompassed Lexington. (The Lexington diocese was established in 1988.) Assigned 1960-1979 to Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary in Lexington. Indicted in 1993 at age 86. Convicted in 1994 on 10 counts of the sexual abuse of as many as 18 minors. Sentenced to 10 years (probated) and admittance to St. Jean Vianney Renewal Center in Dittmer, MO. In 2002 and 2003 17 women and a man filed suit. In a 12/2003 settlement, 20 of 24 claims against the Diocese were Nienaber victims. Age 97 and still living at the Vianney Center in 12/2003; ordered by Diocese to remain there after his 10 year sentence ended. Died 11/19/2006, age 99. Included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020.

Sr. Anthony Louise Pereira

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Died: 06/18/1933
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In 8/2004 a man joined the multi-plaintiff lawsuit filed in summer 2004 against the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Fr. Herman Lammers, and several nuns. The plaintiffs alleged abuse as children at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage in Anchorage, KY. This plaintiff alleges he was sexually abused by Pereira and another nun. The Order confirmed that Pereira worked at the orphanage 1946-1965. Died in 1983.

Fr. Juvenal Carl Pfalzer

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 03/6/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of Louisville on its list in 2/2019. Died 3/6/2002. (Brother of accused priest, Roman Pfalzer, O.F.M who allegedly abused in New Mexico.) Included 10/15/2020 on the Wichita diocese's list, where he worked 1947-1972 and 1983. Added in 2020 to the New Orleans archdiocese's list, where he was assigned at one point. On the Gallup diocese's list in 11/2021. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022. Added to Peoria's list in 6/2022. Included on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."

Fr. Kent Pieper

Order: CP
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 09/10/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Given name Paul Pieper. Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/2019. (Name misspelled Piper.) Assignments included secretary to the provincial and Vice-Rector of the Passionist Preparatory Seminary in Warrenton, MO; Rector of the Passionist Seminary in Louisville; Pastor of St. Agnes in Louisville; associate at St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park, FL. Pieper died 9/10/1994.

Fr. Joseph J. Pilger

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Pleaded guilty in 1995 to sexually abusing three brothers and their cousin in the 1960s. Received five years' probation, beginning in 1/1995. Sued in 2003 for abuse 1960-1962. Suit settled in 12/2003 as part of a $5.2M settlement with 27 accusers involving six priests. Murdered in 12/2003 by a 26-year-old man who had been living with him. Included on the Owensboro diocese's list 4/12/2019, which notes 13 substantiated allegations. Included on the Covington diocese's list 7/31/2020. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. One known victim there, at St. Paul's in 1962.

Fr. Louis Francis Piskula

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 10/11/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Piskula, who "retired" in 2002, was arrested in 6/2012 after a Grand Jury indicted him on charges of first-degree sodomy, victim under 12, and first-degree sexual abuse. One man notified authorities in 2/2011 about incidents dating back to 1979 when Piskula was at Blessed Mother Church in Owensboro. Reports said Piskula had not had any ministerial duties since 2002, in accordance with the Dallas Charter. He was in a restricted assignment with the Diocese 1994-2002 after a similar allegation. Pleaded guilty 6/4/2014 to first-degree sexual abuse shortly before trial. Charge of first-degree sodomy dropped in plea agreement. Sentenced 8/6/2014 to five years' prison, to register as a sex offender for 20 years, and to receive sex offender treatment while in prison. Died 10/11/2018. Included on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'six allegations deemed substantiated.'

Fr. Stephen A. Pohl

Ordained: 1985
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Pastor St. Mary Margaret. Rectory and parish office searched 8/12/2015 by the FBI and Louisville police after the parents of 10-year-old boy reported Pohl took inappropriate photos of their son and other boys. Placed on leave. Arrested 8/21/2015 in FL on federal charges of accessing child porn. Detective said Pohl viewed online images of nude boys, infants to mid-teens. In KY court 9/2/2015, given house arrest at his mother's. Indicted 11/3/2-15 by grand jury. Pleaded not guilty; trial scheduled for 1/12/2016. Pleaded guilty 1/4/2016 to accessing child porn with intent to view. Sentenced 3/29/2016 to 33 months in federal prison, to register as a sex offender, and lifetime probation. Also fined $7,500. Suit filed in 3/2016 against the Archdiocese by parents of a boy victimized by Pohl at age 7 in 2014. Another was filed in 8/2016 claiming photos taken by Pohl of a kindergarten boy in 2014 and again in 2015. Laicized 2/26/2017.

Fr. William George Poole

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 12/28/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington when it was created in 1988. Charged with public indecency in 1990 and 2001. Placed on leave for a year in 9/2002 when diocesan officials learned of Poole's second arrest. Reinstated in 1/2004, even after a 2003 allegation that he had sexually abused a 15-year-old boy in 1972. The Lexington diocese's review board deemed the allegations not credible, but the Covington diocesan board disagreed and paid a settlement to the plaintiff. Not reported to police until 2004. Died 12/28/2018. Included on the Covington diocese's list 7/31/2020. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020, allegation noted to be "unsubstantiated."

Sr. Mary Ann Powers

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Died: 10/30/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In a 2004 lawsuit eight women and one man alleged that Powers abused as them children at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage in the 1950s-1960s. Powers died in 1995, age 92. Per her obituary, Powers worked in orphanages in KY and TN. The Order said it was not aware of any previous allegations against the nun.

Fr. Richard M. Powers

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 02/13/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Accused with two other priests in 1995 of abusing a girl in the 1960s. Alleged victim settled with Diocese in 1999 for $41K. In 2003 she died by suicide. Her family returned the settlement and filed suit on her behalf, saying she didn't have the capacity to enter into a settlement; she had been hospitalized several times. The Diocese said she was 18 and the relationship was consensual. Powers denied all accusations. He was still an active priest in 7/2006; the suit was still pending. Retired in 2007. Remained active in the diocese in 11/2015. Died 2/13/2023.

Fr. Gerald L. Reinersman

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Reinersman, the Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese and former Moderator of the Curia, was placed on leave in 5/2004 after a man alleged that Reinersman molested him repeatedly as a young boy in 1979, at Mary Queen of Holy Rosary in Lexington. Reinersman denied all allegations. A special civilian review board handled review of this case. Reinersman was cleared and reinstated as an active priest in 2/2005. The board said that "it couldn't rule out that his accuser simply accused the wrong priest."

Fr. Emmeran Rettger

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 06/10/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Named publicly as accused by the St. Vincent Abbey Benedictines in 8/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse dating to his time at St. Benedict's in Covington, KY 1965-1967. Per the Archabbey, the allegations were received in 1993, and Rettger was removed from active ministry. Included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Died 6/10/1999.

Fr. Joseph J. Rives

Ordained: 1920
Status: Sued

Died: 09/5/1971
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In lawsuits filed in 5/2003 and 6/2003, three women claimed Rives sexually abused them as girls 1962-1964. Rives died in 1971. His name was originally shown as "Joseph Reeves." At least two suits were dismissed in 12/2003 for being filed too late (more than one year after 4/2002 Louisville notice date).

Fr. Donald L. Ryan

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 07/6/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Two men filed separate suits in 4/2003 alleging that they were abused as children by Ryan in the 1960s. Claims were settled as part of a massive 6/2003 settlement. The Archdiocesan Review Board said that the allegations could not be substantiated; Archbishop Kelly returned Ryan to active ministry in 10/2003. Retired in 2008. Died 7/6/2023.

Br. Anthony Salamone

Donate Photo
Order: OFM Conv
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Also known as Br. Francis Dominic. Five civil suits filed in 2002 alleged abuse 1972-1973. Transferred to Chicago in 1980. Left the order in 1989. It is believed all five suits were settled in the massive 6/2003 settlement with the archdiocese.

Fr. Dominic Savino

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed in 2002 from the presidency of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino CA after allegations of abuse of two brothers in 1979, and abuse of others in the 1970s. Police were notified. He acknowledged some incidents and that he had sought therapy. Also accused of abusing five high school boys in Louisville, KY 1966-1973. Named in a civil suit. Separated from the Carmelite Order in 2005. Claims by seven individuals included in $10M settlement 10/2006 with the Order and L.A. Archdiocese. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019. Included on the Carmelites' list in 11/2020.

Fr. Carl Casper Schaffer

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lexington KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Retired in 1989. Opened a home for troubled teenage boys, Padre House, in southeastern KY. Died by suicide in 7/3/1993, a day after he was questioned about a decades-old abuse allegation. Included on the Covington diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. It notes credible allegations that Schaffer abused brothers at Good Shepherd in Frankfort in the 1960s and 1970s.

Fr. Edwin J. Scherzer

Ordained: 1950
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/13/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Retired in 1995. Removed from ministry in 5/2002 after he was accused in a lawsuit. Two more suits were filed by 1/2003. The chancellor 1966-1982 admitted he had been approached by a parent claiming Scherzer had acted inappropriately with his son, but made no record of the complaint. A fourth suit filed in 4/2003 alleged abuse 1963-1964. Indicted in 2005. Pleaded guilty in 11/2005 to abuse of four boys in the late 1950s-early 1960s. Sentenced to five years' house arrest. Claims included in a 6/2003 massive settlement with the archdiocese. Ordered to a life of prayer and penance. Died 8/13/2017.

Fr. James R. Schook

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/10/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Removed in 7/2009 after an allegation that he sexually abused a male teen in 1985. The Archdiocese said the allegation did not involve parishes where Schook worked. There were four more complaints of abuse in the 1970s and 1980s. Permanent removal to life of prayer and penance in 2/2010 after the Review Board deemed the allegations credible. A former church worker sued in 1/2011 alleging termination when she turned him in. The suit was dismissed in 5/2011. Appealed in 6/2011. Criminally charged 6/30/2011 - two accusers. Convicted of three counts of sodomy 4/16/2014 in one case and one count of indecent or immoral practice in the second case. Formally sentenced 5/30/2014 to 15 years in prison; arrested. Terminally ill with skin cancer; was to be housed at the Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County which had nursing and hospice units. Appeal filed 5/12/2014 included a request that he be allowed to stay out of jail during appeal. Early parole granted 11/2017 due to medical status. Died 12/10/2018.

Fr. George Joseph Schumacher

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Permanently removed in 1/2003 due to a 1983 allegation that he plied a 13-year-old boy with alcohol, then sexually molested him during a campout. The boy was a resident of Campbell Lodge Boys Home (for troubled boys), run by Schumacher. The alleged victim reported the abuse to police in 1983 and Schumacher was removed. By 1986 Schumacher was back at Campbell Lodge and in 1996 he was given a parish assignment. Included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). It notes a "Charter Suspension" 9/13/2002.

Fr. Anselm Sippel

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1929
Status: Accused

Died: 03/15/1985
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/2019 (name misspelled Sippell). Died in 3/1985, at age 83. Included on the Franciscan Friars, St. John the Baptist Province list of those against whom there are substantiated allegations. Added to the Gallup diocese's list in 11/2021. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022.

Sister Charles

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 7/04 alleging abuse as a child by Msgr. Herman J. Lammers and five nuns at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage or at local schools. The woman alleges that one of her abusers at the orphanage was Sister Charles. The order confirmed that a nun by this name worked at the orphanage in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Sister Charles is deceased.

Sister Joseph Anthony

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in a 7/2004 lawsuit by a woman alleging abuse as a child by Msgr. Herman J. Lammers and 5 nuns at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage or at local schools. The woman alleged that one of her abusers was Sister Joseph Anthony, at the orphanage. The order confirmed that a nun by this name worked at the orphanage in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Sister Joseph Anthony left the order in 1972.

Sister Terrance

Donate Photo
Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

In 10/2002 a former student nun filed a lawsuit alleging that she was fondled in 1959 or 1960 at St. Walburg Convent by a Sister Terrance, whose given name was unknown. In the same suit, the woman also alleges that she had been previously abused at Villa Madonna Academy (a girls' school) by another nun and that a third nun also fondled her during her first year at St. Walburg Monastery. The plaintiff left the convent in 1971.

Fr. Leon C. Spalding

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 4/2003 alleging that she was molested as a minor by Spalding after confession in the early 1970s. Spalding denied the allegation. Reportedly Spalding retired in 3/2003 after facing an unrelated accusation involving an adult woman. This information came from a letter that Archbishop Kelly read to Spalding's parishioners in 3/2003. Shown as retired in the 2009 Catholic Directory.

Fr. John Speaks

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 06/11/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'one allegation deemed substantiated.' Speaks died 6/11/2019. Per his obituary, he was assigned to parishes until 2002, as a chaplain at Owensboro-Daviess Co. Hospital and at Carmel Home. He then worked at a bank for 15 years, apparently without the title 'Fr.' or 'Rev.' 

Fr. Mark A. Steidle

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1993
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Removed 4/20/2004 after allegations that he had inappropriately touched a minor in the fall of 1994 at Marydale Retreat Center, where he was chaplain. He denied all allegations. Included on the diocese's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Noted to have been a resident of RECON/Wounded Brothers Proect, a facility for troubled priests near St. Louis, MO as of 7/2/2000. Died in 2009.

Fr. Joseph H. Stoltz

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Sent for evaluation and treatment and placed on a restricted ministry in 1991 after allegations of abuse of a boy in the 1970s. The Archdiocese paid this accuser $200K in 1992, reportedly to "silence" him. Stoltz was placed on leave in 6/2002. Sued in 9/2002 by another man who accused him of abuse 1975-1977. Permanently removed from ministry in 10/2002. Resigned from the priesthood. Laicization announced in 8/2004.

Sr. Helen Thieneman

Order: OP
Status: Sued

Died: 01/21/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

A woman filed suit in 8/2003 alleging that Thieneman sexually abused her several times in the 1974-1975 school year. The nun allegedly would take her out of class for counseling and abuse her. The alleged victim told her parents in 1983 or 1984 and a psychological evaluation supported her claims. Her father went to the Order in 1984, but no action. The Order said there were no other complaints. The woman herself went to Archbishop Kelly in 1992. He said that Thieneman was assigned to a hospital in a controlled environment. Suit withdrawn in 1/2003. Thieneman died 1/21/2013.

Fr. James W. Thompson

Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 02/1/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Ordained in London, Ontario, Canada for the Congregation fo the Resurrection. Incardinated in 1970 into the Archdiocese of Louisville. Two men filed separate lawsuits in 4/2003 alleging abuse in the late 1960s or early 1970s by Thompson, who often took them on trips to theme parks, Florida and the Bahamas. The suits were directed to the archdiocese; Thompson was not named as a defendant. Retired in 1988. Died 2/1/2006.

Fr. Henry G. Vessels

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 04/16/1980
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 10/2002 of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in Mount Washington 1969-1970. Vessels would allegedly take the boy to pornographic movies and on one occasion forcibly sexually molested him. Vessels spent several years as a teacher and administrator at parish schools. He died in 1980 at age 55.

Fr. Robert Carroll Wheatley

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 10/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocese's list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'two allegations deemed substantiated.' The Owensboro list of assignments for Wheatley is incomplete; e.g., it omits that he was Assistant Principal at Trinity High School in Whitesville 1976-1980; Principal of St Mary High School in Paducah 1984-1986; and Vice President for Student Affairs at Christian Brothers College in Memphis TN 1987-1988. Died 10/7/2013. Included in 8/2021 on the Diocese of Fresno's list of credibly accused, where he was assigned 2003-2008 as a chaplain at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore.

Fr. Henry Wieder

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

First identified publicly as accused on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations: 'one allegation of sexual abuse received in 2002 involving incident prior to ordination deemed substantiated.' The Owensboro list of assignments omits Wieder's chancery position of Director of Youth Ministry, as indicated in the 1996 Official Catholic Directory. Per the list in 5/2022, Wieder left active ministry in 2003.

Br. Joseph Wilhelm

Order: FSC
Status: Accused

Died: 09/6/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Covington KY

Entered the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1942. Took final vows in 1948. Name included on the Diocese of Covington's list 7/31/2020 of those with substantiated allegation(s). Assigned to Newport Catholic High School 1963-1977. Also taught in Chicago IL, St. Paul MN, Jefferson City MO, Memphis TN, Santa Fe NM, Cincinnati OH. Died 9/6/2011.

Fr. Joseph Robert Willett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Died: 11/6/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Accused, along with two other priests, of abusing a girl in the 1960s. The alleged victim settled with the Diocese in 1999 for $41K. In 2003 she died by suicide. Her family returned the settlement and filed suit on her behalf, saying she didn't have capacity to enter into settlement. She had been hospitalized several times. The Diocese said she was 18 and that the relationship was 'consensual.' Willet died 11/6/2001.

Sr. Stanislas Kotska Willett

Donate Photo
Order: SCN
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

In an addition to a lawsuit filed 8/3/04, Willett was accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Vincent Orphanage in Louisville, beginning in 1938 when the girl was age 6 and continuing until she was removed from the orphanage in 1943. Willett was mother superior of the orphanage 1940-1944. The complainant also accused Rev. Herman J. Lammers and Sr. Frances Howard.

Bishop J. Kendrick Williams

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Bishop of Lexington when he resigned in 2002 after allegations by three former altar boys that he abused them when a priest of the Louisville archdiocese. Accused of abuse of another altar boy while working in the Covington diocese. The Archdiocese later settled with the three men as part of a $25.7M settlement with 243 plaintiffs. No criminal charges were filed. Removed from public ministry. On the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019. On the Lexington diocese's list in 8/2020. Case referred to the Vatican.

Fr. Arthur L. Wood

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 12/25/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Died in 1983 at age 59. After his death the Archdiocese received an allegation that Wood had sexually abused a boy. The Archdiocese paid Wood's accuser $10,500 in 1995 and provided counseling in exchange for the man's promise of confidentiality. Accused in at least 39 lawsuits filed in 2002 and 2003. Many claims were included in a massive 6/2003 settlement.