Fr. James R. Blume

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend IN

Professed final vows in 1971 for the Brothers of the Holy Cross. He had been assigned for several years to the St. Charles Boys Home in Milwaukee, in charge of a dorm. Blume worked at the Home until 1978. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in 1980. In 1991 a man filed suit, alleging sexual abuse as a boy by Blume 1982-1985, starting when he was 14. The man had first came forward in 1988 or 1989; Bishop D’Arcy forced Blume to resign in 1989 after he completed therapy. The suit settled in 11/1992. A second man filed suit in 1992 claiming Blume sexually abused him 1985-1987, beginning when he was 14. Blume was laicized 6/23/2007. Criminal charges were filed in 8/2009. In 1/2010 Blume pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse in Milwaukee of two boys, one in 1979 and the other 1982-1984. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. An appeal was denied in 11/2012. His name is included on the Ft. Wayne diocese 9/18/2018 list of credibly accused, which notes five credible allegations. On the WI sex offender registry.

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