Fr. Melvin Bucher
Accused in a 1994 lawsuit of abuse in the early 1970’s. The Archdiocese said he was on leave of absence when the abuse occurred, so they were not responsible for him. Lower court dismissed as not within scope of employment; OR Supreme Court reversed lower court in 1999. This ruling became noted for changing OR law. Case settled in 1/2001 for $512,500. Another man claimed abuse as a minor in 1965. Bucher admitted abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Worked in CA and OR. Included on the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans’ list 5/31/2019. On the Oakland diocese’s list 6/1/2019. Died in 2019.
- The Oregonian 12.24.94
- The Oregonian 04.04.95
- Associated Press 04.08.99
- The Oregonian 04.09.99
- The Oregonian 01.27.01
- Sunday Oregonian 07.07.02
- Oregonian Table 11.12.06
- Register-Guard 04.19.07
- San Jose Mercury News 04.01.08
- Contra Costa Times 04.01.08
- Final Report of Document Arbitration 11.24.08
- Documents Released by Archdiocese 11.25.08
- Ernesto C v Franciscans, Cause No 1337577, Santa Barbara Co Superior Court 10.05.09
- Clover v Franciscans, Cause No 1338070, Santa Barbara Co Superior Court 11.03.09
- Santa Barbara Province Franciscans List 05.31.19
- Diocese of Oakland List 06.01.19
Assignments:
Sources:
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.