Fr. Bernard J. Casper
Ordained for the Diocese of Pueblo, CO. Included in the CO A.G. report 10/22/19, as “Father I.” It notes “strong evidence he abused children in the Pueblo diocese 1955-63. Took “health” leave of absence in 1963. Underwent treatment at Paracletes in NM. Began working in NY in 1970s. In 2002 twin brothers accused Casper of molesting them for years, starting when they were altar boys in Albany. They met Casper in early 1970s; in 1973 he became their guardian. When the two came forward in 2002, both Albany and Rochester dioceses contended that Casper never had authority to act as priest in New York state. Faculties suspended. The two brothers sued in 5/03; dropped suit in 2005. One of them was offered financial support from the Pueblo diocese. In 2006 and 2009, Pueblo asked Bernard to seek laicization; he refused, denying allegations. Pueblo initiated laicization in 2015-16.
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