Fr. Dennis E. Coleman

Per the PA Attorney General’s  3/1/2016 Grand Jury Report, in 1979 the parents of a 10-year-old boy told Bishop Hogan of concerns about their son’s behavior and a comment about Fr. Coleman. Hogan met with the boy, who said Coleman invited boys to sleep over in the rectory, would ‘hypnotize’ them, and sniff and then rub his penis against their feet. Also, Coleman asked the boy if he could photograph him in his underwear. Hogan told Coleman to talk with the parents, including the boy if needed. If it went badly, he might need to transfer. Transferred; similarly abused boy a age 12-13, and at least three more at his next parish. Details noted by Hogan in “secret archives.” Coleman refused treatment. Suspended by Bishop Adamec in 1987, who got him a job at the county courthouse. Coleman boasted publicly about it and the judge involved in helping Adamec rescinded the offer, saying “it would be a disaster for the Church.” Suspended in 7/1988 for refusing treatment. Named in a 2003 lawsuit against the diocese. Laicized in 2004. Died 3/12/2014.