Fr. Walter M. Emala

The Diocese of Nashville  knew in at least 1959 of Emala’s behavior with boys. (The Memphis diocese was created from Nashville in 1970.) In the 1960s parents were told by a diocesan official to keep their boys away from him. Given an ultimatum in 1968 to leave TN on an extended leave of absence or retire and leave TN. Emala went on leave and to Baltimore MD. Memphis told Baltimore that Emala was a priest in good standing and he was assigned in 1972 to a parish. Removed in 1975 from the Baltimore assignment after allegations of child sexual abuse. Requested faculties in the Diocese of Wilmington DE, with recommendation from Memphis Bishop Dozier (who was later credibly accused of child sexual abuse). Request denied. Allowed part-time work in the Diocese of Harrisburg PA in 1978, although faculties had not been granted. Complaints in 1985 of his behavior with boys. Removed. Prior to 1988 Emala presented himself as a priest for 20 years in East Baltimore, despite having no faculties. Involved as a chaplain with many organizations and counseled children, mostly boys. Multiple individuals alleged sexual abuse, including rape, by him in the 1970s-1980s. At least one boy was as young as age 7. At least one settlement. Included on 9/2002 Baltimore list. Died 2/20/2008 in Baltimore. Name included on Harrisburg diocese’s list 8/1/2018, noted to have been seen kissing a minor on the lips in the early 1980s. On Knoxville’s list as of 3/6/2020. (Knoxville diocese was created from Nashville in 1988.) Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report.