Fr. Francis Engels
Engels and two other priests were accused of abusing a boy in 1973. The victim complained directly to Bishop Myers in 1992. Engels was not placed on leave until the family went to the media in 1993. Engels also admitted to abusing a boy in the 1980s. Bishop tried to reinstate him in 2002 but did not after second victim complained. Named in a 2004 civil suit which settled in 2005. Pleaded guilty in 4/2005 to sexually abusing a teenage altar boy during trips to Milwaukee in the early 1980s. Sentenced in 6/2005 to 10 years in WI prison. On Peoria’s list in 12/2018. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes 5 “reported survivors.”
- Pantagraph 08.30.93
- Chicago Tribune 05.31.02
- Star-Ledger 06.13.02
- Copely News Service 02.03.04
- Pantagraph 02.04.04
- Journal Sentinel 12.11.04
- Associated Press 04.04.05
- Week 04.18.05
- Peoria Journal Star 04.20.05
- Quad-City Times 04.25.05
- Journal Sentinel 06.03.05
- Pantagraph 08.13.13
- Diocese of Peoria List 12.21.18
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
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