Fr. Robert F. Johnston
In 2002 a man said Johnston abused him as a teenager in about 1978, at Sacred Heart parish in Valley Park. Johnston admitted the abuse and resigned from his current parish. Two men filed suit in 12/2004 alleging abuse 1977-1980. Arrested in 1/2005; criminally charged in 6/2006 for alleged abuse of a youth in 1978. Four lawsuits were moved to federal court. Named in settlement announced in 7/2008. Laicized in 2002. In 6/2011 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled that the Archdiocese was not responsible for Johnston’s behavior. Included on the Archdiocese’s list 7/26/2019. Allegations substantiated. Removed from ministry. Included on the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau’s list updated 4/13/2021; assigned 1962-1964 to a Poplar Bluff parish. Died 4/4/2021.
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 12.23.02
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 12.29.02
- Msgr. Stika memo to Hummel 07.28.03
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 12.16.04
- Webster-Kirkwood Times 01.16.05
- Times (Shrewsbury, MO) 03.06.05
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 06.14.06
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 07.08.08
- Belleville News Democrat 01.13.09
- Riverfront Times 06.10.11
- Archdiocese of St. Louis List 07.26.19
- Springfield-Cape Girardeau List updated 04.13.21
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch 04.20.21
- Moore Funeral Homes Obituary 04.04.21
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