Fr. Robert Joseph Kelly
Per the PA AG’s 3/1/16 Grand Jury report, Kelly sexually abused a boy, age 12-13, in 1975-77 while assigned to a State College parish. He reportedly groomed the boy with drive-in movies, drives to the mountains and offers of beer. Victim notified diocese in 1993; Bishop Adamec sent Kelly to treatment then reassigned him, despite being assessed as “pedophilic” and the recommendation he avoid young people. Victim sued in 2003. Report said Kelly also made advances on a 14-year-old boy in 1978. Kelly was identified as one of 9 “predator” priests known to the diocese per lawsuits filed by 5 people against 2 other priests in 2/03. In 5/04 the diocese settled claims for 21 plaintiffs for $3.7M, including claim against Kelly. Remained in ministry until 2/27/15, when removed during internal investigation after review of previous allegations. On Charleston diocese’s list 3/29/19. Was visiting priest there.
- BA.org Assignment Record
- PA Office of the Attorney General 03.01.16
- Serbin Letter to DA’s Office 09.25.02
- Tribune-Democrat 02.07.03
- Tribune-Democrat 02.23.03
- Centre Daily Times 02.25.03
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 03.05.03
- Centre Daily Times 03.05.03
- Tribune-Democrat 03.06.03
- Daily Herald 03.10.03
- Tribune-Democrat 03.11.03
- Centre Daily Times (AP) 05.28.04
- Altoona Mirror 02.28.15
- PA Office of the Attorney General 03.01.16
- PA GJ FBI Timeline 03.01.16
- AG Statement 03.01.16
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Timeline 03.06.16
- PennLive 03.08.16
- WJAC 03.10.16
- Diocese of Charleston List 03.29.19
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