Fr. Leonard A. Kenkel
Taught at Dowling Catholic 27 years. Allegation in 2003 of “decades-old” abuse, but insufficient evidence to conclude sex abuse, per diocese in 2018. Accused in 2005 suit of kneading and fondling the buttocks of 15-year-old boy at a diocesan high school, and of exposing himself to the boy while talking about “receiving the Body of Christ.” Suit filed after diocesan board determined insufficient evidence. Board recommended Kenkel take “appropriate boundaries” training, which he did. Kept in parish ministry. Retired 2008. Diocesan Website on 8/3/2013 showed him living in West Des Moines; possibly still working as supply priest. Report to diocese 9/6/2018 of child sex abuse by Kenkel decades prior. Reportedly living in 2018 in a nursing facility. Included on the diocese’s list 4/4/2019. It notes one substantiated allegation of abuse of a boy, occurring in the early 1980s, and unsubstantiated allegations in 2003 and 2005.
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