Fr. Thomas J. Kerestus
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Regional director for three CYO groups, chaplain for Appalachian Trail Scouting Council. In 1985-1986 parishioners wrote to Bishop Welsh with concerns about Kerestus’ close and inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old boy. In 10/1992 an 18-year-old male told the diocese that Kerestus sexually abused him for five years. Assessed by St. John Vianney Center in 2005 to be in the “moderate-high range” for “sexual re-offense.” A third man reported in 4/2016 that Kerestus abused him 1975-1980 when the man was a 15-year-old Holy Name High School student in West Reading. Removed in 2002, given retirement status. Died in 2014. A 7/2020 lawsuit claims abuse of a boy, ages 11-18, in the 1970s-early 1980s. At least one settlement.
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