Fr. Joseph J. Pilger

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/5/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Owensboro KY

Ordained for the Diocese of Covington. Pleaded guilty in 1995 to sexually abusing three brothers and their cousin in the 1960s. Received five years’ probation, beginning in 1/1995. Sued in 2003 for abuse 1960-1962. Suit settled in 12/2003 as part of a $5.2M settlement with 27 accusers involving six priests. Murdered in 12/2003 by a 26-year-old man who had been living with him. Included on the Owensboro diocese’s list 4/12/2019, which notes 13 substantiated allegations. Included on the Covington diocese’s list 7/31/2020. On the Lexington diocese’s list in 8/2020. One known victim there, at St. Paul’s in 1962.


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