Fr. Richard T. Powers

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Powers’ name was included on a 1994 list of 35 priests suspected or accused of abuse of minors. List compiled by Msgr. Lynn. Cardinal Bevilacqua ordered list destroyed at the time but copy turned over to prosecutors in 2012. Accused of sex with a 17-year-old girl in Venezuela while working with the Society of St. James in the late 1980s. Continued in active ministry until 3/12 when archdiocese was expected to remove him. Permanently removed in 4/13.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.