Fr. William F. Presley

The Diocese of Erie knew of allegations against Presley as early as 1982. Reports to diocese in 11/1987 of sex abuse in 1986 of a teenage girl and abuse of a teenage boy dating to before 1971. Diocesan officials agreed Presley was “extremely violent.” Sent for psychological evaluation. Retired in 2000. Three people came forward in 4/2002 alleging sex abuse by Presley, 1963-1974, one at age 13, another a University of Notre Dame student. Presley admitted the abuse to Bishop Trautman. It included “choking, slapping, punching, rape, sodomy, fellatio, anal intercourse.” Placed on leave in 7/2002. Privileges removed after investigation. Diocese said there were numerous other victims or potential victims. Laicized in 2006. Died in 4/2012. Included on diocese’s 4/6/2018 list. On Harrisburg diocese’s 8/1/2018 list. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Added to Baltimore list 8/2018. On Raleigh diocese’s list in 10/2018; abuse in 1971, reported 2018. Claim of abuse of a boy, age 17, 1965-1966, settled in the low six figures in 2021. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report.