Fr. Samuel E. Ritchey
Accused in 12/2005 of abuse of a youth in 1977. Review board deemed the allegations credible. Placed on leave. A second man alleged in 2/2006 that Ritchey gave him drugs and alcohol and attempted to molest him in 1978, when the man was senior in high school. Teaching certificate revoked by the state in 11/2006. In 2016 a man spoke publicly about being molested at age 16 by Ritchey in 1974. He said he asked Ritchey how many other kids he did that with, and Ritchey told him “I have several ‘special friends’ from my parish.” The man’s mother was a cousin of newly ordained and later Bishop Nienstedt, who introduced Ritchey to him. Nienstedt reportedly was told of the abuse, and did nothing. On diocese’s list 3/1/2019. Noted to have been laicized and to be deceased.
- Columbus Dispatch 01.18.06
- WBNS-10TV 01.19.06
- Columbus Dispatch 01.20.06
- Lancaster Eagle-Gazette 01.27.06
- Columbus Dispatch 02.12.06
- Toledo Blade 10.06.06
- Toledo Blade 10.07.06
- Toledo Blade 11.10.06
- Toledo Blade 11.15.06
- Canonical Consultation 05.04.16
- Fox 9 05.04.16
- Crux 05.05.16
- Fox 9 05.06.16
- Fox 9 04.25.17
- Diocese of Columbus list 03.01.19
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