Fr. James E. Somma
Retired as Air Force chaplain in 1984. In 1988 woman said she was abused as a child by Somma 25 years earlier. Claim judged “not credible” by the diocese; court later dismissed case due to statute of limitations. Remained in ministry until his death in 2002. Per his obit, he had “a passion for children” and adopted two Vietnamese children in 1970. Second allegation in 2002. Civil suit filed by a man in 2004. Claims included in Diocese’s 9/2007 $1.25M settlement with 32 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 17 priests. Named in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. It showed concerns in 1988 of four “potential male victims.” Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused.
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