Fr. Siegfried Francis Widera
Convicted in 1973 in Milwaukee of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. Other charges dropped. Kept his faculties, sent to the Diocese of Orange, CA; diocese aware of his behavior. Removed from ministry in 1985, sent to Jemez Springs, NM for treatment. Dropped out of treatment, became a businessman while still on “inactive leave” from Orange. Indicted in 2002 on 42 counts of child molestation. Fled from Tucson AZ to Mexico. May have tried to work as a priest in northern villages. Died by suicide in 5/2003 as police closed in on him in Mazatlan. There were 9 civil suits filed in CA and 3 in WI. WI cases dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Milwaukee settled with 9 CA plaintiffs for $16.65M on 9/01/2006. Church knew of history from ordination. Another CA case settled with Milwaukee in 3/2009. Personnel file released in 7/2013. Settlement in 12/2024 for $10M with a man alleging abuse by Widera at age 10 in 1984 and 1985 and by Fr. Eleuteria Ramos beginning at age 5.
- Archdiocese of Milwaukee 05.25.03
- El Siglo de Torreon 05.27.03
- Collection of Articles prior to 03.01.07
- Pioneer Press 07.11.07
- Statement by Archbishop of Milwaukee 02.01.08
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 03.03.09
- Journal Sentinel 10.13.10
- Archdiocese of Milwaukee List of Clergy Offenders 03.03.12
- Chicago Tribune 03.11.12
- Orange County Weekly 03.18.13
- Port Washington Saukville Patch 07.03.13
- ABC News (AP) 07.05.13
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 07.20.13
- LAist 11.02.17
- Diocese of Orange List Updated 04.02.19
- Los Angeles Times 01.25.24
- Orange County Register 01.26.24
- Catholic Vote 01.30.24
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