Fr. George Zirwas
First publicly named as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. The diocese knew as early as 1987 of allegations against him of child sex abuse. Sent to St. Francis Hospital for evaluation in 3/1988 after an allegation. Sent to St. Luke’s Institute in 12/1988 after two reports of abuse, of boys ages 16 and 17. Another complaint 1991. Kept in ministry until placed on leave 11/1994. Returned to ministry 7/1995 after threatening diocese with legal action. Another accusation 11/1995, placed on leave. Moved to FL, then Cuba where he was murdered in 5/2001. Grand Jury found him to have been involved, along with Revs. Francis Pucci, Robert Wolk and Richard Zula, in making child porn, sharing victims, and using sadism while raping them. Their “favorite boys” would allegedly be given big gold crosses to wear to signal them as targets for other predators. Lawsuit in 11/2018. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused.
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