27 Accused in This Diocese
- Denver Post 09.23.05
- Denver Post 10.14.05
- Associated Press 11.29.05
- Pueblo Chieftain 12.14.05
- Pueblo Chieftain 01.27.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 02.04.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 10.05.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 11.12.06
- Rocky Mountain News (AP) 11.13.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 07.11.08
- Pueblo Chieftain 07.23.08
- Pueblo Chieftain 10.17.08
- Pueblo Chieftain 06.15.09
- 9 News 06.16.09
- Denver Post 06.16.09
- Pueblo Chieftain 09.13.09
- Pueblo Chieftain 09.13.09
- Denver Post 10.21.09
- The Gazette 10.21.09
- Pueblo Chieftain 10.22.09
- Statement by Mermelstein & Horowitz 03.18.10
- CO Attorney General Special Masters Report 10.22.19
- Daily Sentinel 07.26.80
- Rocky Mountain News 04.13.93
- Denver Post 03.24.02
- Denver Post 04.29.02
- Tulsa World 04.30.02
- KRDO (AP) 03.27.09
- Colorado Springs Gazette 03.27.09
- SNAP Statement and Examiner 03.27.09
- The Gazette 09.08.09
- SNAP Statement 01.15.14
- SNAP 12.31.15
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution 04.05.16
- CO Attorney General Special Masters Report 10.22.19
- Denver Post 11.04.19
- Facebook 03.14.25
- ABC Channel 7 09.14.05
- St Louis Post Dispatch (AP) 09.15.05
- Columbia Daily Tribune 09.21.05
- TheDenverChannel 09.21.05
- Pueblo Chieftain 09.22.05
- Pueblo Chieftain 10.13.05
- St Louis Post Dispatch 10.16.05
- TheDenverChannel 11.03.05
- Pueblo Chieftain 01.14.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 01.27.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 05.04.06
- Pueblo Chieftain 06.18.06
- Pueblo Chieftan 09.29.07
- St Louis Post Dispatch 10.20.07
- Pueblo Chieftain 10.30.08
- San Antonio Express 10.30.08
- Pueblo Chieftain 11.01.08
- Columbia Daily Tribune 08.27.10
- SNAP Statement 04.09.14
- SNAP 12.31.15
- Marianists US Province List 06.24.20
- St Louis Post Dispatch 06.25.20
- Amended Complaint in John Doe 24 et al v Bishop of Pueblo, Cause No 201CV561, Pueblo Co District Court
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- Kansas City Star 06.21.87
- Amended Complaint in John Doe 24 et al v Bishop of Pueblo, Cause No 201CV561, Pueblo Co District Court
Fr. John R. Beno
Named in the Colorado Attorney General's Report released 10/23/2019. Accused in 1995 of the rape of a girl, age 5, in 1961. Beno denied knowing her and the Diocese paid her a settlement. In 2005 another woman alleged he raped her at age 16 in the late 1960s. She said she tried to meet with Beno in the mid-1980s and that he had three lawyers with him and threatened her with eternal damnation. The Diocese later substantiated her claims. Beno was a Denver state senator 1981-1986. He died 12/5/2000.
Fr. Delbert F. Blong
Monsignor. Held prominent chancery positions. Accused of molesting a boy beginning when the boy was age 14 in 1971 and continuing for 22 years, and of infecting his alleged victim with HIV. His accuser lived in the rectory when he was a minor. A 1993 civil suit settled in 12/1994. Blong admitted a 'relationship' with the plaintiff but countersued, claiming the plaintiff had given him AIDS. The Diocese removed his privileges. Included in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report, noting six known victims, beginning in his first assignment in the 1950s and continuing after treatment and transfers into the 1990s. The Diocese knew of Blong's behavior as early as 1953. He died in 1999.
Fr. Leo Bonfadini
Named publicly as accused in the 10/22/19 CO Attorney General's report. The diocese received an allegation in 1994 that Bonfadini sexually abused a boy, age 17, while assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe. When confronted, Bonfadini did not confirm nor deny, but said he had "made regrettable decisions... ." Sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment. Voluntarily relinquished his faculties in 5/1995. Went on to become a U.S. Air Force officer, V.A. counselor, then wellness coordinator and pastoral counselor for a nonprofit in Trinidad, CO. In 10/2019 Bonfadini denied raping the boy.
Fr. Walter P. Buetzler
From Germany. Named in the CO Attorny General's report released 10/23/2019. Accused in 1953 of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy at St. Joseph's in Monte Vista. The boy's father complained to the parish council and the the bishop. Buetzler transferred to CA in 1954 and became a professor of classical languages at the San Diego College for Men. He died in 8/1988. Per the San Diego diocese, Buetzler moved to Germany in 1968. The 1988 Official Catholic Directory shows him as a retired priest of the Diocese of San Diego, but does not note his whereabouts.
Fr. Andrew A. Burke
Included in 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report, which notes that the Diocese knew in at least 1968 that Burke had a "psychosexual disorder" and knew during Burke's seminary years that he had a "problem." Assigned in 1971 to a hospital chaplaincy and part-time ministry at St. Pius X. Left the priesthood in 1973, was laicized in 1974 and married. A former St. Pius X altar boy came forward in 2004 and sued in 2005, claiming sexual abuse by Burke at ages 11-13 in the early 1970s. Another man alleged in 2005 that Burke abused him 1972-1975, beginning when he was hospitalized at age 10 and Burke was chaplain. Burke died by suicide in 2005 after the second accuser surfaced. He had been the social work director at the CO Mental Health Institute. A third man alleged in 2006 that Burke abused him beginning at age 17 in 1971. The Diocese deemed the allegation by the first accuser credible in 11/2006 but rejected his settlement demands. He and the second accuser filed suits in 7/2008; settled in 9/2009. The third man sued in 2009; settled.
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Fr. Bernard R. Casper
Ordained for the Diocese of Pueblo, CO. Included in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report, as "Father I." The report notes "strong evidence he abused children in the Pueblo diocese 1955-1963. Took a "health" leave of absence in 1963. Underwent treatment at the Paracletes in NM. Began working in NY in 1970s. In 2002 twin brothers accused Casper of molesting them for years, starting when they were altar boys in Albany. They met Casper in early 1970s; in 1973 he became their guardian. When the two came forward in 2002, both the Albany and Rochester Dioceses contended that Casper never had authority to act as priest in New York state. His faculties were suspended. The two brothers sued in 5/2003, then dropped the suit in 2005. One of them was offered financial support from the Pueblo diocese. In 2006 and 2009, Pueblo asked Bernard to seek laicization; he refused, denying the allegations. Pueblo initiated laicization in 2015-2016. Last known to be living in Buffalo NY.
Fr. Meinrad Richard Chung
From Hawaii. Had taught religion at St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs for four years when accused of "inappropriate touching" of a male student in 1992. Chung died by suicide 3/20/1992, a day after he was informed that the Diocese was investigating the allegation. Named in a 2004 civil suit by a man who alleged Chung abused him when he was a 14-year old student in 1982 at Holy Cross Abbey, a boarding school in Canon City, CO.
Fr. Michael C. DeScoise
Named as accused in the CO Attorney General's Report released 10/23/2019. In 2018 the diocese received an allegation that DeScoise sexually abused a 14-year-old boy in 1986 or 1987, while assigned to St. Joseph's in Grand Junction. His accuser said the abuse occurred during what was supposed to be confession and spiritual counseling on a walk in a rural area. DeScoise denied the allegation. Faculties suspended. Case sent to the Vatican. In 2016 his faculties had been suspended after he admitted to sexual activity with adult men; they were restored in 2017 after counseling.
Fr. Lucas A. Galvan
Full name Lucas Antonia Galvan Valdez. Pleaded guilty in 1989 to sexually fondling an 11-year-old girl; sentenced to 1- or 2- year suspended jail sentence and deferred adjudication. Sent to Via Coeli in NM for treatment. Charges then dismissed. Girl settled a lawsuit against the Pueblo diocese for more than $90K. Reportedly through the international Theatine Fathers, Galvan was able to move to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1992 before finding sanctuary in Mexico City. He moved to the Archdiocese of Mexico City in 1997 where the bishop was aware of his conviction. Still active there until removed from ministry in Mexico City 4/22/2010, after a Mexican magazine publicized the case. Apparently allowed to work in other Mexico dioceses. On the Las Cruces diocese's list 6/24/2019, where he worked in 1991.
Fr. William Thomas Gleeson
Ordained in Newark NJ for the Diocese of Pueblo in 1966. Named publicly as accused in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report. The Diocese received an allegation in 9/1993 that Gleeson sexually abused a boy, age 13 or 14, in the Spring of 1969, when Gleeson was pastor of St. Pius X. The abuse allegedly occurred at the rectory after a road trip with his accuser and another boy. Gleeson is said to have plied the boys with alcohol. He denied the allegation. Sent to counseling, kept in ministry. Died 2/7/2018.
Fr. William J. Groves
Included in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report. Took in runaway Native American and Hispanic children; gave them drugs and alcohol. Previously worked in MO, NE and KS. Pled guilty in 1990 to the 1989 sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy when pastor of St. Ignatius in Ignacio. Sentenced to 90 days in jail and 4 years probation. Sent to treatment. Left the priesthood. Admitted in 1992 to abusing 4 "Ute boys." Spent 10 years working in OK as a counselor and chaplain at a drug and alcohol rehab center. Fired in 2002 when his past was discovered. Report in 2004 of abuse of of a boy, ages 8-15, 1982-1989. Groves denied it. Accused in 2009 of abuse of boy, age 12-13, repeatedly 1987-1988, and giving him alcohol and marijuana. Named in a 2009 civil suit by two men in CO. Became affiliated with the "Spiritual Light Center" in Franklin, NC; still active there in 2019. In 3/2025 is retired and living in NC.
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Fr. Marvin J. Kapushion
Monsignor. Longtime director of Catholic Charities. Named as credibly accused in the CO Attorney General's supplemental report released 12/1/2020. Kapushion's accuser told the Diocese 4/7/2020 that Kapushion sexually abused him as a teenager in 1984 at a Christmas party at the priest's home. The boy was a resident of Sacred Heart Orphanage where Kapushion was his counselor. Kapushion died 4/20/2020. The Diocese reportedly waited until after the priest's death to inform law enforcement of the allegation.
Fr. Gary L. Kennedy
Named as accused in the CO Attorney General's report released 10/23/2019. Allegation received in 9/2019 that Kennedy sexually abused a boy, ages 13-15, during 1967-1969. The priest was assigned to St. Mary's in Montrose at the time of the alleged abuse. He is said to have wrestled with altar boys, one at a time, on a mattress behind a curtain in the church basement. His accuser said that Kennedy would grab him and grind his genitals against him. Kennedy retired in 2011. He was assisting at a Pueblo parish when accused. Removed.
Fr. Michael Kurz
Working in the Rockford diocese as Judicial Vicar of Diocesan Tribunal when accused in a 5/2008 lawsuit filed in Pueblo, CO. The suit claims abuse occurred at Christ the King Church in Pueblo, beginning in 1976 when plaintiff was in his early teens. Rockford said the allegations were unfounded and false since Kurz was not assigned to the parish when abuse is alleged and wasn't yet ordained during another time when abuse was alleged. Settled.
Fr. Conan Lee
Named publicly as accused by the Franciscans' Santa Barbara Province on its list 5/31/2019. It notes an allegation reported in 2010 of the sexual abuse of a minor 1957-1961. Assigned to Holy Family in Pueblo, CO 1956-1958, and to St. Anthony's in Tigard, OR 1958-1962. Lee died 8/3/1978. Included on the Oakland diocese's list in 2019.
Fr. Daniel C. Maio
Left active priesthood in 1974. Died 6/9/2006. Civil suit filed 3/2010 alleged abuse of a 15-year-old boy 1968-1969 while Maio was Diocesan Youth Director, leading a "SEARCH" program, and assigned to St. Patrick's. Maio allegedly gave the boy and other youths alcohol and marijuana and had them play strip poker. A second suit filed 4/2010 alleged same circumstances, also in 1968. Both suits settled in 5/2011. Included in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report.
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Fr. Philip Marin
Priest of the Diocese of Pueblo. Transferred to the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1957, where he was assigned until 1973. Died in 1976. Named publicly as accused in the 10/22/2019 CO Attorney General's Report. It notes a report in 2009 that Marin sexually abused a girl, age 5 or 6, in 1956 or 1957, at Our Lady of Assumption in Trinidad CO. His accuser said the abuse occurred in the rectory basement, that Marin turned out the lights, put his had over her mouth and said, "It's okay, I love you." She said he also groomed her with presents.
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Fr. John F. Martin
Status: Settled
Died: 03/27/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Pueblo CO
In 2006 a man reported to the Diocese that Martin and another priest, Andrew Burke, sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions in the early 1970s, when the man worked as a janitor at St. Pius X Parish. Some of the abuse allegedly occurred prior to his 18th birthday. Martin died in 1974. Martin's accuser filed suit in 10/2009. Settled. Included in the CO Attorney General's Special Masters Report in 2019. The report noted that there was no indication in Martin's file that the Diocese investigated after the man came forward in 2006, nor that officials reported it to law enforcement.
Br. William C. Mueller
Professed vows in 1957 as a Marianist brother, St. Louis Province. Worked in MO, TX, CO. Left the Order in 1986. Multiple lawsuits against the Marianists and Diocese of Pueblo in 2005 and 2006. Accused of drugging and sexually abusing at least 40 students in the 1960s-1980s. Some litigation filed in TX and MO. Dioceses allegedly knew as early as 2002. One MO suit settled in 10/1997. Settlement of 23 suits in 1/2008 for $4M from the Order and Diocese of Pueblo. Another claim settled in 8/2010 for $500K. Included on the Marianists' 6/24/2020 list of accused.
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Fr. Clifford A. Norman
Named publicly as accused in the 10/22/19 CO Attorney General's rReport. Allegation in 1998 to the Diocese that Norman repeatedly sexually abused an altar boy, age 12, in 1968, while pastor of Sacred Heart in Avondale. Norman denied the abuse. He left the Pueblo diocese in 1975 and moved to central Mexico, where he founded a home for abused and neglected children. He died 5/3/2013 in Colon, Queretaro, Mexico.
Fr. John G. O’Flaherty
Worked in OH, MO and CO. Named as accused of the sexual abuse of a child in an amended civil complaint filed in Pueblo in 3/2011. Died 6/19/1987.
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Fr. Joseph A. Reade
From Ireland. Was an actor in Ireland and briefly in Hollywood prior to entering seminary. Named as accused in the CO Attorney General's Report released 10/23/2019. In 1986 a psychiatrist informed the Diocese of a recent allegation that Reade kissed and fondled an 11-year-old boy at a social gathering. Reade was suspended, then reinstated after the allegation was deemed unsubstantiated. Reade denied the allegation. A report was received by the Diocese in 1994 that Reade sexually abused a boy, ages 10-12, 1969-1971, while assigned as chaplain to two Grand Junction hospitals. The Diocese settled with the alleged victim, who told investigators there may have been other victims. In 2016 the Diocese reported to Pueblo police an allegation of abuse by Reade in the mid-1950s. Reade died in 1990.
Fr. Gerald Duane Repola
Named publicly as credibly accused in the CO AG's supplemental report 12/1/2020.(Referred to as Duane Repola; the Directories show Gerald D. Repola. Also called "Jerry.") In 12/2019 a man reported to the IRRP that when he was ages 14-15 in 1967, Repola sexually abused him. Repola was assigned at the time of the abuse to Immaculate Heart of Mary. The report notes that Repola's assignment history indicates the diocese knew he was "engaged in such behavior." He was moved between parishes after short durations, then to a chaplaincy and, soon after, he was removed from ministry. He was placed on leave in 1971 and told to undergo counseling. Repola's personnel file did not explain reasons for the transfers, removal or counseling. He died 3/5/1971, age 33. As a seminarian in 1958, Repola worked at Camp St. Malo, where a deaf boy disappeared and was later found dead. Two other seminarians there at the time were later found to be serial child sex abusers.
Fr. Lawrence R. Sievers
Left the priesthood in 1973. Laicized. Named as accused in the CO Attorney General's report released 10/23/2019. In 2014 a woman told a diocesan employee that Sievers sexually abused her in 1969, when she was age 17. In 2018 she reported her alleged abuse to the Denver archdiocese. In 1969 Sievers was assigned to St. Joseph's in Grand Junction, temporary chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital and as the the diocese's Youth Moderator of the Grand Junction District.
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Br. Barnabus Stelzner
Sued in 1997. Stelzner and others were accused of the sexual and physical abuse of a 15-year-old boy at Holy Cross Abbey boarding school in 1982-1983. In 1997 Stelzner was working in Kansas.
Fr. Carlos B. Trujillo
Named publicly as credibly accused in the CO Attorney General's supplemental report 12/1/2020. A man reported to the IRRP in late 2019 that Trujillo sexually abused him at ages 16-17 in 1978-1979. The priest was pastor of St. Joseph's in Capulin at the time of the abuse. He is noted to have left the priesthood decades prior to the report.
Fr. Joseph J. Walsh
Monsignor. Parish priest, Director of Catholic Charities, hospital chaplain. Died died 4/29/1960. Named publicly as credibly accused by the CO Attorney General in its supplemental report released 12/1/2020. Allegedly sexually abused children, male and female, at Sacred Heart Orphanage in the 1950s. One victim told the bishop in 1969 and the next bishop in 1981. The second bishop told the victim that no one would believe him and that his allegation would hurt the church if it became public. This accuser said the abuse occurred when he was ages 4-8. The second accuser said Walsh abused her at ages 7-13. She first came forward in 2019.