63 Accused in This Diocese
- The Montana Catholic 01.16.04
- The Missoulian 03.20.12
- Daily Inter Lake 03.20.12
- Coshocton Tribune 03.21.12
- Lez Get Real 03.21.12
- KAJ 03.22.12
- NBC Montana 03.22.12
- KAJ 03.29.12
- Daily Inter Lake 04.19.12
- NBC Montana 04.20.12
- Flathead Beacon 04.21.12
- Daily Inter Lake 01.07.13
- San Francisco Chronicle 01.08.13
- SNAP Statement 01.08.13
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.19
- PCVA Press Release 03.25.11
- Indian Country Today Media Network 08.18.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- Press Release from Kosnoff Fasy 01.31.14
- Missoula Independent 03.27.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Jesuits West Province List 12.07.18
- Statesman Journal (Salem OR) 01.12.06
- Oregonian 01.12.06
- Table: The Oregonian 11.12.06
- Missoulian 09.03.09
- Missoulian 09.14.09
- Missoulian 09.26.09
- Good Jesuit, Bad Jesuit 11.12.09
- Missoulian 01.07.10
- PCVA Law Firm Press Release 03.25.11
- KXLH 09.21.11
- NBC Montana 09.22.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- Press Release from Kosnoff Fasy 01.31.14
- Archdiocese of Seattle list 01.15.16
- The Stranger 01.15.16
- Jesuits West Province List 12.07.18
- PCVA Law Firm Press Release 03.25.11
- The Missoulian 06.05.11
- The Missoulian 06.06.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- The Missoulian 01.31.14
- Missoula Independent 03.27.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena 04.29.15
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- BA.org Assignment Record
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Seattle Times 04.01.93
- Omaha World Herald 08.30.98
- Omaha World Herald 04.29.02
- Dallas Morning News 06.12.02
- BeliefNet (approx) 06.12.02
- NBC Montana 10.26.11
- PRNewswire 10.26.11
- Press Release by Kosnoff Fasy 01.31.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
Fr. Joseph A. Balfe
Died 9/29/1969. Accused of abuse of students at St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School on Flathead Indian Reservation in late 1950s-early 1960s. One man said he arrived early for mass and found Balfe standing naked in the sacristy. Another said that Balfe asked him during confession what bed he slept in. Named in five complaints in a 9/2011 civil suit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese, filed by 45 people against four nuns, six priests and one religious brother. On the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/2018, which notes the sexual abuse of a minor 1934-1940 and 1959-1961.
Fr. James Barry
Amended civil suit filed 10/11 refers to Barry as a "credibly accused" sexual abuser. There are 117 plaintiffs in the amended suit. No further information provided. Died 9/8/80. Diocese originally claimed he was Jesuit priest, not Diocesan. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement.
Fr. Rudolph Bullman
Retired millworker, became a priest at age 55. The diocese announced in 3/12 that Bullman had been arrested and placed on leave without privileges in 12/11 an after investigation found images of nude, underage boys on his computer and game console. He admitted to looking at online gay pornography, but said the sites he visited had disclaimers that images were of those over age 18 only. Charged 2/29/12 with felony child sex abuse. Pleaded not guilty at arraignment 4/19/12. Charges dropped in 1/13 in a plea agreement that was to give him three years deferred adjudication. Bullman was required to undergo counseling, meet with a spiritual support group, have his computer checked every six months for pornography and not to be in charge of anyone under age 18. If he met the conditions for three years prosecution would not be pursued.
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Fr. Harry Butori
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 4/14/05.
Fr. Kevin L. Christofferson
Ordained for the Diocese of Great Falls. Working in the Diocese of Helena by 2000, in Butte parishes. In 10/2022 the Helena diocese announced that it had received an allegation that Christofferson sexually abused a minor in 2001. Placed on leave. On 5/8/2023 Bishop Vetter announced that the allegation could not be substantiated and Christofferson was to be reinstated.
Fr. John Delane
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 1/30/71.
Fr. Harry Delaney
Named publicly by the diocese as accused on its lit 4/29/15. Assigned to parishes in Anaconda, Butte, Eurkea Kalispell, and to a hospital in Deer Lodge. Died 3/11/1957.
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Fr. Augustine M. Dimier
Born in 1864 in Savoy France. Died 6/14/1950. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to St. Ignatius Mission Parish, St. Ignatius MT 1920-1950. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Ignatius J. Dumbeck
Status: Sued
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
At lease one allegation of abuse by "Father Dimmick" (no first name) at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation is included in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, six priests and two religious brothers.
Fr. Father Sullivan
At least one allegation of abuse by "Fr. Sullivan" (no first name given) at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation is included in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother.
Fr. George Ferguson
"Fr. Fergie." Named as an abuser in a claim included in an amended civil suit filed 9/29/2011 against the Helena Diocese and Ursuline Order of Nuns by multiple plaintiffs. No date is given for the alleged abuse. Died 6/12/1986. The Diocese initially claimed he was a Jesuit, not diocesan, priest. Included on the Diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Worked in Guatemala for a few years in the 1970s, where he was said to have contracted hepatitis. In 1980 Ferguson took sick leave and resided in Cuernavaca, México. He disappeared in from his home there in 5/1986, and was presumed murdered.
Fr. Joseph Finnegan
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. It notes that there were "criminal accusations" that resulted in acquittal. Retired 7/1/2002.
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Br. Rene Gallant
"Br. Charlie." Died 7/23/1975. Accused of abuse of at least 28 individuals. Claims were included in the Jesuits' $166M settlement in 2011 with over 500 plaintiffs. Named in the settlement as among the ten most prolific abusers. Multiple plaintiffs alleged abuse by him at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation in a 9/2011 civil suit against the Ursuline order and Helena diocese, filed by 45 people against four nuns, six priests and one religious brother. Gallant was assigned to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-1975. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018. It notes multiple allegations reported in 2009 of abuse spanning three decades.
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Fr. Louis J. Geis
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 7/8/94.
Fr. A. M. D. Gillen
Ordained in Canada. In Helena diocese 1950-65. Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 7/30/87.
Fr. Daniel B. Harrington
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 11/23/97.
Fr. Bernard A. Harris
"Father Harry." Accused in a 1/2006 lawsuit of raping 4 of 8 siblings 1968-1972 in OR. (Brother of Rev. James Harris, accused of abusing the same family.) Harris was incardinated in the Helena MT at time of alleged abuse, teaching at Loyola High School in Missoula and working at St. Francis Xavier parish there. He died 9/7/1972. In 3/2011 20 claims were settled by the Jesuits. Named as an abuser of at least one child at St. Ignatius Mission in MT in a 9/2011 civil suit. Name included on the Seattle archdiocese's list 1/15/2016. Worked at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma 1949-1952. On the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/2018, which notes reports in 1993, 2006 and 2009 of abuse 1958-1962, 1962-1966, 1965-1969 and 1971-1972.
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Fr. Robert J. Hartman
Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 8/12/96.
Fr. Daniel B. Hillen
Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included St. Patrick's, Butte: 1970-71; St. Ann's, Butte: 1971-74; Graduate studies 1974 and 1977-79; Carroll College 1974-2002; leave to begin art studio 2002. Died 7/19/03.
Rufina Karges
Status: Settled
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
Mother Loyola, who worked at St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School, was accused of abusing at least 24 of the over 500 claimants included in massive $166M settlement with Jesuits in 2011. Abuse occurred in 1950s and early 1960s. She was supervisor of the boys' dorm and would take individual boys back to her room at night for sex. It is believed her last name was Menager. She is deceased. Named in large lawsuit filed 10/11 by multiple plaintiffs. Per diocese's list in 4/29/15, her name was Rufina Karges.
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Fr. John P. Kerrigan
Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 7/21/84.
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Fr. Paul Kirchen
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to Carroll College 1929-1980; retired to residence at Carroll College 7/1/80. Died 4/19/89. On Diocese of Great Falls-Billings list 8/21/18. (Name misspelled Kurchen.)
Fr. Emmett F. Lowney
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included St. Paul's, Anaconda 1949-51; St. Peter's, Anaconda 1951-54; Chancery and Sacred Heart Mission, Wolf Creek 1954-56; St. John's, Butte 1956-57; St. Catherine, Boulder: 1957-64; St. Michael's, Drummond 1964-67; Retreat House, Deer Lodge 1967-68; St. Mary's Mission, Stevensville 1968-69; leave to Michigan 1969. Died 7/31/75.
Fr. Egon Mallman
As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (7/18/2011) the Province agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the province who are identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the bankruptcy case, and who have not denied the allegation. Mallman is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Worked in Heart Butte MT for over 40 years. Died 8/20/1980. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. On the Jesuits West list 12/7/2018. It notes claims in 1980 of abuse in 1958 and 1960.
Fr. Bernard J. McCarthy
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included Cathedral, Helena 1947-49; St. Patrick, Butte 1949-52 & 1971-78; Sacred Heart, Ronan 1957-68; St. Lawrence, Walkerville 1968-71; St. Michael, Conrad 1979-86; Risen Christ, Kalispell 1986-89; Catholic Community North, Butte 1989-90; St. James Community Hospital, Butte 1990-92; Retired 1992. Died 9/16/03.
Fr. James W. McCormick
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included Carroll College 1924-26 and 1927-51; St. Lawrence Parish, Walkerville: 1926-27 and 1951-56; Immaculate Conception Parish, Butte 1956-67. Died 6/14/67.
Mother Bernadette
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned to St. Ignatius Mission at some point between 1940 and 1975.
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Mother Camilla
One woman alleged abuse by Mother Camellia, Mother Henrietta, and Sister John at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. Allegations are included in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, 6 priests and 2 brother. On diocese's list 4/29/15 as Sister Camilla, OSU.
Mother Catherine
Member of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at Good Shepherd Home.
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Mother Clement Marie
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-1975.
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Mother Grace
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission between 1940 and 1975.
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Mother Henrietta
One woman alleged abuse by Mother Henrietta, Mother Camellia and Sister John at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. Allegations are included in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, 6 priests and 2 brother. On the diocese's list 4/29/15, as Sister Henrietta.
Mother Marianne
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked some time between 1940 and 1975 at St. Ignatius Mission.
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Fr. Robert J. O’Donnell
Accused in 3/13/13 civil suit of "multiple instances of unpermitted, harmful and offensive sexual conduct'" with a teenage boy in about 1974, while co-pastor of the Cathedral of St. Helena, where he was named coordinator in 1977. Chancellor of Helena diocese 1981-85. Placed on leave 1985. Moved to Hawaii 6/86, working in a Honolulu parish and at St. Anthony's in Kailua. Incardinated in Honolulu diocese in 1989. Assigned to Holy Trinity in Honolulu in 1989 where he became pastor in 1992. Died 7/29/95. Buried with credibly accused priest Msgr. William D. Spain in Kaneohe HI.
Fr. Joseph L. Obersinner
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Retired to Spokane's Jesuit community at Gonzaga University in 1999, moved in 2015 to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA. Died 3/1/2018. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Dusan Anthony Okom
Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 1/10/10.
Fr. Martin H. Philipsen
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to St. William's in Shelby MT 1971-78. Other assignments included Southeast Catholic High School in the Green Bay archdiocese 1939-43 and 1948-58, Green Bay's Central Catholic 1943-48 and counselor at Camp Tivoli 1939-41. Also worked at Abbot Pennings High in De Pere, WI 1967-69. Transferred in 1992 to his order's priory in Jackson, MI. Philpsen died 8/21/98. On the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations noted.
Fr. Peter P. Pritzl
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 10/03/93. On the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations noted.
Mary Laurence Reuter
Status: Sued
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
One of several individuals with credible allegations of abuse named in one of two lawsuits filed in 2011 against the two Montana dioceses. She is accused of abuse at St. Ignatius Mission.
Frances Seymor
Three allegations of abuse by Mother Cecelia (also referred to as Sister Cecilia, given name Frances Seymor) at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation are included in a 9/11 civil suit against the Ursuline order and Helena diocese, filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. On the Helena diocese's list 4/29/15.
Sister Catherine
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission between 1940 and 1975.
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Sister Daniels
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-75.
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Sister Finbarr
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/19. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-75.
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Sister Frances
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius mission between 1940 and 1975.
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Sister Glenniatoss
Status: Accused
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point in the diocese. Religious order uncertain.
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Sister Joan
Allegations of abuse by Sister Joan at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation are included in 9/11 civil suit against Helena Diocese and Ursuline Order filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother.
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Sister John
Accused of abuse of two in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. On the Helena diocese's list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Ignatius Mission between 1940 and 1975.
Sr. Mackey
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Sister Margaret
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Sister Marion
Two allegations of abuse by Sister Marion at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation are included in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. On the Helena diocese's list 4/29/15.
Sister Martin
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Sr. Mary Agnes Rose
Member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some pint at Immaculate Conception School in Butte.
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Sr. Mary Victor
Member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (S.C.L.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Helena School in Helena.
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Sister Monica
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Sr. Monica
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank.
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Sr. Richildus
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank.
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Sr. Rita
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Sister Teresa
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Fr. Wilson F. Smart
Diocese knew of Smart's attraction to boys by 1959. Received treatment in 1959 and 1969. Admitted molesting more than 30 boys 1957-78. A 1990 civil suit alleged Smart abused plaintiff at age 12 in 1967, and that the abuse continued until 1975. Settled in 1993, possibly for $1.7M. Named in at least three other suits which later settled. In 1993 the bishop admitted removing two letters from file which documented abuse. Named as abuser in amended suit in 10/11. Died 9/10/06. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement.
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Br. John Sorisio
One woman alleged abuse as a child by Br. "Seoriso" on multiple occasions at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. Allegations are included in a 9/2011 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, 6 priests and 2 brothers. Br. "John Sorisio" named as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission 1915 until his death 7/20/1957. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Leonard J. Spraycar
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 3/31/84.
Fr. Patrick N. Stimatz
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 5/4/86.
Fr. Louis J. Taelman
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Died 12/24/1961. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.