Diocese of Allentown PA - BishopAccountability.org

60 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. James J. Agosta

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Died: 01/4/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Accused in a 3/20 lawsuit of sexually abusing a young altar boy decades prior. The boy was allegedly 'shared' with multiple priests. Per the diocese in 2020, Agosta's file was given to the state grand jury in 2016 because of a complaint, but because the accuser was anonymous and Agosta was dead, there could not be an investigation. Agosta died in 1995.

Sources:

Morning Call 03.31.20

Fr. John S. Baruch

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Died: 03/12/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Assigned to St. John Cantius in Bridesburg 1930-1946. Pastor of St. Casimir's in Mahanoy City 1946-1960. Pastor of St. Stanislaus in Minderville 1964-1984. Retired in 1984. Died 3/12/1995. Name included on diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Allegation reported to diocese after his death.

Assignments:

The Morning Call 03.15.95

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Fr. Thomas J. Bender

Ordained: 1961
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Found by police in 1972 in a car with a teen boy, both without pants. No consequences. Complaint to diocese 1984 of repeated rape of a boy for years. Two more people later accused Bender of sex abuse in the 1960s. Convicted 1988 of abuse of boy. Given seven years' probation. Laicized in 5/2005. New accusations 2006; arrested on charges of online solicitation of detective posing as 14-year-old boy. Pled guilty 7/2006 but asked in 8/2006 to withdraw his guilty plea based on a recent appellate decision. Pleaded guilty to federal charges 2/2007. Sentenced to 10 years prison and lifetime probation 5/2008. Released from prison in 2014. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and list released by diocese 8/19/2018.

Fr. Thomas J. Benestad

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Leaves of absence 1978-80, 2006-2007. Sabbatical 2001-2002. Retired in 2009. First named publicly as accused in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Allegation to diocese in 2011 that Benestad abused a boy, including forced oral copulation, beginning at age 9, in the early 1980s. Accuser said the priest squirted holy water into his mouth afterwards "to purify him." Benestad denied the allegations, which were deemed credible by law enforcement. Diocese claims to have tried to have Benestad laicized, but the Vatican said not enough evidence. Living in 2018 in Boca Raton, FL, in the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Luis A. Bonilla Margarito

Ordained: 2000
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In a lawsuit filed in 8/10, parents of a 19-year-old girl alleged that Bonilla (high school chaplain) started a 'relationship' with her when she was a 17- or 18- year-old senior in 2008-09. The 'relationship' continued after the parents complained. He was removed from his parish in 11/09; sent to treatment. 'Relationship' continued while he was in treatment. The girl gave birth to his daughter in 7/10. He left therapy at some point and was living with the girl and baby. Diocese asked that he be laicized. Judge ruled case could proceed in 1/11.

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Fr. Robert G. Cofenas

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 12/14/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named as accused publicly in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Educator, guidance counselor, campus minister. Held prominent diocesan positions. Diocese knew as early as 1979 of concerns about Cofenas' behavior with boys. Admitted in 2000 to abuse of a 17-year-old boy in 1986, while assigned to a Sinking Spring parish and moderating the Youth Group. Treated 1989-1990 at Paracletes in NM and in 2000 at St. John Vianney in Downington PA. Removed in 2000. Laicized in 2005. Died 12/14/2013. Included on diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Added to Baltimore's list 9/2018. Lawsuit in 3/2020 claims abuse of a 7-year-old altar boy at a Reading parish, continuing until the alleged victim was in his 30s. Accused also of 'sharing' the boy with other priests. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Edward W. Coleman

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 04/7/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Died 4/7/2007. Per the diocese, it received an allegation of child sex abuse against Coleman after his death.

Sources:

Diocese of Allentown List 01.16.20

Fr. David Connell

Order: OCarm
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Report to diocese 5/76 Connell made a sexual advance on a male high school student. In 10/07 a man told the Carmelites that when he was a Nativity High student, Connell abused him at least twice. He said he and his brother, whom he said was also abused, were living at the Order's priory after their house burned down, and that Connell drugged him and he woke up with a bleeding rectum. He said he told Bro. Timothy Johnson who then beat him, warning that he would beat him worse if he told police. The man said he had also been sexually abused in sixth grade in the 1970s by a basketball coach, Jim Gross, at St. Patrick's in Pottsville. Connell reportedly left the Order and became a diocesan priest in San Antonio TX in 1976. He worked at Antonian College Prep until 1988 as teacher, vice-principal, principal. Pastored St. Thomas More parish. Died in 1995. Two San Antonio accusers came forward after publicity in 2018. On San Antonio's list 1/31/19.

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Fr. Thomas A. Derzack

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Suspended 12/30/19 after taking "disturbing" photos of high school wrestlers at a tournament 12/27/19. The photos included closeups of the boys' buttocks. Diocese investigating. Police investigated - no charges because the boys were clothed. An adult spectator noticed Derzack's behavior and told a police officer at the tournament. Derzack was not dressed in clerical garb at the time. The officer had him delete the photos and leave the school.

Sources:

Morning Call 01.05.20

Fr. Felix C. Fink

Ordained: 1919
Status: Accused

Died: 06/13/1966
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Died in 1966. Allegation reported to diocese after his death. First named publicly as accused on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list.

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Fr. Bernard A. Flanagan

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Diocese announced 9/26/2010 that Flanagan had been removed from his assignments as pastor of Annunciation, St. George, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Shenandoah and St. Mary Magdalen in Lost Creek; sent for treatment. Review Board found credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor dating back about 25 years, when he was assigned to Reading Central Catholic High School. May be other accusers. Chaperoned an unsanctioned international trip which included Bishop McDeviit High School students, Diocese of Harrisburg. Name on Harrisburg's 8/1/2018 list. Named in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and on Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Diocese claims it tried to have Flanagan laicized, but Vatican denied laicization.

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Fr. Richard J. Ford

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 05/18/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In 2000 the U.S. Navy reported twice to the diocese that Ford sexually abused one of its enlistees when the enlistee was a 12-year-old student at Holy Guardian Angels Regional School in Muhlenberg Township in 1989. The alleged victim was undergoing mental health treatment at the time of the reports. Per Navy officials, the diocese did not respond to the reports. Ford died in 2005. The man filed suit against the diocese in 8/2018. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Stephen T Forish

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Died: 12/13/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In early 1990s six parents complained about Forish "luring" their children. Accused in 1996 of soliciting sex from 22-year-old man. Acquitted 1998. Sued in 2004. Still a priest as of 2006 but not active. Arrested in 9/2006 for soliciting sex from 26-year-old man on a street corner in Greensburg PA. Forish had been working as a non-church affiliated psychologist at the time of his arrest. Plea deal (terms undisclosed) reached in 11/2006. Died in a car accident in 12/2006. Name included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Francis J. Fromholzer

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In 2002 a woman alleged sex abuse by Fromholzer, including on trip to the Poconos, in 9/1965 when she was a 13- to 14-year-old student and he was a young priest. Suit filed 1/2004. Second woman sued in 7/2004, alleging abuse on the same 1965 trip. No criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Left active ministry in 9/2002. Last known to be living in FL. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Per the report, one girl told her school principal about abuse by Fromholzer in the 1960s and was then expelled. Another alleged victim said she told several priests in the 1980s who didn't want to hear it and did nothing. She learned through the GJ report that after she came forward in 2002 to law enforcement the diocese investigated her. She filed suit against the diocese in 9/2018 alleging it caused the intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. James F. Gaffney

Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

A suit filed in 2004 by a woman alleged she was sexually abused by Gaffney for two years beginning in 1990, when she was age 16 and he was Reading Catholic vice-principal. Per the suit, officials were notified and Gaffney was moved to St. Frances de Chantal in Easton, where he continued to have sex with the plaintiff when she was in college. Removed from active ministry in 2002. Laicized in 2015. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Abuse alleged of a 14-year-old girl at 1985-1987, reported to the diocese in 1999. Also allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with adult women, one with a learning disability he was counseling. Suit filed in 1/2019 claimed harassment and threats of a former female Albright College student, where he taught after leaving the priesthood in 2002. She dropped the suit in in 6/2019.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph D. Galko

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Diocese was aware of issues as early as 1984. Galko admitted to sex with an 18-year-old male parishioner and to incidents with other males over the years, pre- and post-seminary and ordination. Concerns in 1987 about his spending too much time with altar servers and interaction with adolescent boys. Sent to Downingtown for treatment. Placed on leave in 1988. Report to the diocese in 2002 of abuse of male, age 17-18, in 1980 or 1981. Another report in 2007 of abuse of a 13-year-old 8th grade boy from St. Anne's in Bethlehem. Galko acknowledged the abuse. Both victims said Galko plied them with alcohol. Laicized in 2010.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Edward G. Ganster

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Died: 07/3/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. In 1977 a woman told the diocese that her 13-year-old son had been sexually abused by Ganster. Reassigned. A 37-year-old man told the diocese in 2002 that Ganster abused him for a year and a half beginning when he was a 14-year-old altar boy at St. Joseph's in Frackville. The man again contacted the diocese in 2004. His reports were not sent to the D.A. until 2007. Accused in 2015 of abusing a 12-year-old boy in the summer of 1977. Put on sick leave in 1987, sent to St. John Vianney in Downington for treatment in 1988. Request for laicization in 1990, granted. Wanted to marry a woman he met at St. John Vianney and to work at Disney World. Diocese provided a reference for the job; Ganster worked at Disney World for 18 years. Died 7/3/2014.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Francis T. Gillespie

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Per the report, in 1988 a boy told the diocese in a letter that Gillespie had sexually abused him at St. Joseph's in Girardville, where he was an altar boy, about age 14. He reportedly did not get a response. The same person contacted the diocese again in 2003. His younger brother told the diocese in 2002 that, when he was about age 10 at St. Joseph's, Gillespie began sexually abusing him. The priest's modus operandi included having altar boys weighed and measured unclothed. One accuser said Gillespie would dress him in costumes, take his picture, then undress him. He said Gillespie had him drink alcohol and cough medicine, and that the abuse included oral sex. Removed in 2002. Died in 2017. Included on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. David C. Gillis

Ordained: 1979
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Priestly faculties removed in 8/18 after the Orlando diocese received a report of child sexual abuse against Gillis. Gillis transferred in 2005 to Orlando from the Diocese of Allentown, where the abuse allegedly occurred. Worked in parishes and high schools in both dioceses. Berks County D.A. investigating. Reinstated in 9/18 after the D.A. determined the allegations were false.

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Fr. Richard J. Giuliani

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In a lawsuit filed in 1/2004, a woman claimed that Giuliani forced her to perform sexual acts beginning when she was age 12 in 1971 and until 1975, when he was working at Notre Dame High School. She said she told Church authorities twice, and was ordered to confession both times in response. She also said he visited her in college in 1975 and asked her to marry him. After her refusal, he never contacted her again. A second woman filed suit in 5/2004. She alleged that she was molested by Giuliani in 12/1976 when she was student at Cardinal Brennan High School, where he was principal. He reportedly left the priesthood in 1977. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report (name spelled 'Guiiani.') Included on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Edward R. Graff

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 11/25/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

"Retired" from Allentown PA to TX in 1992. Sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment, allowed to minister in the Santa Fe diocese. Worked in the Amarillo diocese until 2002. Arrested in TX in 10/2002; charged with abuse of a 15-year-old boy. Died in jail 11/25/2002, reportedly after an accident, while awaiting trial. At least 40 men in PA and TX alleged abuse by Graff. One suit settled in TX in 2003 for $275K by the Allentown diocese. One Allentown was suit in filed 7/2004. In 2009 Mark Rozzi reported rape by Graff as a 13-year-old Catholic school student in 1984; he came forward after a friend said to have also been a Graff victim died by suicide. By 2016 two more friends Rozzi said Graff raped had taken their own lives. Rozzi was elected PA state rep in 2013 and went on to lead the effort to change the statute of limitations for sex crimes against children. Rozzi filed suit in 5/2020. Graff was named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Name included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. On Amarillo's list 1/31/2019.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph L. Grembocki

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 5/20 of raping and torturing a boy and his brother in the 1970s. Per the suit Grembocki, Rev. David A. Soderlund (later convicted) and several other priests all abused the boys in the basement of St Catharine's in Reading. In 1972 Grembocki stepped in to "take the boys under his wing" after their father died. During bible study he would allegedly give the boys a drink which made them fall asleep and they would awaken to the abuse in the basement. Grembocki died in 6/16.

Sources:

Morning Call Obituary 07.13.16
Morning Call 05.20.20

Fr. Stephen J. Halabura

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 01/5/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Name added to the Allentown diocese's list in 2019. Per the list, Halabura retired in 2008 and was removed in 2019 after he self-reported in 5/2019 that he sexually abused a minor in the early 1980s at St. Anthony of Padua in Millmont. Named in a 3/2020 lawsuit as one of several priests who abused a young Reading altar boy. Died 1/5/2023.

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Fr. Leo J. Houseknecht

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 07/10/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In a 1/2004 civil lawsuit, a woman alleged sexual abuse by Houseknecht when she was a student at Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem Township in the 1970s and Houseknecht was a teacher. She said Houseknecht spoke to her using crude/sexual language and that he inappropriately hugged her, his penis erect, at her family home. Per the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report, the woman said Houseknecht and another priest knew she was being abused by Rev. Richard J. Giuliani. Houseknecht was an active pastor when he died in 1990 at age 53. His name was included on the 8/19/2018 Allentown list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Joseph D. Hulko

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 09/10/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Sent for treatment six times between 1982 and 2003. Admitted to the diocese in 9/2003 that he sexually abused a girl when he was chaplain at St. Francis Orphanage in Orwigsburg 6/1971-10/1971. His victim was a 14-year-old resident of the orphanage. Per the diocese, the abuse occurred over approximately one year, as much as twice per week. Hulko retired 9/1/2003. Moved to Robertsville, MO. Died 9/10/2022.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. William E. Jones

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 05/10/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2002 after an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor more than 20 years previously. A civil suit was filed in 1/2004 alleging that Jones molested at least one youth on numerous occasions 1978-1980. It also said that Jones and another priest performed oral sex on the plaintiff and several other boys during a trip. The suit was dismissed in 1/2005 due to the statute of limitations. Jones died in 5/2004 at age 70. He was also accused in a suit of using crude/sexual language toward a teenage girl. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Attorney General's Report and on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph H. Kean

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese 8/19/2018 list. of credibly accused. Report to the diocese in 12/1992 that Kean abused a boy over several years, starting when he was age 12 and Kean was pastor of SS Peter and Paul in Tower City. Kean was at the parish 1/1977-1/1983. Kean acknowledged the abuse and to abusing the boy's friend. May have been sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. More victims identified by the Grand Jury, found in secret archives. A second man contacted the diocese in 1999 claiming abuse as a teenage altar boy in the 1970s in Tower City. A third man came forward in 4/2002, saying that Msgr. William Jones sexually abused him then introduced him to and "shared" him with Kean. He said Kean performed oral sex on him and other boys in his Tower City bedroom. Reports in 2005 of abuse of two more: a Tower City altar boy ages 10-15 and an Ashland boy 1987-1988, who went on to be heroin-addicted and suicidal. Kean retired in 2002. Laicized 6/26/2007.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Thomas J. Kerestus

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Regional director for three CYO groups, chaplain for Appalachian Trail Scouting Council. In 1985-1986 parishioners wrote to Bishop Welsh with concerns about Kerestus' close and inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old boy. In 10/1992 an 18-year-old male told the diocese that Kerestus sexually abused him for five years. Assessed by St. John Vianney Center in 2005 to be in the "moderate-high range" for "sexual re-offense." A third man reported in 4/2016 that Kerestus abused him 1975-1980 when the man was a 15-year-old Holy Name High School student in West Reading. Removed in 2002, given retirement status. Died in 2014. A 7/2020 lawsuit claims abuse of a boy, ages 11-18, in the 1970s-early 1980s. At least one settlement.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Bronislaus J. Kopec

Ordained: 1929
Status: Accused

Died: 06/30/1968
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as credibly accused on Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Allegation reported after his death. Died 6/30/1968.

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Fr. Robert J. Kuzmann

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Named publicly as credibly accused on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Removed in 2006, laicized in 2015. Assignments included St. Jerome's in Tamaqua and Marian Catholic High School.

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Fr. Michael S. Lawrence

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Concerns about Lawrence's behavior as early as 1970 while in seminary. In 2002 a man alleged that Lawrence molested him at age 12 during a tutoring session in 1982 at St. Catharine of Siena in Mount Penn. He said told his parents immediately when he returned home, sobbing, and that his father called the church. The next day his father met with the diocese's top administrator. Lawrence admitted to molesting the boy and was gone the next day, sent to St. John Vianney in Downingtown for treatment. He was back in a parish assignment within a year. The boy's father complained again to Bishop Welsh in 1986 and 1994; Welsh removed him from parish work and assigned him to the Diocesan Tribunal. Welsh retired in 1998. Lawrence wasn't removed until 2002. A civil suit was filed in 2004. In 11/2009 a man reported to the diocese that Lawrence sexually abused him at age 13. Lawrence died in 4/2015. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's 8/19/18 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Kevin Lonergan

Ordained: 2014
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Charged with felony corruption of minors and misdemeanor indecent assault in 8/2018 after he was accused in 6/2018 of groping a 17-year-old girl and sending her nude photos of himself. Lonergan reportedly met the girl at St. Francis of Assisi in Allentown and asked other parishioners for her cell phone number. Pleaded guilty in 11/2019. Sentenced in 2/2020 to 1 to 2 years in state prison and to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Case sent to the Vatican. In 2016, prior to Lonergans's transfer to St. Francis of Assisi, he was accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl. The girl's family reportedly would not cooperate with an investigation. The diocese disputed that Lonergan was transferred to a new parish improperly, saying the County Children and Youth found the accusation to be unfounded. The D.A. and the diocese's investigator both said the allegation was not "unfounded" but was "unsubstantiated" because there wasn't a victim able to testify. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 12/2020.

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Fr. William J. Maslar

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Removed in 2002. Died in 2005.

Sources:

Diocese of Allentown list 08.19.18

Fr. Joseph L. Mathis

Ordained: 1922
Status: Accused

Died: 06/29/1981
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Founded Our Lady Help of Christians parish in 1927, where he remained until his death. Also Allentown State Hospital chaplain until 1975. Died 6/29/1981. First named publicly as accused on Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list. Allegation reported to the diocese after Mathis' death.

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Fr. William T. McCandless

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1994
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Criminally charged in federal court 12/3/20 with three counts of child pornography offenses. McCandless reportedly knew of the investigation for over three years. He lost his job as a counselor at DeSales University in 10/17 due to the investigation. McCandless worked at a parish in Monaco 2010-2017, and was an advisor to the royal family. He allegedly collected thousands of child abuse images while in Monaco and added to his collection in the U.S. Prior to leaving for Monaco in 2010, he was accused of admitting to abusing a 14-year-old French boy. Pleaded guilty in 7/22 to one child pornography charge. Sentenced to 37 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release. After release, to live under supervision with his Order. Was to also register as a sex offender.

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Fr. James J. McHale

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 10/25/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. A woman filed suit in 5/2009 in Delaware alleging that McHale began to abuse her in 1964 when she was age 12, and that it continued until 1984. He reportedly took her on frequent trips to six states and once to Rome. McHale's accuser says she told a priest in 1991 several times, who took no action. In 2016 she said that she discovered after a news investigation in 8/2016 that the priest she had told, Rev. William Geiger, also had allegations of child sexual abuse against him. McHale died in 1997 at age 65. A Delaware judge dismissed her lawsuit in 4/2010, citing no jurisdiction. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

York Daily Record 12.09.16

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Fr. Francis Joseph McNelis

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Died: 03/24/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In 12/1992 a man told the diocese that McNelis sexually abused him 1966-1968, when he was a 10 -to 13-year-old altar boy. McNelis was sent in 1993 to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Reassigned in 1/1994 to St. Ignatius parish in Sinking Spring PA, where he remained until his removal in 3/2002. In 2004 a man reported to the diocese that when he was age 16 in 1968, McNelis forcibly orally copulated him on two occasions. Two lawsuits in 2004. McNelis died 3/24/2005. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/18 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. James J. Mihalak

Ordained: 1976
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Charged in 1997 with fondling a 17-year-old male hitchhiker; placed on probation in 1998. Record was to be expunged if successful probation. Diocese suspended him from duties. Had been pastor, high school teacher and high school principal. The 2002 Official Catholic Directory shows him at Holy Family Villa (a home for priests) in Bethlehem, PA. In 2004 the diocese said his whereabouts were unknown. Name included on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list.

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Fr. John Stephen Mraz

Ordained: 1975
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Diocesan director of ecumenical and inter-religious affairs. Former educator in diocesan schools. Pastor St. Ann's in Emmaus beginning 2008. In 7/2016 a parishioner found searches such as "small boy nudes" while working on Mraz's two laptop computers; parishioner told diocese. Diocese alerted D.A. Images were then found on the laptops. Mraz admitted to searching for child porn. Charged in 9/2016 with child pornography possession, criminal use of a communication facility, and selling obscene materials. Mraz had been absent for a month for what parishioners said they were told were "medical issues." Pleaded guilty in 6/2017. Sentenced in 9/2014 to 6 to 23 months in jail and was to be registered as a sex offender for 15 years. Included on diocese's 8/19/2018 list.

Fr. Francis A. Nave

Ordained: 1992
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Pastor of Sacred Heart in Bath when suspended from ministry 6/27/18 due to accusations that he encouraged a 16-year-old VA boy to masturbate during online video 'counseling' sessions in 2012. The boy contacted law enforcement. Lawsuit filed. Settled 9/18. Nave allegedly also stripped naked and masturbated online. The boy reportedly took screenshots of Nave, who was talking to him while naked and touching himself. Name included on Allentown diocese's 8/19/18 list.

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Fr. Gabriel M. Patil

Order: CRSP
Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Three men filed two separate suits in Allentown in 2004 alleging abuse by Patil when they were ages 7 to 9, 1978-1980, at Bethlehem Catholic High School. The boys lived in the neighborhood. Cases dismissed in 2005. Patil was promoted to Provincial Superior of his Order in 1990. Reportedly working as pastor of a church in Ontario Canada as of 2004. Went on to work in Buffalo NY, Youngstown NY, then India. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low five figures of sexually abusing an altar boy, age 8, in 1992. The abuse allegedly occurred one time, at Assumption of the BVM in Northampton, where Patil was a fill-in priest. Patil is accused of reaching inside the boys pants and fondling him under the guise of helping him put on his altar boy robes.

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Fr. Robert J. Potts

Ordained: 1964
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Named publicly in 10/19 by the diocese as accused of sexually abusing a minor in the late 1980s and early 1990s while pastor of St. George's in Shenandoah. Removed from ministry pending investigation. Per the diocese, the allegation was received 9/24/19. Potts' accuser reported the allegations to the IRCP (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program), which notified the diocese. Potts was returned to ministry in 8/20 on recommendation of the diocesan Review Board, after a diocesan investigation determined that Potts "did not commit the acts that were alleged." .

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Diocese of Allentown 10.13.19

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Fr. Paul G. Puza

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's 8/18/2018 list of credibly accused. Assigned to parishes, high schools and Catholic Scouting. In 1991 a former seminarian told Bishop Welsh that Puza molested him three times when he was an eighth-grader. Puza admitted to molesting the boy but said it was just once, when the boy was a senior in high school. He told a therapist of "quite a bit of male and female involvement." In 1995 a high school student, age 18, reported 'sexual contact' with Puza. On 2/4/2002 Puza admitted to 'sexual misconduct' with a minor; he resigned as pastor of St. Richard's in Barnesville 2/7/2002. Laicized in 2010.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Dennis A. Rigney

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Director of Catholic Charities for over 36 years and other prominent chancery positions. Diocese received a report in 4/1987 that Rigney fondled a 12- or -13-year-old girl. Complaint in 1989 that Rigney fired a Holy Family Manor nurse's aid because she resisted his sexual advances. In 4/2002 a woman told the diocese that Rigney molested her over one year, in 1966-1967, when she was age 9 or 10 and he was assigned to St. Peter's in Reading. She said Rigney also molested her sister. Rigney requested early retirement in 4/2002 for 'medical reasons.' Sued in 1/2004 for the alleged abuse of a 9-year-old girl. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's 8/19/208 list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph A. Rock

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Assigned to parishes, Catholic Scouting and CYOs. Two reports to diocese in 1986 of 'sexual contact' with three boys, one age 9, in the early 1980s. Went on 'sick leave' in 2/1986, sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Assigned in 10/1987 to a nursing/retirement home for priests. Resigned in 11/2001 after he was accused of the sexual abuse of two elderly residents. Another allegation in 1/1992; Admitted to feeling boys' genitals. A lawsuit was filed by a 20-year-old man in 1994 claiming the Diocese failed to prevent him from abuse at ages 9-12 by Rock in Mount Carbon. Rock denied the allegation. Settlement for $305K in 2000. Report in 3/2000 of past abuse of a boy beginning when the boy was a 5th or 6th grader. Named in suits filed by five alleged victims in 2004. Laicized in 2005. Accused in 2007 of abuse of a 6th- to 8th-grade boy in 1979-1981. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Per a 12/2019 lawsuit, Rock abused a girl for 11 years, beginning when she was age 13.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Gerald J. Royer

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 12/20/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Transferred 8 times during first 8 years of priesthood. Leave of absences 11/1955-2/1956 and 4/1960-7/1961. Chaplain at St. Joseph Manor until 1964, then left active ministry the same year. Laicized in 2/1965. Died 12/20/2003. In 2009 a man in his 60s reported sexual abuse as a boy by Royer. In 5/2016 an 81-year-old man stated publicly that Royer sexually abused him in 1947, when the man was an 11-year-old altar boy at Ss. Simon and Jude in West Bethlehem. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Charles J. Ruffenach

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Died: 07/4/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Retired in 1979. Died in 1980. A man told the diocese in 8/2001 that Ruffenach sexually and physically abused him beginning in about 1945, when the man was a St. John the Baptist school first-grader and continuing through eighth grade.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. John Pascal Sabas

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Died: 07/18/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Sabas was accused of having sexually abused at least one 14-year-old boy during the summer of 1964. Sabas's alleged victim reported the abuse to the diocese in 1974, during Bishop Joseph McShea's tenure. When Sabas's accuser discovered in 1989 that the priest was still assigned to parish work, he sued Sabas and the Allentown diocese; the case was settled out of court for $40,000 in 1991. The diocese reportedly had assured the man several times that he was only victim. Sabas was shown as still active in the 1993 Catholic Directory. He died in 1996. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Edward Sacks

Ordained: 1964
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Monsignor. Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bethlehem Township when suspended in 9/18 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a student of Holy Name High School in Reading. Sacks was VP there 1965-68 and principal 1974-79. He denied the allegation, calling it a "case of mistaken identity." Reinstated within several weeks, after his accuser said the allegation "was made in error."

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Fr. William J. Shields

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 08/27/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

A ciivil suit was filed in 3/2004 against the diocese alleging that Shields abused a 12-year-old altar boy in 1972. Shields allegedly invited the boy back to the rectory of St. Ann's in Lansford after bingo night and began to molest him. The boy reportedly fled and never let himself be alone with the priest again. He said he told his mother and a deacon at the parish. Shields was moved three months later. Another man reported in 3/2004 that Shields sexually abused him at St. Ann's 25-30 years previously. Shields retired in 1995 and died in 8/2000. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/18 list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Stephen F. Shigo

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Died: 11/2/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Parish priest, Catholic Scouting chaplain, CYO and Youth Ministry director, Family Life Bureau director. Died in 1991, at age 38. First named publicly as accused in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Diocese received a report on 11/17/2011 that Shigo sexually abused an 8th-9th grade altar boy at St. Ambrose, where he was assigned in 1981.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. David A. Soderlund

Ordained: 1965
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Accused 1980 of abuse of three boys, ages 12-13. Photos found of Soderlund in sex acts with boys. Admitted to 'sexual activity' with them. Sent to St. John Vianney for treatment. Assigned as a parish pastor in 1981, restricted to no contact with minors, sent to another parish the next year. Abused another boy. In 1986 made Director of Pastoral Care at Good Samaritan Med Center in Pottsdale. Removed 1989 for violating restrictions by having an 8-year-old altar boy and calling him on the phone. Soderlund appealed to the Vatican which agreed his rights were violated. Bishop Welsh offered him housing and income, but no job. Lawsuit against diocese in 2004. Laicized in 2005. Arrested in 2009 in WY on child pornography charges; convicted. Sentenced 2-5 years' prison. Registered sex offender in WY. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA GJ Report and on the diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Settlement in 4/2020 with man alleging abuse at age 12 in 1971. Accused in a 5/2020 lawsuit of abuse of boys in the early 1970s. Died in 2020.

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Sr. Ann Marie Paul

Order: SCC
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

In 2021 a woman reported to the Berks County D.A. that when she was a student at Reading Central Catholic High School 1996-1998, Paul groomed her and abused her sexually. Paul was a lay teacher at the school, and later entered the convent. The D.A. investigated; no charges were filed, possibly due to the statute of limitations. In 11/2022 Paul remains active with her Order.

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Fr. Henry E. Strassner

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 11/20/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

"Very Rev." First named as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Parish priest, pastor, educator, held prominent chancery positions. Admitted when confronted in 1988 to kissing a 19-year-old male on the lips four times during a counseling session. Sent to a counselor who said there was "a lot more going on here than Father Strassner has admitted." Two more complaints in 1991 of past child sex abuse, one a boy ages 6-8. Sick leave 8/1/1993-2/18/1994, sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Accused in 2001 of sexual advances toward a 31-year-old man during a counseling session. In 2004 a man told the diocese that Strassner sexually assaulted him during counseling or confession in 1977 when the man was age 26 or 27. This accuser wrote down the names of 25 or 30 others he alleged Strassner sexual assaulted. In 11/2011 a 63-year-old man reported sex abuse, including oral copulation, by Strassner when he was in 7th or 8th grade. Strassner retired in 2003. He died 11/20/2009.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Bruno M. Tucci

Ordained: 1971
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

A man told the diocese in 1991 that Tucci sexually abused him when he was a 14-year-old altar boy. Tucci admitted to the allegations. Sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Returned to ministry as pastor of two Nesquehoning parishes. Resigned in 2/2002. In 5/2002 another man reported sexual abuse as a minor by Tucci 1977-1978. Tucci requested laicization in 2005; granted in 4/2007. Arrested in 12/2012 on charges that in 1981 he took a PA boy to Ocean City MD and molested him. The boy attended a Shenandoah parish and school where Tucci was assigned. Tucci admitted to being aroused when he wrestled with and tickled the boy on a motel room bed. Last known to be living in Salisbury MD. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Accused in a lawsuit 11/2018 of abuse 1999-2001 of a Nesquehoning altar boy, ages 10-12. Settled.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. A. Gregory Uhrig

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Allentown priest for 20 years. Educator, held diocesan positions, worked in parishes. Moved to Metuchen NJ diocese 1993, incardinated there 1995. Allentown notified Metuchen in 2010 of allegations dating back about 30 years. A 44-year-old woman alleged sexual abuse by Uhrig for 4 years, starting when she was age 13 and in 7th grade at St. Anthony's in Easton, where Uhrig was assigned. Allegations deemed "not frivolous,'' Uhrig denied abuse. Placed on leave. Parish notified 10/10/2010. Living at a priests' retirement residence in Somerset NJ beginning sometime in 2011. A 5/2017 church bulletin showed him to be assisting at weekend masses at a Whitehouse Station, NJ parish. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/18 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Andrew Aloysius Ulincy

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 10/28/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Teacher, parish priest, pastor, held prominent diocesan positions. On 9/26/2010 the Diocese announced Ulincy's removal from ministry due to credible allegations that he had molested a minor in 1981, while assigned to Ss. Simon and Jude's in Bethlehem. In 11/1981 a 17-year-old boy told police that Ulincy had sexually propositioned him. Ulincy admitted his behavior. Sick leave 12/1/1981-2/15/1982; sent to treatment then reassigned. In 2010 the victim said he had gone to the church for help after running away from home, and that Ulincy offered him alcohol, fondled his penis then anally penetrated him. In the early 1990s a 25-year-old man, who was a contractor working at the St. Joseph's in Frackville's rectory, told police that Ulincly exposed himself to him. The man was given $2,500 and Ulincy was moved out of St. Joseph's. Ulincy retired 3/1/2011 and died 10/28/2016. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the 8/19/2018 Allentown list.

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Fr. Ronald J. Yarrosh

Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Arrested in 2004 on charges of possession of an "enormous amount" of child pornography. Removed from assignment. Sent to St. John Vianney Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Diocese knew Yarrosh had "personality problems." Also accused of embezzlement. Agreed to plead guilty in 2005 in return for sentence of 3 to 23 months in prison, 20 months' parole, 10 years' probation, and paying $24,000 in restitution. Violated probation - had gone to NYC with a 7-year-old child and found with porn. Sentenced in 11/2006 to 4-10 years in prison. Sentenced upheld in 1/2008. PA registered sex offender. Dismissed from the priesthood in 6/2007. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report and on the diocese's list 8/19/2018.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Joseph A. Zmijewski

Ordained: 1936
Status: Accused

Died: 09/28/1968
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Allentown diocese's 8/19/2018 list of credibly accused. Member of Diocesan Tribunal. Psychologist. Died in 1968. In 10/2004 a woman told the diocese that Zmijewski sexually abused her in 1950 when she was a St. Peter's in Reading 9th grader. She said she was referred to Zmijewski for counseling, and he proposed hypnotizing her at his residence. She said she feigned being hypnotized and he then had her strip naked. He allegedly left the room for a few minutes then returned and told her to get dressed.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. John G. Zolondek

Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 09/18/1962
Diocese: Diocese of Allentown PA

Parish assignments in Bridgeport, Emmaus, Willow Grove and Philadelphia. Involved in a Germantown summer camp. Music Director at Allentown Central Catholic High School, later at Reading Central Catholic High. Residing at St. Mary's parish in Kutztown when he died 9/18/1962. First named publicly as credibly accused on Allentown's 8/19/2018 list. Allegation received after his death.

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