Diocese of Erie PA - BishopAccountability.org

64 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Michael P. Allison

Ordained: 1991
Status: Accused

Died: 06/27/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Ordained for the Diocese of Palm Beach in 1991. Moved to the Diocese of Erie in 1997 where he was incardinated in 2000. Parish priest, educator, campus minister. Held several Chancery positions. Named publicly as accused by the Erie diocese on its list in 1/2024. "Under investigation." Died in 6/2020.

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Fr. Michael J. Amy

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

the Name included on Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Admitted to the diocese in 1993 that while a seminarian 1974-1975 he molested several boys. Said he admitted this to police at the time, but was not arrested. His superiors knew and had intervened on his behalf. Also admitted to involvement with male prostitutes, many of them minors, while a priest, in Erie, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. One contacted the diocese in 1991 to report involvement with Amy at age 14. Amy was sent to St. Luke's Institute for treatment. Assigned to parishes and high schools. Catholic Scouting Committee chaplain. Sick leave 12/2091. A former Erie Cathedral Prep student told the diocese in 12/2002 that Amy sexually abused him in the early 1980s. Laicized at some point, living in Florida. Added to Baltimore's list in 9/2018.

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Fr. Stephen A. Anderson

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Died: 03/29/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Noted to be under investigation. Died 3/29/2013.

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Fr. Raymond J. Balko

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1920
Status: Accused

Died: 02/25/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Also know as Jules "Raymond" Balko. Named as credibly accused by the Saint Vincent Archabbey Benedictines in Latrobe PA in 8/2018. The archabbey received an allegation in 2000 that Balko sexually abused a minor in 1963 or 1964, while assigned to St. Mary's in Erie. Included in 9/2018 on the diocese's updated list of credibly accused. Balko died in 1985.

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Rev. Michael G. Barletta

Ordained: 1966
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

In 2002 three men told Bishop Trautman they were molested by Barletta ("Barts") when he was a Cathedral Prep teacher in the late 1970s-early 1980s. One man said he told Bishop Trautman in 1994 and that Barletta left Prep within a year. Barletta was moved at the time to St. Patrick/St. Hedwig's parish and given work at the diocesan Catholic Charities office and as chaplain of Holy Family Carmelite Monastery. Not removed from active ministry until 2003. The diocese paid for counseling for one of the men. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report, which showed eight known victims and that Barletta admitted to abusing 25 children and young men 1975-1994. Sent to Southdown in Canada for treatment in 1994. The Diocese knew of his behavior as early as 1968. A lawsuit in 7/2020 claims abuse of a girl in the mid-1970s when she was in grade school at St. Luke's, and in 9th grade, and that she saw him molest boys. Barletta died in late August 2022, age 82.

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Fr. Donald Bolton

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1952
Status: Convicted

Died: 10/27/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Parents from St. Gregory Thaumaturgus parish in the town of North East PA complained to the D.A. that Bolton had molested their daughter for two years. The Redemptorists had promised that he would not work with children but the parents learned he was teaching at a school in NY. Bolton was charged in 11/1986 with one count each of indecent assault and corruption of minors. He pleaded guilty and received three years probation in 2/1987. Bolton had been transferred from St. Gregory's to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Brooklyn NY, which maintained a grammar school and a high school, and then in 1987 to do promotional work at Holy Family Retreat House in Hampton VA. Bolton agreed to enter a treatment program. Police knew of other victims but stated that the statute of limitations had run. Also worked in Brazil and in other U.S. dioceses including New York, Buffalo, Rochester, Brooklyn and Albany NY, Orlando FL, and Richmond VA. He died 10/27/2006.

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Fr. Robert F. Bower

Ordained: 1959
Status: Arrested

Died: 07/25/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Arrested in 1999 on charges of downloading internet child pornography. Charges were later dropped on a legal technicality. Resigned from priesthood in 4/2002 after a newspaper reported on his 1999 arrest. Three women said they had spoken with Bishop Michael Murphy in 1982 to complain that Bower had been receiving porn at church, but no action. One of them was fired from her job as Bower's secretary. These women filed suit in 4/2003 against the Diocese, Bishop Trautman and retired Bishop Murphy, alleging slander after Trautman disparaged the women in a 2002 public letter and instructed priests to sermonize against them. The complaint was dismissed by a court; the dismissal was upheld in 7/2004. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 7/25/2020.

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Fr. Dennis C. Chludzinski

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Diocese knew of concerns as early as 1984. On leave 1/1978-6/1979. Unassigned 1979-1980. Assigned 1980-1984 to three high schools. Admitted in 1991 to sexual contact in 1984, along with a friend, with an 18-year-old male student at Mercyhurst High, where he was chaplain. Also admitted to sex with a 14-year-old boy over nine months in 1984. Admitted in 2004 to abuse 1983-1985 of an Our Lady of Mercy altar boy, and abuse of another altar boy at the same parish. Laicized.

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Fr. Bonaventure M. Ciufoli

Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused

Died: 07/20/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie Diocese's list released 4/6/2018 of priests, lay employees and volunteers accused of sexually abusing minors. From Italy, where he was ordained. Arrived in the U.S. in 1947, assigned to parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo. Professor of art and music at Gannon College in Erie from 1950, incardinated into the Diocese in 1953. Elevated to Monsignor in 1963. Retired to Rome in 9/1967. Died 7/20/1987.

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Fr. Donald J. Cooper

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 12/16/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Report to the Diocese in 2005 of inappropriate sexual contact 1981-1982 of a 16-year-old boy, while assigned to St. Charles in New Bethlehem. Allegations included fondling the boy and masturbating in front of him, occurring on overnight trips and at the rectory. Cooper's accuser said another priest in the rectory knew but did nothing. Alllegations deemed credible. Cooper agreed to retire. Died 12/16/2011.

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Fr. Kevin E. Cray

Order: SDS
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 01/31/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Cray's name was added 5/18/2018 to the diocese's list of credibly accused priests, lay employees and volunteers. Allegations were reported after his death. Musician, composer, teacher, parish priest. V.A. hospital chaplain in Erie 1976-1999. Also worked in the Archdioceses of Washington DC, Baltimore, and Chicago and the Dioceses of Camden, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Sacramento, and Sioux City. Died 1/31/1999 in Milwaukee.

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Fr. G. Matthew Daly

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 10/9/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Parish priest, diocesan vice-chancellor, headmaster of Bradford Central Christian High School 1960-1962, assistant headmaster of Cathedral Prep 1962-1971, director of home for retired priests. Died 10/09/1982. Name included on the diocese's list updated 7/18/2018. Abuse reported after his death.

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Fr. David V. Dobrowolski

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018 of priests, lay employees and volunteers accused of sexually abusing minors. Died 12/28/1985. Per the diocese, allegations were made after Dobrowolski's death.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Gregory P. Furjanic

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Chicago-based Croatian Franciscan Friar. Worked at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, PA in 1985, and St. Anthony parish in Sharon. In 7/1996 the Congregation for Institutions of Consecrated Life and of Societies of Apostolic Life removed Furjanic's "priestly authority." Accused in 2005 of sexual abuse in the early 1970s and mid-1980s. Another report to the Diocese in the 1990s. Sent to Erie Ecclesia Center for treatment, then St. Luke's in MD. One alleged victim is known to have died by suicide. In 2005 was in St. Petersburg, FL, working or attempting to work at Lutheran Social Services. Had tried to obtain priestly credentials in FL and in Mobile, AL. Included on the Archdiocese of Mobile's list 12/6/2018. On the Erie diocese's list 4/5/2019. Laicized.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Chester J. Gawronski

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

In 2002, a man said Gawronski molested him in the late 1970s when he was an 11-year-old altar boy. He told his parents in 1984, who went to the diocese. Michael Murphy was bishop. Sent to treatment. Diocese promised his ministry would be restricted and asked the parents not to pursue matter further. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. The Diocese knew in 1986 of alleged abuse of a 13-year-old boy 1976-1977. Confessed in 1987 to abusing up to 20 boys. Sent to Chicago for a psych evaluation. Gowronski would show the boys how to perform "cancer checks." Admitted to molesting as many as 41 boys. Active priest when removed in 3/2002. Laicized in 2006. Living in 2018 in Arizona. A lawsuit in 7/2020 claims abuse in 1983 of a 15-year-old.

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Fr. Herbert G. Gloekler

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 01/3/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

in 4/2002 a woman told a news outlet that Gloekler sexually abused her in the 1950s when she was a student at Sacred Heart School. Another woman came forward in 5/2002, also claiming abuse by the priest in the 1950s. She said that she and the woman who spoke up the previous month, along with her sister and another girl, would help Gloekler in the rectory and he would fondle them and look down their dresses. One of the women alleged the priest raped her. Several other women emerged to say they had witnessed his abuse as children. A former housekeeper for Gloekler at Mt. Calvary parish, where he was assigned in the 1974-1985, said in 8/2003 that she knew of sexual misconduct by Gloekler and Fr. Cooper. Name included on the Erie diocese's 4/6/2018 list. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Gloekler died 1/3/1985.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. John B. Hagerty

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 04/6/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Parish priest, educator. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Erie on its list in 1/2024. "Under investigation." Hagerty died in 4/2013.

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Fr. Robert E. Hannon

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 01/16/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018 and in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Transferred to Hawaii 6/1979. Honolulu diocese knew in at least 1986 that Hannon admitted in treatment at Paracletes in NM to abuse of at least twenty youths, ages 12-19. One accuser was female; she said Hannon fondled her at ages 6-8, in the 1970s, in HI. Erie diocese revealed in 2003 it knew of eight Hannon victims. Died in Hawaii 1/16/2006, age 79.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Patrick J. Healy

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Died: 06/17/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as credibly accused by diocese in 10/2018. Died in 6/1999. Abuse reported after his death. Accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl over 100 times for several years, beginning in 1966 when the girl was age 17 and a student at Saints Cosmas and Damian High School in Punxsutawney. Healy was assigned at the time to Saints Cosmas and Damian Parish. The suit was settled in 2020 in the low six figures.

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Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

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Fr. James F. Hopkins

Ordained: 1900
Status: Accused

Died: 07/14/1957
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Ordained in Buffalo NY. First assignment was in Sharon, PA, then Corry. Pastor 1906 in East Brady. Subbed in summers in Titusville. Permanent Rector at St. Titus in Titusville 1928 until his death. Elevated to Monsignor in 1949. Died 7/14/1957. Per his bio, "Boy and Girls Scout Troops have received his especial [sic] care." Name included on Erie diocese's updated list 7/18/2018 and in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. A woman told Bishop Trautman in 1993 that Hopkins abused her in the St. Titus rectory when she was age 13 in 1945. She said he would "plant a sloppy kiss" on girls' mouths and grab and fondle them. Name removed in 7/2020 from building at St. Bonaventure University.

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Fr. Barry M. Hudock

Ordained: 1996
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Hudock's name was added 5/18/2018 to the Diocese of Erie's list of credibly accused. Reportedly was laicized in 2005. Married. Per an online bio, Hudock worked for nonprofits in WV, then settled in Albany, MN with his wife and seven children. Published author, blogger. Resigned in 6/2018 from his job as publisher for the parish market at Liturgical Press at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. It shows a report in 2008 to the Diocese that in 1996-1997 Hudock sexually abused a 17-year-old girl who was a student at Mercyhurst Prep. He was let go in 2008 from his job at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse NY after they were notified of the allegations. He had been living in Syracuse with his wife and children.

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Fr. Joseph W. Jerge

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 04/17/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie Diocese's list 4/6/2018. Report to the Diocese in early 1989 of allegations of the sexual abuse of young boys. Sent to St. Luke's Institute in MD in 4/1989 for treatment. Returned to restricted ministry in 11/1989. Concerns to the Diocese in 4/2001 by a Fr. Fischer about Jerge's contact with young boys. Moved to another parish in 6/1991. Removed in 9/1992 after a complaint about his grooming behavior with a boy. Sent to a priests' retirement facility. Died 4/17/2006.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Stephen E. Jeselnick

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Jeselnick was accused in 2017, along with a former seminarian, Jack Tome, of sexually abusing of three boys, who were brothers, in the late 1970s in Meadeville PA. Jeselnick strongly denied the allegations and said he had never heard of Tome. Transferred to the Denver archdiocese beginning in 12/1982. Became an Air Force chaplain in 1985. In 1991 a man told the diocese that Jeselnick sexually abused him when he was a vulnerable 20-year-old whose father was dying. The man sued and received a settlement in 2005. Jeselnick was reported in 2018 to be living in Colorado Springs and forbidden to function as a priest. Added in 9/2018 to the Baltimore archdiocese's list. "Father D" in CO A.G. report 10/22/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Edward W. Jungquist

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Worked in Erie, Grove City, Oil City and Titusville parishes, then in Pensacola FL in 1989. On Leave of Absence 1991-1992, then no longer indexed in the Official Catholic Directory. Appears to have moved to Tucson, AZ. Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018, under "deceased." Updated list 4/5/2019 notes "whereabouts unknown," and "forbidden to function as priest." Included on the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Charles A. Kaza

Ordained: 1972
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Removed from active ministry as pastor of St. Tobias in Brockway in 5/13/19 due to allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the 1980s, while assigned to St John the Baptist in Erie. On 6/1/20 the diocese announced that the allegations could not be substantiated and Kaza was returning to active ministry.

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Fr. Thomas C. Kelley

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 02/21/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018 and the 814/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Parish priest, "Special Ministry" at St. Mark's Seminary, and Dean of North American College in Rome, Italy 9/1985-6/1989. On Diocesan Review Board 3/1992-619/94. Allegations of "inappropriate sexual contact" with at least five males; victims were high school or seminary students, ages 18-25. Sent to Southdown in Canada for treatment 9/1995, and 4/1996-9/1996. Returned to ministry as a parish pastor in Stockton, TX, Diocese of San Angelo. Died 2/21/2005. Settlement in the high five figures in 2020 of a claim of abuse of an altar boy, age 12, at least three times in 1968, at St. Peter's Cathedral.

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Fr. Sean P. Kerins

Ordained: 2017
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Suspended from public ministry and contact with minors after accused of inappropriately texting a student at Kennedy Catholic High School, where he was chaplain. Law enforcement was investigating. Name included on Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018.

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Fr. Gary L. Ketcham

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1977
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as accused on on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused sometime before 3/1989 of the sexual abuse of two boys in Mobile AL, where he was visiting friends. Sent to treatment at Guest House in MN, St. Luke's in MD, then on "Health Leave" at St. Patrick's/St. Hedwig Cluster in Erie 6/1990-7/1990. Criminally charged in 2/1990. Pleaded guilty. Fined $15,000. Suspended 11/1998-2004. Laicized in 2004. Added to the Buffalo diocese's list in 11/2018. Faculty member at St. Bonaventure University 1977-1984.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Thaddeus T. Kondzielski

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list 4/6/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Taught at Cathedral Prep for 19 years. In 1/2013 a man reported that when he was a Prep sophomore 30 years prior, Kondzielski had him lift weights with him, both of them naked. Kondzielski didn't admit to nor deny the behavior. He admitted he had students sleep overnight with him in his bed. Retired 4/29/2013. Not allowed to function as a priest.

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Fr. Conrad L. Kraus

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 05/13/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Noted to be under investigation. Died 5/13/2009. The diocese's list updated 2/1/2023 shows the allegation to be credible.

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Fr. Gerard H. Krebs

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 05/25/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Also known as Gerald or Gerry. Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018. Included in 8/14/1208 PA Grand Jury Report. At least three known alleged victims. Went on "Health Leave 3/1990-5/1990 to Guest House in MN. In 3/2002 a former student of Venango Christian High, where Krebs worked 1964-1970, told the Diocese Krebs molested him when he was a senior in 1968. Another report in 4/2001 of abuse of a boy in the late 1960s. In 10/2006 a man alleged Krebs sexually abused him as a student in the 1960s. He said he knew of a 1969 graduate who also alleged abuse by Krebs, and that he also abused other classmates. Krebs was sent in 2002 to St. Luke's Institute in MD. Retired in 1/2004. Died in 5/2005.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Jerome Kucan

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Croatian Franciscan. Also called John Kucon. Died 12/31/2010. Name included on the Erie Diocese's list 4/6/2018. Included on the Harrisburg Diocese's 8/1/2018 list. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report, which notes a report to the Diocese from a 39-year-old man in 3/2005 that Kucan sexually abused him from the age of 8 at St. Anthony's Croatian Church in Sharon. Allegedly Kucan performed oral sex on the boy, and another religious brother was sometimes present and would do the same thing. The Diocese informed the Order. Removed from ministry. Another report to the Diocese from a woman in 2007 of abuse of her husband when he was an altar boy in the mid-1950s at St. Anthony's. The woman said Kucan also abused her husband's cousin, who died by suicide in 1993. She said she heard other men abused by Kucan also died by suicide. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago Archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Fidelis G. Lazar

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Died: 03/18/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Lazar's name was added 5/18/2018 to the Erie diocese's list of credibly accused priests, lay employees and volunteers. Noted to be no longer in ministry. Died 3/18/2018 in CT. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. It revealed that Pittsburgh diocese received report in 1986 from a male teen that Lazar sexually abused him in 6/1986. Sent to a diocesan treatment facility; admitted to sexual activity with children. Went on leave of absence. Withdrew from active ministry in 9/1989. Another allegation in 9/1994 of repeated abuse in the early 1980s of a male teen. In 3/2002 a man alleged abuse in the 1960s by Lazar at St. Vincent's Prep School in Latrobe. Lawsuit in 7/2020 claims abuse in 1975 of a 7-year-old. Included in 8/1208 on the St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe PA Benedictines' list of credibly accused. Included on the Pittburgh diocese's list of credibly accused.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Thomas M. Lechner

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as accused by the Erie diocese in an update to their list on 10/30/2018. The brief note also stated that Lechner had been laicized.

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Fr. Louis H. Lorei

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 04/10/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Pastor of Our Lady of Peace in Erie 1981-1985. Died 4/10/1986. Name added to the diocese's updated list 7/18/2018. Per the list, Lorei's ministry may have been restricted and the records are unclear as to his final status. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Report to the Diocese in 12/2009 that Lorei sexually abused an 11- to 13-year-old altar boy and student at Our Lady of Peace in the early 1980s. Another allegation was received in 3/2007 of past abuse of a boy.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Salvatore P. Luzzi

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 04/23/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018. Noted to be forbidden to function as a priest. Faculty member at Venango Christian High 1962-1968. Pastor 1979-1995 of St. Joseph's in Warren, PA. Sick Leave 7/1994-2/1995; sent to St. Luke's Institute in MD. Faculties removed 9/15/1995. Named in 8/14/1918 PA Grand Jury Report. Eight known male victims, from early teens to early twenties. One, a former student, died by suicide. Accused in a lawsuit of abuse of a young man, ages 18-19, in 1978 or 1979, while assigned to St. Mark's Seminary. The young man was a seminarian and Luzzi was his spiritual director. Settled in 11/2019 in the low six figures. Luzzi died 4/23/2024.

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Fr. Richard D. Lynch

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 04/21/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Bradford Central Christian High faculty 1963-1972, headmaster 1972-1983. Pastor Holy Rosary in Erie 2/1983-8/1099. Died in 2000. Allegation to the Diocese from a man alleging sexual and physical abuse by Lynch as a Bradford Central High School student in 1978-1979.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

Fr. Daniel J. Martin

Ordained: 1943
Status: Settled

Died: 05/23/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Accused 3/22/2018 by a former priest of the Erie diocese of molesting him beginning when he was age 16 in 1985-1989. The former priest said he was a devout boy whose home life was troubled. In 1984 Martin had been named by Pope John Paul II a Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor. Abuse is alleged at St George's in Erie, where Martin was pastor, and after Martin's 1986 retirement, at Mount Calvary church and Mercyhurst College in Erie, where Martin was in residence. The diocese confirmed that the survivor brought the allegation to Bishop Persico in 2014. The complainant testified before the grand jury investigating how Erie and other PA dioceses handled allegations. Martin died 5/23/2006. Settlement in 2021 in the low six figures of a claim of abuse of a boy, age 15 in 1964.

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Fr. H. Desmond McGee, Jr.

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Died: 10/15/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Headmaster of Bradford Central Christian High School in 1997 when suspended after a man filed suit alleging that McGee sexually abused him on at least three occasions 9/1988-10/1989 when he was a 14- to 17-year-old student. McGee denied the allegations, and the Diocese claimed the charges were too old to pursue. The suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. McGee returned to active status. He was elevated to Monsignor before the suit's dismissal was announced. Name not included on the diocese's 4/6/2018 list. PA authorities opened an investigation in 8/2018, after the release of the PA Grand Jury Report, which did not include McGee. Name added to the Erie diocese's list in 10/2018. McGee's accuser again filed suit 8/11/2020, alleging abuse 1987-1990 by McGee and Fr. Michael Amy. McGee died 10/15/2021.

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Fr. Joseph F. Meisinger

Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 03/6/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018 of priests, lay employees and volunteers accused of sexually abusing minors. Died 3/6/1979.

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Fr. Leon T. Muroski

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Died: 06/10/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018. Noted to be forbidden to function as a priest. Accused of sexual misconduct in the early 1990s while a Spiritual Director at St. Mark's Seminary. Sent to St. Luke's Institute in MD for treatment in 5/1994. Admitted to inappropriate contact with seminarians ages 18-23. Per the GJ report, "While some of these seminarians were not legally juveniles at the time of their abuse, at least three of them were under Muroski' s tutelage." Muroski died in 6/2023.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Br. Edmundus (James) Murphy

Donate Photo

Order: SVD
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as accused in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/2018. Allegation to the Diocese in 12/2007 from Murphy's Order that in 1964 Murphy sexually abused a male student at Sacred Heart High School in Girard. Murphy was the school's wrestling coach. His accuser said Murphy had him wrestle naked like the ancient Greeks and Romans, then sodomized him. Per the Erie diocese, Murphy died in 10/2014. Included on the Divine Word Missionaries Chicago Province list of credibly accused, which notes that he died in 1998.

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Fr. John L. Murray

Ordained: 1947
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First reports in 1967 to the Diocese of sex abuse of a young boy in 1966. Pleaded no contest in 1985 to charges of fondling a 12-year-old altar boy the same year, at St. Matthew-in-Woods. Sentenced to one year probation. Faculties removed. Sent to two treatment facilities. Retired in 1987, moved to family home in Philadelphia. Another allegation in 2016, of a 12-year-old boy in 1973 at Our Lady of the Americas in Conneaut Lake. Murray died in 3/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused in a lawsuit of abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1959, while assigned to St. Paul's in Erie. Settled in 12/2019 in the low five figures.

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Fr. Giles L. Nealen

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Died: 12/29/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monk of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe. On Erie the diocese's list 4/6/2018. Retired in 1992. Died 12/29/1996. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report, which noted Nealen's "long history of sexually abusing numerous young boys." In Brazil 1964-1967. The Order and Diocese of Greensburg in 1972 knew Nealen was "involved in an inappropriate incident" when pastor of St. Bruno in South Greensburg PA. Moved in 1972 to St. James in Waynesburg OH, Youngstown diocese. Letter to the Diocese in 1/1993 from a man alleging abuse at age 13 by Nealen 23 years prior at Queen of the World parish in St. Mary's PA. The man said Nealen also abused his two friends. In 2/2002 a woman told the Diocese she knew of at least three men molested as boys by Giles, one of whom had just been arrested for molesting young boys. Another woman alleged in 2004 that her 11-year-old son was molested 30 years prior by Nealen at Queen of the World. On the Youngstown diocese's list 10/29/2018. Suit in 8/2020 claimed abuse in 1968 of his nephew, age 11.

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Sr. M. Stella Ochs

Donate Photo

Order: OSB
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 1/2/2023. Shown to be under investigation. Died in 10/1988.

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Fr. Jan C. Olowin

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. Named as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Phone call to the Diocese in 5/1993 from a man alleging sexual abuse by Olowin when he was young; possibly one or two other victims. Details vague. Retired to Sun City AZ in 10/2016. Ministry restricted in 11/2016 due to past allegation. Included on the Diocese's list 12/3/2018; noted to be under investigation. The list updated 1/2/2023 shows Olowin to be credibly accused and that Olowin is forbidden to function as a priest.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Andrew W. Pawlaczyk

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 03/8/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Pawlaczyk's name was added to the Diocese's list 5/18/2018. Died 3/8/1982. Abuse noted to have been reported after his death. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Taught at Erie Prep 1962-1971, then became an Army and hospital chaplain. In 4/2011 a man told the Diocese that Pawlaczyk sexually abused him when he was a student at Erie Prep and Pawlaczyk was a teacher, and during a visit to Pawlaczyk in DC, when he was a Walter Reed Hospital chaplain.

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Fr. John A. Piatkowski

Ordained: 1934
Status: Settled

Died: 11/16/1970
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Assigned to St. Stanislaus Koska in Erie/Tyler PA 1935-1948, and Assumption in Sykesville 1948-1970. Died 11/16/1970. Multiple allegations. Letter to the Diocese in 3/1955 that Piatkowski had repeatedly sexually abused a 12-year-old altar boy. Another letter in 10/1959 from a parishioner requested a new priest to replace Piatkowski because Piatkowski was molesting little boys, who were afraid to talk. In 12/2009 Bishop Trautman met with a man who said Piatkowski repeatedly molested him in the 1940s, when the man was age 7 or 8 at a parish in Tyler. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the mid-five figures of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-12, during 1949-1953. The boy was a CCD student at Assumption of the BVM in Sykesville, where Piatkowsi was assigned. Piatkowski died in 1970.

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Fr. David Poulson

Ordained: 1979
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Cambridge Springs. Bradford Central Christian High teacher. Removed from ministry in 2/2018 after allegations that he sexually abused minors. Arrested 5/8/2018, charged with the abuse of two boys, one ages 8-18. Abuse occurred 2002-2010 in rectories and a remote cabin. One said Paulson made him confess to to him after the abuse. Per the Grand Jury report 5/8/2018, in 2010 Poulson admitted to Bishop Trautman he was sexually aroused by a boy, had sent texts about sex to boys and spent time alone with them. Trautman "admonished" Poulson, told him to "cease and desist," and kept him in ministry. In a 5/14/2018 statement, Trautman denied covering-up. Another man said Poulson, his high school English teacher, abused him 1979-1982. Pleaded guilty 10/17/2018. Sentenced 1/11/2019 to 2-14 years in prison. Laicized 3/2019. Settlement for $2M in 3/2019 with man alleging abuse as a child 2002-2010.

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Fr. William F. Presley

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 04/5/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

The Diocese of Erie knew of allegations against Presley as early as 1982. Reports to diocese in 11/1987 of sex abuse in 1986 of a teenage girl and abuse of a teenage boy dating to before 1971. Diocesan officials agreed Presley was "extremely violent." Sent for psychological evaluation. Retired in 2000. Three people came forward in 4/2002 alleging sex abuse by Presley, 1963-1974, one at age 13, another a University of Notre Dame student. Presley admitted the abuse to Bishop Trautman. It included "choking, slapping, punching, rape, sodomy, fellatio, anal intercourse." Placed on leave in 7/2002. Privileges removed after investigation. Diocese said there were numerous other victims or potential victims. Laicized in 2006. Died in 4/2012. Included on diocese's 4/6/2018 list. On Harrisburg diocese's 8/1/2018 list. Included in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Added to Baltimore list 8/2018. On Raleigh diocese's list in 10/2018; abuse in 1971, reported 2018. Claim of abuse of a boy, age 17, 1965-1966, settled in the low six figures in 2021. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Joseph V. Reszkowski

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 09/4/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. First named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese in 10/2018. Died 9/4/2003. Abuse reported after his death.

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Erie News Now 10.29.18

Fr. William A. Rice

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 08/28/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name added 7/18/2018 to the diocese's list as under investigation. Accused of sexual harassment of children and adults. Retired and living in Fryburg, PA. Placed on leave pending investigation; told to refrain from public ministry and to have no contact with children. Per the list updated 2/15/2023, the allegations were credible and Rice was forbidden to function as a priest. The Diocese's list in 2/2024 shows that Rice died in 8/2023.

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Fr. Jerome Rupprecht

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1921
Status: Indicted

Died: 10/14/1982
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Named publicly as credibly accused in 8/18 by the St. Vincent Archabbey Benedictines in Latrobe PA. The Archabbby received an allegation in 2002 that Rupprecht sexually abused a child in the early 1970s during a field trip in Emporium PA. Rupprecht died 10/14/82.

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Fr. John P. Schanz

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 04/6/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Included on the Diocese's list 4/6/2018. The bulk of Schanz's career until retirement was at Gannon University and as an assistant at Holy Cross in Fairview. Member of the Tribunal and Examiner of Junior Clergy. Retired in 1996. At least 7 alleged victims. In 4/2002 a man reported to the Diocese that he was sexually assaulted by Schanz as a 7th or 8th grade altar boy at St. Andrew and The Villa. Schanz was removed from active ministry 4/17/2002. Allegation in 5/2002 of abuse in the early 1970s of a 12- or 13-year-old boy. Report in 1/2007 from a former Camp Notre Dame life guard of abuse of a boy at the camp in 1974. The man said he witnessed an incident and told administrators, who said they would take care of it and told him to keep it quiet. In 4/2002 the Diocese received a report of abuse in 1974 of a Holy Cross altar boy. Also accused of abuse in 1978 or 1979 of a boy age 16 or 17, and of abuse of a 15-year-old boy 1980-1983. Report in 2/2005 of abuse of a 6th grade St. Andrew's altar boy. Shanz died 4/16/2010.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Charles R. Schmitt

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 01/26/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Retired in 2006 as pastor in Port Allegany, then temporary administrator briefly at parishes in Emporium, Tidioute and Emlenton. Removed from public ministry during an investigation in 9/2018 of an allegation that he abused a minor in the 1960s. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 4/5/2019. Forbidden to function as a priest. Per the list updated in 1/2023, Schmitt died in 1/2021.

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Fr. John M. (Jay) Schultz

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Named publicly as accused by the Erie diocese on its list 2/15/2023. Shown to be under investigation and living in Brentwood, TN.

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Diocese of Erie List 02.15.23

Fr. Charles A. Sheets, Jr.

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Died: 10/25/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018 of priests, lay employees and volunteers credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. Died in Sumterville FL 10/25/2009.

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Mary Carmel Skeabeck

Order: SSJ
Status: Accused

Died: 05/7/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Sister of St. Joseph of Northwestern PA (SSJ) since 1941. Died in 2015. Also known as Charlotte Skeabeck. First named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese in 10/2018. The Order said it received a report in 5/2018 that Skeabeck sexually abused a student numerous times in the late 1950s, when Skeabeck was a teacher at Villa Maria Academy, an all-girls school. The Order knew of reports of the abuse during the time it was happening.

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Fr. Samuel B. Slocum

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Died: 01/30/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Teacher at diocesan high schools, parish priest. Arrested in 4/2011 for an 'inappropriate relationship' with a 15-year-old boy. Would give the boy gifts and take pictures of him and other boys. The boy's parents forbade him to contact their son, but he did not stop, lying to the mother and encouraging the boy to be secretive. Admitted to police to inappropriate relationships with boys. Found guilty in 1/2012 of concealment of the whereabouts of a child and corruption of minors; got 2 years' probation. Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Slocum testified that the Diocese knew in 1980 of an 'inappropriate relationship' with a 14-year-old girl. Also involved with a 17-year-old girl. Said he had a 'relationship' with 16-year-old boy the same year. Treatment in 1991 at the diocese's Ecclesiastic Center. Diocese knew in 1995 of involvement with a high school senior boy. Sent to St. Michael's in MO for treatment. Returned to ministry. Laicization announced in 11/2016. Per the Diocese's list in 1/2023, Slocum died in 1/2020.

Fr. Thomas E. Smith

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 02/6/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Included in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Bishop Murphy knew of an allegation of abuse in 1984 of a 17-year-old boy. Health Leave 2/1984-10/1984. Residential treatment 3/1985 - 8/1985. Treated 12/1986-4/1987 at Ecclesia Center in Girard, then St. Luke's INstitute in MD until 11/30/1987. Facility said he had "driven, compulsive, and long standing obsession with sexually assaulting children" and that the sexual assaults continued after his first treatment in 1984. Admitted in treatment to abuse, including rape, of at least 15 boys, as young as age 7. Returned to parish ministry. Active in a ministry program for Catholic children. Report to the Diocese in 9/1993 of abuse of a 9-year-old boy. Suspended in 2002 after report of abuse 1968-1970 of a boy, ages 10-12. Settlement (less than $100,000) reached in early 2002. Criminal charges filed in 3/2008; dropped due to statute of limitations. Laicized in 2006. Per the Diocese's list in 1/2023, Smith died in 2/2021.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Thomas Snyderwine

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Monsignor. First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. DuBois Central Catholic and Erie Prep faculty member. Parish priest, pastor. On Presbyteral Council. In 1996 a fifth-grade girl at St. Boniface School told the principal, Sr. Steff, that five years prior her godfather, Msgr. Snyderwine, took a shower with her and touched her in ways that made her feel uncomfortable. Sr. Steff spoke with the girls' parents who said they knew of the incident and told their daughter to stay away from him. Sr. Steff said she confronted Snyderwine. In 2002 Sr. Steff told Bishop Trautman of the incident. Per Trautman, the parents did not want to pursue the matter. Snyderwine retired in 8/2012. Remained active in 2018. Added to the Diocese's list in 12/2018 as under investigation. Per the list updated 2/15/2023, the allegations were credible and Snyderwine was forbidden to function as a priest.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Daniel J. Taylor

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 09/28/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Ordained for the Erie diocese. Assigned to the Tucson diocese in 1981 and again in 1984. Became a priest of the Diocese of Tucson in 1992. Placed on leave by Tucson in 1999 after it learned of allegations against him of abuse occurring during his time in Erie. Taylor said that he had taken some people with him on a vacation and they claimed that he touched them during the night. One adult and two teenagers were on the trip. Included on the Tucson diocese's list of credibly accused. On the Diocese of Erie's list 4/6/2018. Noted to be forbidden to function as a priest. Per the list updated 1/18/2024, Taylor died in 9/2023.

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Diocese of Tucson List 09.06.08

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Seminarian John (Jack) Tome

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused of repeatedly sexually abusing 6 siblings: 4 girls and 2 boys, ages 8-13, in the 1970s. Tome was in seminary and called himself a Deacon. The family were dependent on their mother's work for Msgr. Karg at St. Brigid's. The parents allegedly often had Tome, Karg and another priest over for drinks. The alleged victims told the Grand Jury they were sure Karg knew of the abuse. Tome is noted in the GJ report to have failed out of seminary. Included on the Diocese of Erie's list updated in 1/2023.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Patrick B. Vallimont

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 10/7/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Erie PA

Vallimont's name was added to the diocese's list 5/18/2018. Hospitalized for severe depression in 9/1976. Wrote to the Vatican in 7/1977, requesting laicization and disclosing a brief sexual 'relationship' he had had with a 13-year-old girl, who was a parishioner. Laicized in 12/1977. Last known to be living in Union City, PA. Died in 10/2023.

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PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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