Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI - BishopAccountability.org

91 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Raymond J. Adamsky

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 10/3/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Assigned to 11 parishes in 34 years. Accused of molestation in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1971 and 1983. Name appears on Archdiocese's 4/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry because of credible allegations of abuse. Adamsky retired in 1993 and was fully restricted from priestly ministry. Case sent to the Vatican for review in 2004. Prayer and Penance requested. Died 10/3/14.

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Rev. Basil Joseph Anderson

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Benedict's Abbey of Benet Lake WI on its list 1/24/23. Noted to have abused in TX in the late 1970s and to have died in 2002. (Placing him in the Milwaukee archdiocese, where the Abbey is located.)

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St. Benedict’s Abbey List 01.24.23

Fr. Kenneth J. Anich

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor(s) by the Society of the Divine Word's Chicago Province. Abuse occurred in WI in 1980. Per its website in 6/2023, Anich is prohibited from public ministry, presenting himself as a priest and to contact with minors. Living since 2021 in Techny IL, where the Province is headquartered.

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Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province Assignments

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Fr. James L. Arimond

Ordained: 1965
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Placed on leave in 1/90 when allegations surfaced of abuse of a boy in 1988; privileges suspended in 7/90 when charges filed. Pleaded no contest in 7/90. Sentenced in 10/90 to 18 months probation and 45 days in a House of Corrections under a work-release program. Laicized in 1996. Began working in 1995 as a state-licensed professional counselor until ordered by the state to surrender his license in 7/03.

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Fr. Ronald J. Bandle

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 01/6/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Reportedly had a "relationship" with a 12-year-old in Waukesha in 1987. In 1993 ministry and contact with minors were restricted. Appointed in 6/96 as an assistant priest at St. Joseph and St. Kilian Parishes in Lyons and to nursing home ministry. Died in 1/01 after heart attack during Mass. Name on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Personnel file released in 7/13.

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Fr. James W. Beck

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name appears on Archdiocese's 7/9/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Case sent to the Vatican for review. List says that Beck "left priestly ministry" but no date. Shown as on "Special Assignment in the 1993 Catholic Directory. Not indexed in the Directories after 1995. The Archdiocese's assignment record for Beck in 2012 shows no assignments after 1989.

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Fr. Franklyn W. Becker

Ordained: 1964
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Removed in 7/02 for alleged abuse. Arrested in 5/03 on charges he abused a teenage boy in San Diego CA in the late 1970s; case ended in 7/03 by Supreme Court's Stogner decision. Worked in Wheeling-Charleston WV (Marshall U. chaplain and at St. Joseph's in Huntington 1/75-8/1/76.) and St. Louis MO in the mid-1970s. Civil suit filed in 12/03 alleged abuse in 1982; dismissed on SOL; upheld by appeals court in 8/06. A claim included in 9/1/06 $16.65M settlement. Laicized in 11/04 per archdiocese. First allegation reported in 3/63 when Becker was a seminarian. New suit filed in 9/10. Personnel files released in 7/13. On San Diego diocese 9/14/18 list. On Wheeling-Charleston diocese's list in late 2018.

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Fr. Michael C. Benham

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 02/29/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Complaint received by the Archdiocese in Fall 2003. Removed from ministry in 01/04 after a "substantiated" allegation that he sexually abused a boy multiple times in Racine 1976-80, starting when the boy was age 9. D.A'.s office determined that the statute of limitations had expired so it could not prosecute. Per the Archdiocese, Benham admitted abusing the boy. Laicized, per Archdiocesan list updated 11/26/07. Died 2/29/12. Personnel file released 7/13 shows 8/27/08 date for laicization.

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Fr. Martin Beyer

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 01/2/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Also known as Fr. Baldwin Beyer. Identified in 6/18/13 Capuchin audit report as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. Beyer's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was the subject of confirmed reports of inappropriate sexual behavior at St. Lawrence Seminary. Died 1/2/99.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Frederick J. Bistricky

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 12/17/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Multiple allegations of sexual abuse of boys. Complaints about Bistricky's behavior date at least to 1974, when parents of CYO teens wrote to the archbishop that Bistricky encouraged "mooning" and "streaking," appeared nude in front of the teens on a CYO trip and took a nude photo of a boy. Bistricky was reprimanded and sent to counseling. In 1997 the archdiocese received allegations Bistricky abused a boy, ages 13-16, in the early 1970s. Accuser said he was told Bistricky would have no contact with children, but in 2002 learned the priest was helping out at a local parish. Sklba was notified and immediately restricted Bistricky from active ministry. Allegations deemed credible but no prosecution due to SOL. In 2005 accused of abuse of an 11-year-old boy in 1968. Claim filed after 2011 archdiocesan bankruptcy of abuse including rape of an altar boy in the early 1970s. Bistricky died 12/17/06.

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Br. Antonine Lenga

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Status: Accused

Died: 04/22/1981
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe List as of 1/16/2024. Member of the Franciscans' Assumption Province. Professed final vows in 1948. Worked in Pulaski WI, Saginaw MI, Sturtevant WI, Grand Rapids MI. Infirmarian at the Chicago CYO boy's camp near Libertyville IL summers 1956-1969. Died in 1981 at age 67 at St. Joseph Friary in Sturtevant. (Placing Lenga in the Milwaukee archdiocese for now, where the province is based.)

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Fr. Floyd A. Brey

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 12/14/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list updated 2/21/2020. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring in 1958, while assigned to Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. Also on the Memphis diocese's list 2/28/2020. Brey worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Humboldt TN in 1971, and 1972-1975 he was chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital in Monett, MO. Added to Springfield-Cape Girardeau list by 4/13/2021 and on the Diocese of La Crosse list in 12/2020. He died 12/14/1996.

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Jesuits Midwest Assignment Record

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Fr. Daniel A. Budzynski

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Known abuser as of 1969. Admitted abuse of at least 30 boys, accused of abusing at least 50. Name included on Milwaukee archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry because of credible allegations of abuse. Retired in 1994. Laicized 10/29/04. At least one civil suit underway in 7/13. Included on La Crosse diocese's list 1/18/20.

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Fr. Peter A. Burns

Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

A woman complained to police and church in 1987 that her son had been abused during sleepovers at the St. Peter Claver Parish rectory in Sheboygan during Burns' first and only assignment. Burns pleaded no contest in 1992 to charges he molested another youth and was sentenced to 9 months in jail and 10 years probation. Civil suit filed in 1993; settled in 1994. One victim died by suicide in the 1990s. At least one other victim known. Laicized per Archdiocese website list updated as of 11/26/07. On Sex Offender Registry.

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Fr. James Buser

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 12/21/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Buser, (a freshman counselor at St. Lawrence Seminary), Gale Leifeld and Jim Wolf are accused of molesting a boy in 1978 while he was a student in a Capuchin-run high school and later at a boarding house. A civil suit filed in 1993 was rejected by court in 1995 as beyond the statute of limitations. Numerous victims reported abuse but no action by Leifeld, his supervisor. Buser died 12/21/79. Name included on Capuchin list of friars with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors released 6/18/13.

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Fr. S. Joseph Collova

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Died: 01/4/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

A 1993 civil suit claims "hundreds of occasions" of abuse of a youth 1980-87. Collova was barred from public ministry in 1994. Still "on leave" per 2002 Catholic Directory. Fully restricted from ministry per 2004 list. Collova cut his ties with the Catholic Church by joining another denomination or sect. He was "excommunicated" per Archdiocesan website updated after 11/26/07. In 6/09 the Chicago-based American Apostolic Church installed Collova as a bishop in Milwaukee. Died 1/4/13.

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Fr. John T. Donovan

Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 06/2/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

A woman sued in 1992 alleging Donovan used his position as a priest to coerce her into a sexual relationship 1959-65. She said the grooming started when she was in high school. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that one could not accuse a religious entity with negligent hiring or training. US Supreme Court refused to revive the case (2/96). Retired in 1993 and died 6/2/10.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Andrew P. Doyle, III

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 06/17/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Multiple allegations of abuse surfaced in the 1990s. Leave of absence without privileges in 1995. Name on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Per the list, Doyle was laicized. Personnel files released in 7/13 seem to show him voluntarily laicized as of 11/30/96. He died 6/17/10.

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Fr. William J. Effinger

Ordained: 1960
Status: Convicted

Died: 12/4/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused of molesting numerous boys and girls from first assignment to last. Plied children with alcohol. Transferred multiple times. At least one incident of abuse reported to the Archdiocese in 1979 - there was a psychological report on Effinger addressed to Archbishop Weakland. Seven men and two women settled out of court with the Archdiocese in 1994. Sentenced to 10 years in jail in 1993 for molesting a 14-year-old boy in 1988. Died of cancer in prison in 12/96. Some of personnel file released in 7/13.

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Fr. Tom Eichenberger

Ordained: 1976
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor St. Francis Borgia, Cedarburg when placed on leave 9/4/15 during an investigation of alleged sexual abuse of a 7th-grade boy in 1977, when assigned to Holy Assumption in West Allis. Eichenberger denied the allegations. Claim had been filed as part of the archdiocese's 2011 bankruptcy; Archbishop Listecki stated the priest was not identified until recently. Report made to DA, but no prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Listecki announced 11/15/15 that the Review Board found the accusations "unsubstantiated" and Eichenberger would return to ministry.

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Fr. Ronald Engel

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Placed on leave in late 4/04 after the Archdiocese learned that Engel was being investigated by police for possession of child pornography on a computer. Still on leave as of 8/04. Per Archdiocesan website accessed 2/25/11 and again 2/11/21 Engel was "fully restricted from ministry."

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Fr. George A. Etzel

Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 04/11/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Etzel retired in 1984 and died in 2003 at age 85. His name appears on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse.

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Fr. William J. Farrell

Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued

Died: 09/18/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Farrell retired in 1990 and died in 9/99. His name appeared on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. At least one claim filed during the Archdiocese bankruptcy 2011-12. The plaintiff alleged abuse in 1973 when he was an 11-year-old boy.

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Fr. James M. Flynt

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Parishioners and staff at Flynt's first two parish assignments complained to the bishop about Flynt's behavior. Known for inappropriate expressions of affection for young men. Known in 1992 to be legal guardian of a 6th-grade boy. Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/9/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry because of credible allegations of abuse. Shown as laicized per the Archdiocese's list updated 11/26/07. Laicization date 6/24/04 per personnel file released in 7/13.

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Fr. John M. Furdek

Ordained: 1984
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Priest of the Joliet Diocese. Arrested in WI in 2/2000 on charges of using the internet to set up a meeting with a 14-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover police officer. Privileges removed. Pleaded guilty in WI in 3/2003. Sentenced to 15 years in prison on attempted sexual assault. Served three years. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 4/2006. Paroled in 5/2006. Forced in 2/2007 to move from a condo because a daycare was on the first floor and a school was next door. On Sex Offender Registry. Permanently removed from ministry. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Br. Thomas J. Gardipee

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in 12/92 of sexual misconduct with St. Lawrence Seminary High School students. Charged in 1/93 with enticing a child for immoral purposes and intimidation. Judge dismissed case, noting evidence Gardipee disrobed in front of boy. Suit in 4/93 said he abused, harassed and stalked teen; expanded in 1994, accusing Capuchins of coverup. Suit said to have settled and Gardipee was barred from teaching and ministering to minors. WI teaching license denied. Left Capuchins in 2001; taught in private Hawaii High School from 2002. Leave in 9/09; resigned in 11/09. Included on the Capuchins St. Joseph Province list of those with substantiated allegations against them.

Br. Rene (Bernard) Gawlik

Donate Photo

Order: SVD
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Professed vows in 1959. Worked in IL, OH, WI. Died in 2019. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its list 4/18/21. Abuse occurred in the 1960s-1970s in East Troy, WI. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least one "reported survivor."

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Divine Word Missionaries Assignments

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Sr. Norma Giannini

Order: RSM
Status: Convicted

Died: 04/18/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Removed from ministry by order in 1992 after archdiocese reported complaints. No report to police. Sent for treatment and assigned to office work. Retired. Publicly accused in 2006 of abusing two male students multiple times in the 1960s at St. Patrick's Elementary School in Milwaukee. Transferred in the 1970s to an all-girls school in the Chicago area. Indicted on two felony counts in 12/06. Admitted to other victims. Sentenced in 2/08 to 1 year in jail, 9 years probation. Released in 4/09. Civil suit filed in 5/09. Died 4/18/11 in Omaha.

Br. Leonard Gibeault

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Identified in 6/18/13 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a former friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Gibeault's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was the subject of confirmed reports of inappropriate sexual behavior at St.Lawrence Seminary. He was restricted from ministry and then left the order.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. James M. Godin

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Godin resigned in 2002 and acknowledged involvement in "inappropriate behavior" with a 17-year-old boy 19 years before, when he had a drinking problem. Facts became known during a 5/02 review of personnel files. Was fully restricted from priestly ministry per 2004 Archdiocesan statement. Had been laicized by time list was revised in 11/07. Granted a license to practice social work by the state in 2011.

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Fr. Matthew Gottschalk

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Gottschalk co-founded House of Peace in 1968. Per claims filed as part of Milwaukee bankruptcy, three individuals accused Gottschalk of abusing them as minors in the 1970s and in 1993. He admitted to committing "inappropriate" act against a minor. Order says most of the actions were not criminal acts per DA's office. Retired as head of House of Peace and was moved to Order's headquarters in Detroit.

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Fr. Joseph H. Haas

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Placed on leave in 2/04 due to allegations that he molested a young girl in 1977. Haas told his parish that he was taking leave on doctor's orders; the archbishop sent a letter clarifying the situation. D.A. ruled that the 1977 incident was too old to prosecute. A previous allegation of less serious inappropriate behavior was received in 2000; no action. The Review Board determined that the allegations were unsubstantiated. Retired in 9/04.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Edmund H. Haen

Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 10/23/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Per a 4/02 news report, Haen abused at least three boys in the 1940s. One accuser said at least two priests failed to report the molestations when they occurred. He told Archbishop Weakland in 1989. Haen was forced to retire in 1990. Auxiliary Bishop Richard Sklba told the victim in 1992 that Haen had admitted the abuse and had been placed on severe restrictions. Haen died in 1997. Several other victims known.

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Fr. Charles T. Hanel

Ordained: 1983
Status: Charges Dropped

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Assigned to Queen of Apostles in Pewaukee when arrested 9/18, charged with second degree sexual assault of a child. Accused of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl during confession on 12/17/17. He denied the allegation. Pled not guilty in 1/19. Mistrial in 3/20 after publicity that the alleged victim's mother was attempting to gain legal status to stay in the U.S. The D.A. decided not to seek new charges. The archdiocese announced in 8/20 that it found the allegations to be "unsubstatiated and false" and that Hanel would be returned to ministry.

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Fr. David J. Hanser

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Four brothers came forward in 1988 with allegations that Hanser abused them as boys about 30 years prior. Hanser, who "retired" in 4/02, had worked in the Milwaukee hospital system since 1991. One of the men who reached a $65K settlement with the Archdiocese in 1990 also sued Hanser in 2002. Settled in 2003. Accused of abusing at least a dozen children in the 1960s-1980s. Retired without privileges in 2002. Laicized in 2005. New suit filed in 9/09 by two.

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Fr. Harold Herbst

Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 09/1/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name included on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Retired in 1971 and died in 1979. At least two settlements totaling $150K in 2004 and 2005 with various accusers.

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Fr. Mel W. Hermanns

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 01/24/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor of Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Chicago 3/18/2012. Removed in 9/2012; living under supervision. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. First incident in 1969 involved a St. Lawrence Seminary student. Reported in 1993. Order paid for student's counseling. Hermanns sent to Paracletes. Also reported in 1990 for suspect conduct involving physical activities with minor males. Died in 1/2021. Name included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. George S. Hopf

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 10/16/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Placed on sick leave in 1/1976 after a stroke. Several allegations from the 1960s made in 2002. One settlement in 2004. Name on the Archdiocese's 7/2004 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Died 10/16/2004. Personnel file released in 7/2013. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes two "reported survivors."

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Fr. James N. Jablonowski

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

In 5/02 two people separately came forward to the archdiocese with allegations that they had been sexually abused as minors by Jablonowski in the 1970s. The complaints were referred to D.A.'s office. Jablonowski was placed on leave. The D.A. did not pursue charges due to the statute of limitations. The Archdiocese had an independent investigator look into matter who substantiated the claims. Another alleged victim came forward in 9/02; again, no prosecution due to SOL. Name appeared on Archdiocese's list in 7/04. Fully restricted from ministry. Laicized 6/30/06, per personnel files released in 7/13.

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Fr. Paul D. Janette

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 02/11/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Per the archdiocese, it received multiple allegations of the sexual abuse of minors by Janette: a report in 2010 alleged groping in 1974 of a 14-year-old; reports in 2011 of groping of a 14-year-old and 15-year-old in 1974 and 1976, and a non-specific report of abuse in 1967. The allegations were sent to the District Attorney but were beyond the statute of limitations. Ministry restricted in 2011, then permanently restricted after the Diocesan Review Board deemed that two of the allegations had "the semblance of truth." Ordered by the Vatican in 2015 to a life of prayer and penance. Died in 2017.

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Archdiocese of Milwaukee Assignment Record 06.22.01

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Fr. Robert J. Joda

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Taught 1952-1955, while a seminarian, at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien WI. Faculty member at Marquette University for 50 years. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to Marquette University in 1970. Permanently removed from public ministry. Known in 2016 to be living in a Milwaukee retirement community. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

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Br. Robert E. Joyce

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Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Entered the order in 1953. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring while assigned to Marquette University High School 1963-1965. Dismissed from the order 7/5/1965.

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Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

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Jesuits Midwest Province List 12.17.18

Fr. Phillip C. Keyes

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Ordained: 1958
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Ordained for the Diocese of Madison. Left in 1976. Became a priest the breakaway, traditionalist Society of St. Pius X. Convicted of first degree sexual assault of 10-year-old boy in 1993. Sentenced to one year in jail, with privileges to get out to feed cats and take care of home. Sued in 1994 by the youth and an adult alleging abuse when he was a minor in 1982-84. Suit settled in 1994. Keyes paid some to both parties. Diocese and order had settled earlier. Died in 1998.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Marvin T. Knighton

Ordained: 1975
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Charged in 6/02 with sexual assault of a teenage boy more than 10 years prior. In 1993 the alleged victim's father complained to Knighton who went to the diocese and asked for investigation. Jury found him not guilty in 8/03 but Review Board later deemed allegations credible. In 4/04 Bishop asked Vatican to laicize him. Two other allegations were made against Knighton. Laicized in 2011. Claimed Milwaukee owed him about $450K in past wages and benefits. Personnel files released 7/1/13. Worked in AZ schools for almost 20 years.

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Fr. John T. Knotek

Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 01/6/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Assigned to St. James Parish in Menomonee Falls 1968-72, where he was later accused of 'involvement' with young girls. Other allegations dated to the 1950s. He denied the allegations. Retired in 1988. Name included on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry because of credible allegations of abuse. Living life of prayer and penance as of 11/6/04. Died 1/6/06. Personnel file released in 7/13.

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Fr. Michael R. Kolb

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Died: 03/8/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to Marquette University High School in 1986. Permanently removed from public ministry. Per the Province's list updated in 10/2023, abuse also is alleged in to have occurred in 1990. Kolb died 3/8/2023.

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Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

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Fr. Edward J. Konat

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused several times while assigned to the Salt Lake diocese of sexual advances toward 'young men.' Included on the Harrisburg diocese's list released 8/1/2018. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/2018. No known allegations during his brief time in Harrisburg. On the Salt Lake City diocese's list 12/4/2018. It notes abuse of two minors in 1984, reported 11/4/2002 and 12/15/2010. His faculties were removed and he left UT in 3/2085. Expelled by the Jesuits in 1981. On the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/2018. Per the Province's revised list 2/21/2020, there was a single allegation of abuse occurring in 1974 while assigned to Marquette University HS in Milwaukee, WI.

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Fr. Michael J. Krejci

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Admitted to inappropriately touching two teenagers in 1979. He told the teens' parents shortly after the incidents and apologized. The parents did not want to report the incidents to authorities. In 1986 and again in1994 Krejci told the archdiocese's Vicar of Clergy of the 1979 incidents. He sought treatment in 1991. After his 1994 disclosure he was removed from his parish. The archdiocese sent him to two years of inpatient and outpatient treatment for sexual issues and alcohol. He was reassigned to ministry (with monitoring) in 1996, and again placed on leave in 2002. Laicized, per the archdiocese's list accessed 7/1/13.

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Fr. Eugene T. Kreuzer

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 05/16/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Allegation of abuse in 1969 became public in 2004. Kreuzer confirmed that the abuse took place during a fishing trip and involved alcohol consumption. Says that he went to the bishop at the time and asked for a leave of absence. He underwent testing and it was decided he could continue in ministry. He was on sick leave 10/58 through 3/71 before being given a new parish assignment. Retired in 1992. Archbishop decreed life of prayer and penance 3/14/05. Died 5/16/07.

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Fr. Oswald G. Krusing

Ordained: 1926
Status: Accused

Died: 10/29/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Krusing retired in 1970 and died in 1995 at age 96. Per his obituary, he spent a year in Rhode Island in the early 1940s as a Trappist monk, then returned to his role as a Milwaukee archdiocesan priest. Served as a Tribunal judge. Documents show that archdiocesan officials knew for decades of allegations of Krusing's sexual abuse of children, yet kept him in ministry.

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Fr. Jerome E. Lanser

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 03/12/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused of sexually assaulting a boy, ages 8-13, during 1964-69. Civil suit filed in 1992. In 6/97 the WI Supreme Court ruled that victims of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse only have two years after becoming adults to file suit and thus dismissed seven suits against four priests, including Lanser. There was later a settlement in the case. Retired in 2000. Numerous allegations reportedly surfaced after his retirement. Remained fully restricted from ministry until his death 3/12/12. Archdiocese allowed his burial in full vestments in Belgium.

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Fr. James LaReau

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in 1992 of performing oral sex on a 16-year-old student at St. Lawrence Seminary Preparatory School in the 1970s, where he was a Latin teacher. The same student was abused on multiple occasions at the same school by Gale Leifeld. LaReau is not listed in the 1979-82 Catholic Directories. The Saginaw diocese, where it notes he was assigned 1981-85, included him on its list 8/9/19. He died in 1987.

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Fr. Kevin Lawecki

Donate Photo

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 01/30/1961
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Died in 1961, age 37. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Franciscans as of 1/2024. Member of the Assumption Province. (Placing Lawecki in the Milwaukee archdiocese for now, where the province is based.)

Sources:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Franciscans List 01.16.24

Fr. Gale Leifeld

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 06/22/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Principal of St. Lawrence Seminary until 1982, then academic dean at Sacred Heart School of Theology until 1993. A civil suit alleges Leifeld, Jim Buser and James Wolf molested a student at St. Lawrence. Plaintiff went on to be a counselor for men abused by clergy and claims his therapy in 1992 revealed flashbacks. Suit tried in 1995 but jury found it was too late under the statute of limitations. Leifeld admitted in a deposition to abuse of at least seven, but not of plaintiff. He died in 6/94.

Fr. William E. Lemanski

Donate Photo

Order: SAC
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Lemanski had lived under supervision at a rectory close to a school for 11 years after admitting he abused a minor (possibly in 1990). In 3/02, Fr. Robert Carney, a former Provincial, wrote a letter apologizing to the victim and said that Lemanski had received therapy and was not assigned to any priestly ministry except saying mass for nuns at a convent. In 9/04, SNAP asked the Order to move him.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Milwaukee Catholic Herald 09.23.04

Fr. Eldred B. Lesniewski

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 08/22/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

As priest and religious instructor, Lesniewski abused minor altar boys at St. Joseph's Orphanage. He abused one boy 1961-90 (age 11-40). Civil suit filed in 1992. Lesniewski's name was included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of allegations of abuse. He retired in 1992 and died in 1996.

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Fr. Daniel J. Massie

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Associate Pastor at St. Mary Parish 1980-86. Multiple allegations that he abused young girls there. At least one settlement in 1992. Treatment in 1992 for alcoholism and sexual issues. Removed in 8/02 without privileges from current parish because of history of inappropriate sexual behavior with minors. Laicized per Archdiocese's list of accused priests dated 11/07. Actual laicization date was 8/3/09 per personnel file released in 7/13. Allowed to work for the state as a social worker and substance abuse counselor 2006 until 2/17, when he stepped down.

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Fr. Joseph F. Mika

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 11/17/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in 2004 of abusing a girl at a Catholic school in Pulaski. As of 2008 Mika was still with the Franciscans, "under appropriate restrictions." The Order had paid nearly $16K for counseling for the alleged victim. In 1/2009, however, they declined to pay for additional counseling, citing the "downturn" in the economy. Mika died 11/17/2009. Included as of 1/2024 on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province's list of credibly accused. (Member of the Assumption Province.)

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Br. Cypriano Molelos Pina

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Order: OSB
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the St. Benedict's Abbey Benedictines of Beney Lake WI on 1/24/23. Professed vows in 1966, left the same year. Abuse allegedly occurred in Mexico in the 1960s. (Placing him in the Milwaukee archdiocese, where the Abbey is located.)

Sources:

St. Benedict’s Abbey List 01.24.23

Fr. Mark L. Molling

Ordained: 1980
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Removed from assignment at St. Paul Parish in Genesee Depot, WI 3/17/12 after allegations of sexual molestation of a minor dating back to the 1990s. Chaplain for many years at Ethan Allen School for Boys. The claim was filed as part of the archdiocese's bankruptcy proceedings. D.A. would not prosecute. Molling denied the allegations. Review Board deemed the allegations not credible in 5/12 and Molling was returned to ministry.

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Fr. John N. Morfin

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Entered the Jesuit order in 1954. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 2/21/2020. It notes a single allegation of abuse, occurring 1970-1971 while assigned to Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. Morfin was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1983.

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Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 02.21.20

Sources:

Jesuits Midwest Province List Revised 02.21.20

Fr. Lawrence C. Murphy

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 08/21/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Resigned as director of St. John School for Deaf in 1974 after complaints by students. Reassigned to parishes in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of Superior (where he abused at least two). Suit filed in 1975; settled before trial. Murphy told the Archdiocese he sexually abused 34 boys at the school. He died in 1998. Suit filed in 7/08. Documents released in 5/09 and 7/13 show he abused over 200 youths. New suits filed in 8/09 and 11/09. Suit filed in 2010 against the Vatican, dismissed in 2/12. Included in 11/22 on the Diocese of Superior's list of credibly accused, where he assisted parishes during retirement for almost 20 years.

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Fr. Donald T. Musinski

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 05/10/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

A woman notified the Archdiocese in 1997 that Musinski abused her from ages 7 to 13 when she was a parishioner at St. Adalbert's in Milwaukee. No action. Musinski retired in 1999 and died in 2006. In late 2012, his name was quietly added to Milwaukee's list of priests with substantiated allegations posted as part of federal bankruptcy proceedings. Personnel file was to be released in 2013.

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Fr. Michael T. Neuberger

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Accused in a 1993 civil suit of sexually abusing a boy 1964-66. The plaintiff also sued two insurance companies. Accused in a 1994 suit of abusing a boy in 1968. In 6/97 the WI Supreme Court dismissed the suits and five more against other priests after ruling that victims with repressed memories of sexual abuse have just two years after reaching the age of majority to file complaints. Dismissed from the clerical state in 1998. Neuberger appealed. In 2008 the archbishop, with the Vatican's authorization, gave Neuberger the status of "fully restricted from public ministry."

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Fr. Richard W. Nichols

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 07/25/1996
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Parish priest, child psychologist. In 2009 a man stated publicly that Nichols raped him at age 13 in 1966 when he was an altar boy at SS. Peter and Paul, where Nichols was assigned. He said he told his parents who felt they couldn't challenge the Church. In 1980 two boys told their parents they were abused by Nichols as altar boys at St. Aloysius in West Allys in the 1970s. The parents went to the pastor, who suggested the boys write a letter to Archbishop Weakland. At least one did. The Archdiocese offered counseling but allowed Nichols to continue in ministry. One of the two in 2002 said the abuse started in 1974 and included rape. Nichols admitted in 1984 to sexual abuse of a boy, who was his patient, in 1978. Complaints filed in 1983 and in 1985. After publicity, Nichols surrendered his psychology license and was removed from ministry. He died in 1996 at age 63.

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Br. David J. Nickerson

Order: BGS
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Known as "Brother Dave" while ministering in Milwaukee in the 1980s, Nickerson confessed in 2007 to abuse of a 9- or 10-year-old boy in the mid-1980s at St. Vincent De Paul school. This was only after another "Brother Dave" (David Sanders) had been arrested, convicted at trial, and given a 15- year sentence as of 1/07. The real Brother Dave was arrested in 6/08 in MO and was being returned to WI. In treatment at RECON in MO as of 7/08. Sentenced to 5 years in prison.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Michael E. Nowak

Ordained: 1997
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor at St. Theresa of Liseiux Parish in Kenosha when removed in 5/11 after a 14-year-old girl's parents complained to police that he had recently made inappropriate telephone call(s) (containing sexually-explicit language) to the girl. No physical contact took place per the archdiocese. A second girl, age 17, also filed a complaint saying she received the same type of calls from him. Charged. Pleaded guilty in 7/11. Sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year probation. A former nurse, Nowak was granted a partial registered nurse license in 2012 and a full license in 2013. Voluntarily laicized in 2015.

Fr. George A. Nuedling

Ordained: 1948
Status: Settled

Died: 01/29/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

As of 2002 Nuedling, who died in 1994, had been accused of abuse by five people. The first complaints surfaced in 1986 when a man said that Nuedling had abused him and possibly his brother as boys in the 1960s. Bishop Sklba confronted Nuedling who acknowledged misconduct. Another complaint was received in 1993 and Nuedling was forced to resign. At least ten suits were filed in 2002 and 2003. All were dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Most later settled.

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Fr. John A. O’Brien

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pleaded no contest in 11/00 to 4th degree sexual assault. Sentenced to 18 months' probation, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to undergo 6 months of psychiatric counseling for indecently touching a 17- year-old boy. He was permanently restricted from ministry in 2000 and laicized 4/3/09. Multiple allegations received against him.

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Fr. January Padlo

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 03/23/1976
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused on the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Franciscans' list as of 1/2024. Member of the Assumption Province. (Placing Padlo for now in the Milwaukee archdiocese, where the Province is based.) Worked in Cedar Lake IN, Toledo OH, Canton MA, Saginaw MI, Grand Rapids MI, Perrysburg OH. Died in 1976, age 60.

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Fr. Zacharias Palakunnel

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Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. From the Kerala Province, India. Joined the order in 1942. A single allegation received after his death of abuse occurring while assigned to St. Eugene's in Fox Point, 1973-1974. Palakunnel died in 1991.

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Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

Sources:

Jesuits Midwest Province List 12.17.18

Fr. Simon Palathingal

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

From India. Arrested in 6/04; charged with sexual assault of a young boy in 1990-91 in Milwaukee. Working at time of arrest in South Amboy, NJ, Metuchen diocese. Left WI 1991 and lived in India for some time before living and working in several U.S.states 1993-2004. Diocese knew in 1993 when youth testified about abuse by his uncle, Fr. Dennis Pecore, and by Palathingal. Also abused in LA. Sentenced to 16 years prison in 2004. Released in 12/11. Noncompliant on Sex Offender Registry 1/12. On Lake Charles diocese's list 4/11/19. Multiple victims noted of abuse in 2000. Allegations received 2000 and 2002.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Bert Pepowski

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Franciscans on its list as of 1/2024. Member of the Assumption Province. (Placing Pepowski in the Milwaukee archdiocese for now, where the Province is based.) Died in 2017.

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Fr. Donald R. A. Peters

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Retired in 1993 shortly after the Sheboygan County D.A. received an anonymous report of sexual abuse by Peters. He denied the allegation but the Archdiocese prohibited him from unsupervised contact with minors. Admitted in 2002 that he took graphic sexual photos of at least four teenage boys. One also accused him of fondling. Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry. Laicized 10/6/07 per personnel files released 7/13. Died in 12/18 at age 93.

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Fr. Jefferson Pool

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Order: SVD
Ordained: 1992
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors in 5/2021 by the Society of the Divine Word's Chicago Province. Abuse occurred in OH in 1977 and in WI in 1981. Per its website in 6/2023, Pool is prohibited from public ministry, presenting himself as a priest and to contact with minors. Living since 2021 in East Troy, WI.

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Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province Assignments

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Fr. Perry L. Robinson

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Assigned in 2/2011 to St. Gerald in Ralston, NE when removed after allegation of abuse in the 1980s in Milwaukee. Church bulletin said the Jesuits gave him a sabbatical for health reasons. Robinson had been accused while working at Marquette University High School in 1990 of having nude photos of students. He was then sent to treatment and transferred to NE. Name included on the Omaha archdiocese's list 11/30/2018. (It notes his removal was early 2012.) On the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/2018, which notes incidents 1974-1978. The Order's list in 10/2023 shows incidents occurring 1974-1981. Per the NE A.G.'s Report in 11/2021, Robinson was accused of inappropriate touching, sexual overtures to a minor and inappropriate sexual discussions with minor boys, all in the mid-1980s. He was sent after his removal to live in the Jesuit Community at Creighton, with no faculties to minister.

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Fr. Roger W. Schneider

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Last known assignment was at St. Francis Seminary 1966-71. Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Per the list 7/9/03, Schneider "left priestly ministry" (no date given). Per the Archdiocese's list 1/26/07, he had been laicized.

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Fr. Clarence J. Schouten

Ordained: 1929
Status: Settled

Died: 01/14/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Pastor of St. Joseph's in Milwaukee/Wauwatosa 1955-69. Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Schouten died 1/14/79. He was accused of molesting three girls, who were sisters, in the 1950s while assigned to St. Joseph's. One of the women settled for $125K in 2004.

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Fr. John P. Schreiter

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

A man told the Archdiocese in 3/04 of sexual abuse in the early 1980s. Schreiter said that the person was an adult at the time and denied all claims. Matter referred to AG's office which said statute had expired. Archdiocese continued investigation. In 8/04 the Review Board deemed the allegation unsubstantiated and Schreiter was reinstated. Removed again 6/10/12 due to a different sexual abuse allegation, involving a minor. He was scheduled to retire in two weeks and did so. Quietly reinstated again in 1/13.

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Fr. Vincent A. Silvestri

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 07/17/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Last assignment was at St. Dominic Parish (Brookfield) 1983-1993. Suffered a stroke in 2/93 and retired 10/30/93. Under restrictions as of 5/95. Died in 2000 at age 63. Personnel file released in 7/13. Allegations in late 1960s-early 1970s. Settlement with at least one.

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Fr. Thomas A. Trepanier

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

In 1998 a man told the archdiocese he was abused at ages 15-18 in 1977-79 by Trepanier, at St. Robert Parish in Shorewood. Trepanier resigned from his position in 5/02 after old allegations were investigated by the archdiocese. He wrote a letter telling his parishes of his background. As of 5/02, he was one of six priests with credible allegation of past abuse who were still working in active ministry. He remained fully restricted from ministry as of 3/12, per archdiocese website. Archbishop Dolan tried to have him laicized.

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Br. Camillus (Michael) Turkalj

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Order: SVD
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Worked in IL, MA, WI, IA, MI, OH, CA, PA. Professed vows in 1934. Died in 1987. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Order on its Chicago and Western Province lists in 2021. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least two "reported survivors," of abuse in 1955 in East Troy WI and 1959-1962 in Riverside CA.

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Divine Word Missionaries Chicago Province Assignments

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Fr. Joseph Turner

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Order: SDS
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 07/16/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Auxiliary Bishop Sklba admitted in a 2002 letter that he believed Turner had sexually assaulted a youth in the 1960s at St. Pius parish in Wauwatosa. Turner became a military chaplain in 1966 and served two tours in Vietnam. Left military after 10 years and returned to WI. He died in 2001. When the 2002 letter was written, the victim was serving a life sentence in prison.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Arthur O. Verdieck

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 10/16/1980
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/18. Died in 1980. Allegation received after his death of abuse in the 1950s. Unclear as to where. Worked or resided in Prairie du Chien, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Centennial, CO; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT.

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Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

Fr. Jerome A. Wagner

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Removed in 8/02. Was on Priest Placement Board and worked in a parish. Had been accused in 1985 of getting a 15-year-old boy drunk and molesting him. The boy's mother confronted Wagner and went to police. He stayed in his parish for eight months during the investigation before being transferred to another parish. Church said he would have no further contact with youths. Laicized after 11/26/07. Received $20K to seek laicization. Police were to receive personnel file in 2013 to investigate 2001 allegation. Went on to work as a licensed Funeral Director in Fond du Lac.

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Fr. John C. Wagner

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Name included on the Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. He is shown as "awaiting assignment" per 1993 Catholic Directory and "On leave" per the 2002 Directory. Remained fully restricted from ministry as of 3/3/12. Laicized in 12/12. Personnel files released 7/13.

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Fr. Charles W. Walter

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Included on Archdiocese's 7/04 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Last assignment was at St. Francis Cabrini Parish (West Bend) from 1987-93. Settlement paid to survivor in 1993. Was "on leave" 1993-94 and on "sick leave" 1994-99. Retired in 1999. Worked as supply priest. Privileges restricted in 2002. Remained fully restricted from ministry per 3/3/12 statement.

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Br. Didacus Weber

Order: OFM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province on its list as of 1/2024. Noted to have been removed from public ministry in 2006. Member of the Assumption Province. (Placing Weber in the Milwaukee archdiocese for now, where the Province is based.)

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Fr. Laurin J. Wenig

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Multiple allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. Per the archdiocese, it first received a report in 1992 of nude swimming with a 15-year-old in 1978-79; same alleged victim reported again in 2002, and said in 1981 there was nude swimming and "stroking stomach." The D.A. said "no sexual assault had occurred." Removed from St. Mary's Visitation in Elm Grove in 2/11 after an allegation that he molested a minor in the 1970s. Wenig denied all allegations in a letter to parishioners. No criminal charges filed due to the statute of limitations. Archdiocese was conducting its own investigation. Additional accusers came forward to report incidents having occurred in 1973-75, 1965, 1972, and 1981. Cases too old to prosecute. Matter sent to Vatican for review. Voluntarily laicized in 6/15. New report in 2021 of abuse by Wenig in the early 1990s.

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Fr. Siegfried Francis Widera

Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/25/2003
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Convicted in 1973 in Milwaukee of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. Other charges dropped. Kept his faculties, sent to the Diocese of Orange, CA; diocese aware of his behavior. Removed from ministry in 1985, sent to Jemez Springs, NM for treatment. Dropped out of treatment, became a businessman while still on "inactive leave" from Orange. Indicted in 2002 on 42 counts of child molestation. Fled from Tucson AZ to Mexico. May have tried to work as a priest in northern villages. Died by suicide in 5/2003 as police closed in on him in Mazatlan. There were 9 civil suits filed in CA and 3 in WI. WI cases dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Milwaukee settled with 9 CA plaintiffs for $16.65M on 9/01/2006. Church knew of history from ordination. Another CA case settled with Milwaukee in 3/2009. Personnel file released in 7/2013. Settlement in 12/2024 for $10M with a man alleging abuse by Widera at age 10 in 1984 and 1985 and by Fr. Eleuteria Ramos beginning at age 5.

Fr. Luke Zimmer

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 01/7/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee WI

Worked in NH, MA, HI, MN, CA and WI. Given permission to operate a Christian Renewal center in WI. As such, he participated as a priest at various churches. Plaintiff in a 1993 suit alleged that Zimmer abused her 1979-80 at one of these churches in WI. Zimmer was still active in 1993 as an instructor for Catholic Seminars. Died in 1/97.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Memorial Mass Homily 01.07.97

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.