Former San Jose Priest Accused of Child Sex Abuse Says He Feels "Blindsided"

By Haaziq Madyun
KRON
October 19, 2018

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-jose-priest-accused-of-sex-misconduct-says-he-feels-blindsided-/1536588849

The Catholic Diocese of San Jose has released 15 names of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of children.

The church says it attempted to make this list as accurate and complete as possible. The list includes the names of priests, the allegations, the year the abuse allegedly occurred, the year it was reported to the Diocese of San Jose, the current status of the priest, and if they are either permanently banned from the ministry, retired, or no longer living--and a history of their assignments.

There is only one priest on the list with a report made in 2018, Father Phil Sunseri. He has a previous report of abuse in 1987.

He was permanently banned from the priesthood a year later. He currently lives in San Jose.

In a text message, KRON4 asked him if he saw a recent report alleging that he massaged the backs of two high school boys.

His response:

"Oh sorry, yes I have. Just acknowledged that the incidents happened over 30 years ago, and I apologized to the young men who were over 15 and their families. Was led to believe that was the end of it. Felt blindsided yesterday but trying to move forward with the love, support, and prayers of family and friends.

In November, in an effort to ensure more transparency, the Diocese of San Jose is bringing in a former FBI executive assistant director to lead an independent team to audit priests personnel files.

Church officials say the names of priests connected to any credible allegations of sexually abusing children will be added to the list.