Conventual Franciscans – OFM Conv - BishopAccountability.org

43 Accused in This Religious Order

Fr. Mark Andrzejczuk

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 10/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl in 1978 and 1979 while assigned to Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda. The girl was a student. Another former student also sued in 2019, claiming Andrzejczuk molested her 1978-81 when she was ages 14-17. Andrzejzuk died in 2011.

Sources:

Buffalo News 10.15.19

Fr. Oderic Auer

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1895
Status: Accused

Died: 11/9/1950
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Assigned in NY, NJ, IN, IL, MI, KY. Died in 1950. Named publicly as accused by the Louisville archdiocese on its list in 2/2019 (name misspelled Orderic).

Sources:

Fr. Felix Bak

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 12/16/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Worked in IL, CA, MI, and Vatican City. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Chicago archdiocese on its list in 10/2022. Bak died in 2002. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, noting at least one "reported survivor."

Sources:

Fr. Edwin Banach

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 11/23/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

In 9/2002 the Order began investigating allegations that Banach abused two boys between 1963 and 1970 at St. Anthony of Padua. One person alleged abuse and the other alleged that Banach made sexual overtures. Banach spent the first nine years of his ministry at St. Anthony's, moved to a parish in California, then returned in 1963 to St. Anthony's. In 1970 Banach was transferred back to California. He died in 1984.

Sources:

Rockford Register Star 06.21.03

Fr. Ronald William Bohl

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Died: 01/19/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Toledo OH

Worked in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Diocese of Toledo, the Archdiocese of Louisville, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Accused of a single incident in 1986 of making a sexual advance toward a minor in Carey OH. A 1993 settlement contained a confidentiality agreement. In treatment 1986-1987, then reassigned to parish work. Removed from a Louisville KY parish in 6/2002. Also worked in the Dubuque and Indianapolis archdioceses. Died 1/19/2012 in KY.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Ronald Borman

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1992
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Arrested 10/11/2006 on charges of internet child seduction. Employed by Louisville KY archdiocese as a teacher 1978-1985. Worked as a priest 1992-1998 in the Lansing MI and Toledo OH dioceses and the Indianapolis IN archdiocese. Left the priesthood in 1998. Taught in Louisville archdiocesan schools until 2001, and in Louisville public middle schools until his arrest. Pleaded guilty in 2/2009 to one count of possession of child pornography. Sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Aurelian W. Brzezniak

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 06/27/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. James Smyka and Patrick Mendola, at St. Francis High School in the Buffalo diocese in 1977. The accuser claimed the abuse occurred in front of a group of priests in a shower room, and that it continued until he was age 8. Brzezniak died 6/27/11.

Sources:

Fr. Kevin Cole

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 09/25/1991
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

At least five suits were filed in 2002 claiming abuse of girls. Died in 1991. May have also abused in Ohio prior to arrival in Kentucky. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Leon Dicks

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 10/4/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ

Accused at some point of sexually abusing a girl, ages 11-14, about thirty times during 1958-1961, when the girl was a hospital patient. Dicks was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton where the girl received treatment, and the abuse occurred in her hospital room. A claim in the case was settled in 5/2020 in the low six figures. Dicks died 10/4/2009.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

Sources:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

Br. Francis Dominic

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Given name was Anthony Salomone. Assigned to Conventual Franciscans' Province of Our Lady of Consolation, based in Mount St. Francis, IN, 1969 -1980. Transferred to the Conventual Franciscans' Province of St. Bonaventure, based in Chicago, before leaving the order in 1989. Named as an abuser of at least six boys in lawsuits filed in 2002 in KY. All accusers alleged they were abused in the early 1970s. Included on the Louisville archdiocese's list in 2/2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Daniel Emerine

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1941
Status: Settled

Died: 06/15/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Named in six lawsuits filed against the Louisville archdiocese in 2002. Allegedly abused five boys and one girl as grade school students. Several plaintiffs said they told church officials and/or teachers but no one believed them. Two additional suits were filed in 4/2003. Also worked in Dioceses of Lansing MI, Cleveland OH, Grand Rapids MI, Fort Wayne-South Bend IN, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis IN. Included in a massive 6/2003 settlement with the Louisville archdiocese. Died in 1986. On Louisville's list of accused in 2/2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Alfred Ewanowski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 10/18/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Name also spelled Evanowski or Evanoski. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's list of accused 4/24/2019, noting an allegation reported to the archdiocese in 2003 of abuse in 1967 of an Archbishop Curley High School student. Additional allegations followed of abuse while Ewanowski was a Curley High faculty member, where he was assigned 1968-1976. He died in 1990. Included in the 4/6/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. It shows that the man who had come forward in 2003 initially reported his abuse in 1999 in a letter to the former Curly High president, and said that he had told a faculty member at the time period of the abuse. The Archdiocese and High School settled with the man in 2009. A second former student reported abuse by Ewanowski in 1969, and a settlement record in 12/2015 indicates another allegation of abuse by the priest in about 1972 at Curley High.

Sources:

Fr. Theodore Feely

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 09/25/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Rockford IL

Feely worked in IL, CA and NV. In 2002 two men separately alleged Feely abused them as boys in IL 1968-1972. One of the men filed a civil suit in 2/2006 against the Rockford Diocese claiming Feely repeatedly sexually abused him, including rape, at age 13 in 1969. The man said the abuse started on a four-day trip to the Wisconsin Dells. He said he was awakened by the priest choking him, and was then sodomized. Feely's accuser also said he told another priest during confession, who pulled him out of the confessional, said he was evil then pushed him down the stairs. The lawsuit was dismissed on SOL. Feely died in NV in 1991. On Rockford diocese's list 11/14/2018. On Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019. On Stockton diocese's list 11/12/2020; worked there at St. George's 1981-1982. Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022 (name misspelled 'Feeley.') Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Alphonsus Figlewski

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Settled

Died: 12/5/1948
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Also known as Alphonse. Ordained in 1905. Worked in Shamokin PA, Milwaukee WI, Chelsea MA, Bridgeport CT, Baltimore MD, Ellicott City MD, Loretto Italy, and Hamburg NY. Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. Assigned to St. Stanislaus in Fells Point, Baltimore 1924-1939. Died in 1948. In 1997 and again in 2002 a man reported to the Archdiocese that he was sexually abused as a boy in the 1930s by Figlewski. The man said Figlewski would take altar boys one at a time on trips on the streetcars, instructing them to wear short pants for the trips. The priest provided the shorts from a "sizable wardrob[e] he maintained for this purpose." Figlewski would reach into the boys' pants and fondle them during the streetcar rides. The man eventually received a settlement from the Archdiocese.

Sources:

Br. Kerry Guillory

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of El Paso TX

Accused in suit filed in NM 11/07 of abuse of a teen boy 1976-77 in Las Cruces, NM, then part of the Diocese of El Paso, TX. Guillory was running a shelter in Louisville, KY when suit filed. He denied the allegations. Suit named both Las Cruces and El Paso dioceses. Two other suits filed, in 2008 and 2009. On Las Cruces diocese's list 11/8/18. Suit filed 2/19 in NM claiming Guillory raped a 7-year-old boy 1972-74 at St. Edward's school in Carlsbad. On Lake Charles' diocese's list 4/11/19; allegations received 1986 and 2015 of abuse of multiple minors in 1983 in Jennings. On El Paso's list 1/31/19.

Sources:

Fr. Brennan Harris

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Indianapolis IN

First named publicly as accused on Indianapolis archdiocese's list 10/12/18. Noted to have one victim, abuse allegedly occurring in 1971. On Lake Charles diocese's list 4/11/19; multiple victims noted, occurring 1983-87 in Lake Arthur, LA and Port Arthur, TX. Principal of St. Maria Goretti High School in Lake Arthur. Diocese received allegations 1991 and 1995. Removed from ministry by Order. Died in 1993.

Sources:

Fr. Bertrand W. Horvath

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 09/13/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Orange CA

Sued in 2002. Accused of the sexual abuse of an altar boy at Mission Viejo in the early 1970s, before the Diocese of Orange was formed. Horvath's order sued the Los Angeles Archdiocese to force them to share responsibility. He left the archdiocese in 1974, then worked in several dioceses, including Amarillo, for many years. Placed on leave and retired in 2001 after the Diocese of Orange notified the Diocese of Amarillo of the abuse. Died in 2012. On the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Clement R. Jarnot

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Died: 05/12/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 10/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy, ages 14-15, in 1972-73. The boy was a St. Francis High School student and Jarot was the school's Director of Admissions and a guidance counselor. Jarnot died in 2008.

Sources:

Fr. Placid Kaczorek

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Died: 02/27/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor by the Springfield MA Diocese on its list 6/2/2021. The abuse allegedly occurred 1973-1981. Kaczorek worked in the diocese 1970-2001: at Saith Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby 1970-1988; St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Chicopee 1988-1990; at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica in Chicopee 1991-2001. He died in 2016. In 11/2024 the Diocese announced that there were three additional credible allegations against Kaczorek.

Sources:

Fr. Gregory Kareta

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 10/4/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Monterey CA

Publicly accused in the Monterey diocese in 2003 of abuse of an 11-year-old boy in 1973-1974. Three other alleged victims corroborated the charges. Criminal charges were dismissed in 2003 due to Supreme Court ruling regarding statutes of limitations. Kareta also admitted abusing a youth in the 1960s in WI. Accuser told the L.A. Archdiocese in 1985; Kareta was kept active. Died 10/4/2006. Personnel file released in 1/2013. On the Monterey Diocese's list 1/2/2019. It notes a report received in 2002 of abuse in the 1970s. Included on the Fresno diocese's 8/2021 list of credibly accused. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. John Earl Kelty

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Springfield on its list 6/2/2021. Assigned to San Domiano Friary in Holyoke 1981-1982. Accused of sexually abusing a minor in the 1980s. Died in 1993.

Assignments:

Diocese of Springfield MA List updated 06.02.21

Sources:

Diocese of Springfield MA List updated 06.02.21

Fr. Michael Kolodziej

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Ordained for the Buffalo diocese before joining Order of Friars Conventual in 1978. Former Minister Provincial of the Order. Worked in MD, NY, MA and GA as teacher, including in the Springfield MA diocese. Principal of Cardinal O'Hara High in Buffalo diocese 1982-1988, and assistant principal at St. Francis High in Athol Springs 1979-1982. Head of the Order's St. Anthony of Padua Province 2001-2010, responsible for creating a system to prevent child sexual abuse in the Province and for addressing allegations against member of the Order. In 11/2013 a former student at Archbishop Curley High in Baltimore alleged that Kolodziej sexually abused him on several occasions 1975-1979 while "wrestling." Suspended by Order from public ministry; archdiocese removed his faculties. Police were investigating. On the Atlanta archdiocese's list 11/6/2018. On Buffalo diocese's list updated 11/5/2018. On Baltimore's list 9/5/2019. Accused in two lawsuits filed in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of molesting boys at Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda NY, both in 1982-1983. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report. It details allegations of abuse by Kolodziej of six former students of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Buffalo NY, St. Francis High School in Athol Springs NY and Curley High School in Baltimore MD. A Curley High victim received a $50K settlement. Included in the 3/24/2023 GA PAC Report.

Fr. John Peter Krzyzanski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Atlanta GA

Found in 2000 by superiors with child pornography; sent to St. Luke's in MD for treatment. Admitted to viewing child porn and to an attraction to girls as young as age 11. Denied sexual contact with children. Underwent three psych evaluations over time. Moved in 2008 to a home for senior friars near Albany NY. Accused in a federal lawsuit settled in 2018 of sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy in suburban Atlanta 1997-1998. Allegedly called the boy out of his first communion class for confession, then had the boy touch his genitals under his robes. On a second occasion Krzyzanski was said to have made the boy perform oral sex on him, telling the boy that if he didn't comply, he wouldn't get into heaven. Dismissed by a judge due to the statute of limitations; settled out of court. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's report, name redacted. Referred to as #151. Included in the 3/24/2023 GA PAC report (name misspelled Kryzanski).

Sources:

Fr. Eugene Kwapisz

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 01/27/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Trenton NJ

Named publicly as accused by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian in 5/2021. Subject of a claim settled in 2021 in the low six figures. Allegedly sexually abused an altar boy, ages 13-16, 1983-1985, while assigned to St. Casimir in Riverside NJ. The abuse is said to have occurred in the parish rectory and in hotel rooms during trips. Kwapisz died 1/27/1988. Per his obituary, Kwapisz worked at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore MD for 10 years, then at parishes in PA, NJ and GA.

Assignments:

Law Offices of Mitchel Garabedian 05.27.21

Sources:

Fr. Michael M. Lewandowski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Taught at St. Francis High School in Hamburg and Cardinal O'Hara High in Tonawanda variously during 1976-1991. Worked in Altoona diocese beginning 1997. In 5/14, the order told Altoona that Lewandowski was the subject of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1980s [likely in Buffalo]. Removed by Altoona from St. Anne's in Davidsville, pending an investigation. Civil authorities notified. At some point, he also worked in the Springfield, MA diocese. A 2019 lawsuit claims abuse by the priest of a St. Francis High student starting in 1979. Plaintiff said the priest would fondle him while they wrestled and would ply him with alcohol. The man said he told the principal of the abuse at the time, but no action.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. George M. Maslar

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 12/21/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Accused in a case that settled in 2021 of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in 1971. Maslar's alleged victim said that the two met at prayer meetings at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in Bridgeport, and that the abuse happened twice in Maslar's car. The diocese was informed of the allegation in 11/2017. Maslar died in 12/21.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Dominic E. McGee

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

First named publicly as accused in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. In 2004 a man told the Pittsburgh diocese that McGee molested him and his younger brother in the early to mid-1970s when the man was a student at Canevin High School.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

Sources:

Fr. Patrick J. Mendola

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1975
Status: Sued

Died: 05/18/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. Aurelian Brzezniak and James Smyka, at St. Francis High School in the Buffalo diocese in 1977. The accuser claimed the abuse occurred in front of a group of priests in a shower room, and that it continued until he was age 8. Mendola died 5/18/95 at age 47.

Sources:

Fr. Romuald Meogrossi

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

On 5/2/2021 the archdiocese announced that it had suspended Meogrossi from ministry due to an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor. The abuse allegedly occurred during a clinical therapy session in 2006; Meogrossi was working as a licensed therapist. He denied the allegation.

Sources:

Fr. Michael Joseph Miller

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 2001
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Hartford CT

Worked in the Buffalo NY diocese at St. Francis High School in 1993 and 2000-2003. Parochial vicar at St. Paul in Kensington, CT 2006-2011. Removed by Order 7/4/2011 for inappropriate contact with a minor. Hospitalized 7/2011 during police investigation. Personal computer confiscated. Arrested 7/12/2011; charged with five counts of risk of injury or impairing morals of a minor, improper text and facebook messages. Implicated by at least nine minors. Re-arrested in 6/2012 for possession of child porn. Pleaded guilty to all charges 5/1/2013. Privileges permanently removed. Sentenced to five years in prison and 20 years probation. Included on the Hartford archdiocese's list 1/22/2019.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Hartford Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Daniel P. Peck

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Ordained for the Diocese of St. John in New Brunswick, Canada. Reportedly in 8/1982, Peck was on a year's leave of absence, working in Toronto with the Oblate Fathers of St. Peter's Province, and was granted an extended leave to teach at Serra High School in Los Angeles, CA. Per the 2004 Los Angeles Archdiocesan Report, Peck was accused of abuse of a minor in 1996.

Assignments:

L.A. Times Database 04.20.06

Sources:

Fr. Bruce Ritter

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 10/7/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Established Covenant House in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s as a shelter and foundation for homeless and troubled youth. Complaints of sexual abuse of teen boys date back as far as the 1950s. Complaints documented in book, "Broken Covenant" by C. Sennott, 1992. Civil suit. Forced to resign in 1990 after allegations. Refused counseling, resigned from the order in 1991, reportedly joined an overseas diocese. Died in 1999. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/21 in Manhattan of sexually abusing a boy, ages 13-16, beginning in 1981. His accuser, who was a Covenant House resident, said that Ritter gave him gifts and clothing, and that the abuse included forcing him to have sex with other men, including Covenant House donors.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Luke Rutter

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abusing a male student at St. Francis High School in the 1980s. Rutter was a teacher at the school. He died in 2000 at age 51.

Sources:

Buffalo News 08.14.19

Br. Anthony Salamone

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Also known as Br. Francis Dominic. Five civil suits filed in 2002 alleged abuse 1972-1973. Transferred to Chicago in 1980. Left the order in 1989. It is believed all five suits were settled in the massive 6/2003 settlement with the archdiocese.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Compiled by Law Firm

Sources:

Fr. Augustus Scott

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Camden NJ

In 4/2012 attorney Garabedian announced that he had recently settled at least one case involving allegation of abuse by Scott. Abuse allegedly occurred several times in Scott's car between 1969-1970 when accuser was 16. Scott's name last appears in the 1973 Official Catholic Directory, "on temporary leave." Diocese in 2012 said Scott was not an active priest. Other sources reported he was living in North Carolina.

Sources:

Fr. Herbert Skurski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 01/16/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Multiple allegations. In a letter to Bishop LaValley, a woman reported that Skurski sexually abused her as a child when he was assigned to the Ogdensburg diocese, 1982-85. The diocese provided financial assistance for counseling and, in 12/18, a $100K offer from the IRCP. Per his obituary, Skurski was assigned to parishes in CT, PA, MD, NY, MA, Nova Scotia, ME. He died in Shamokin PA 1/16/96. Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/14/19 of sexually abusing a child, ages 7-9, at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Buffalo NY 1955-57, and another filed the same day of abuse of a child, ages 12-13 in 1959-60, also at Holy Rosary.

Assignments:

Findagrave accessed 03.08.19

Documents:

Supreme Court of the State of NY County of Erie AB 93 Doe, Index No. Plaintiff v The Diocese of
Buffalo, Conventual Franciscans et al
Supreme Court of the State of NY County of Erie AB 94 Doe, Index No. Plaintiff v The Diocese of
Buffalo, Conventual Franciscans et al

Sources:

Fr. James Smyka

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

First named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Buffalo on its updated list 11/5/18. Chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital and living at a parish in Syracuse 11/14-10/18. Taught at St. Francis High School in Hamburg for 11 years early in his career, then worked in Johnstown PA, Chicopee MA and Bridgeport CT. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy, along with Revs. Aurelian Brzezniak and Patrick Mendola, at St. Francis High School in the Buffalo diocese in 1977. The accuser claimed the abuse occurred in front of a group of priests in a shower room, and that it continued until he was age 8.

Sources:

Fr. Conrad Somerville

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 11/21/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Syracuse NY

Accused in a 6/20 lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl, age 11, while assigned to St. Joseph's in Utica 1964-65. Somerville's accuser said he also victimized other girls and that the abuse occurred in in movie theaters, church youth outings and in the priest's car. Somerville died 11/21/13.

Sources:

Fr. Adolph Szelagowski

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Died: 04/29/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act. Died 4/29/89.

Sources:

Buffalo News 09.22.20

Fr. Marion P. Tolczyk

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 09/6/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of molesting a boy over several years, beginning when the boy was age 16 in the 1960s and Tolczyk was principal of St. Francis High School. The boy was a student. Tolczyk died 9/6/13.

Sources:

Fr. Andrzej J. Urbaniak

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1998
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

From Poland. Arrived in the US around 1998. Became naturalized citizen 2010. Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Boston. Placed on leave and arrested 7/31/12. He was in process of downloading porn when warrant served. Charged with possession of child porn on church computer and with distribution of child porn. Pleaded not guilty at arraignment. Released on bail. Privileges removed.

Sources:

Fr. Bernard Waltos

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 12/16/1992
Diocese: Diocese of San Bernardino CA

First named publicly as accused on the San Bernardino diocese's list 10/9/2018. Assigned to Queen of Angels in Riverside 1981-1991. Abused alleged to have occurred 1984-1990. Waltos died 12/16/1992. Per the diocese, it was made aware of the allegations in 1994. Waltos was named in a 1992 lawsuit by a victim of Dennis Jost. (Jost was removed from a diaconate training program and later convicted of sexually abusing a boy.)

Assignments:

Waltos Personnel File

Sources:

Fr. Raynor Ziemski

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 06/21/1981
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of Baltimore on its list updated 6/8/2020. Two people alleged sexual abuse by Ziemski in the 1960s and 1970s. He died in 1981. (First name also spelled Rayner.) Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.