Diocese of Sacramento ACCUSED PRIESTS
The Diocese of Sacramento is located in northern California, serving 20 counties. In 2019, victims came forward, credibly accusing more than 40 priests of sexually abusing nearly 130 children within the Diocese of Sacramento in the past 70 years. The Diocese has released a list of names of the priests that have been credibly accused.Â
The type of abuse ranged from rape to inappropriate kissing. The abuse affected people 25 years of age and younger. Some of the religious leaders were specifically assigned to serve within schools and other youth organizations.Â
One example was Gerardo Beltran. He was ordained as a priest in July 1982 of the Diocese of Sacramento. The alleged abuse occurred from 1982 to 1991. Sixteen victims came forward, both males and females, alleging that he sexually touched and fondled them. The most recent victim came forward in 2019, with the first victim coming forward in 1991. Beltran fled to Mexico in December 1991, after the first victim came forward and the police issued an arrest warrant. He ignored the Diocese’s request to return to California. The Pope issued an involuntary dismissal from the priesthood in April 2008, based on a petition the Diocese submitted to Rome.
Another example is Michael Dermody. Born in Ireland and ordained in 1958, Michael Dermody sexually abused a male under the age of 14 and a female between the ages of 18 to 25. He was removed from the ministry in 1989 following the female victims’ report. Dermody died in 2006, but the male victim did not come forward until 2019.
Since 2002, the Diocese of Sacramento has settled many claims, paying out more than $50 million to victims, settling 58 claims. In 2005, the Diocese paid out $35 million to settle 33 claims. However, $16 million of these payments came from the Diocese’s insurance carriers, nearly $5 million came from religious orders, leaving around $29 million paid directly from the Diocese.
Bishop Jaime Soto released a statement apologizing for the abuse, stating, “I apologize for the sins and failures of the past. I am determined that such acts of abuse should never again occur in our diocese. I pledge to you that I and my brother priests are zealous in our efforts to ensure that our parishes and other church ministries are safe environments for our children and young people.”
The Diocese of Sacramento has a legal duty to protect its members. When the Diocese fails to do so, the sexual abuse victims have legal rights against both the abuser and the Diocese itself. If someone sexually abused you or a family member while within the Diocese of Sacramento, you may be able to file a legal claim against the Diocese.Â
California recently passed legislation that allows victims of sexual abuse to file a claim no matter how long ago the abuse happened or how old the victim is. The deadline to file a claim is December 31, 2022. Contact our sexual abuse attorneys at Herman Law to understand whether or not you can file a claim and learn how we can help you.
Ordained:Â 1971
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Sacramento on its list 4/30/19. Worked at Jesuit High School 1970-75. Report from Jesuits West to the diocese in 2019 of allegation deemed credible of abuse of a boy 1970-75. On the Jesuits West Province list in 12/20.
Ordained:Â 1991
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19, Assigned to St. Anthony’s in Winters 1991-2012. Two allegations received by the diocese in 2012 of abuse of girls under age 14, occurring 1977-83. One of the allegations had been reported to the parish in 2009, but not to the diocese. Removed from ministry and faculties withdrawn in 2012.
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Ordained:Â 1982
Status:Â Charged
Status:Â Charged
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Warrant issued 1992 for alleged abuse in 1991 of young girls in Sacramento. Fled to Mexico before warrant could be served ; became active priest there. Reports in 2007 that Mexican villagers wanted him removed because rumors about him and teen girls for many years. Another US accuser (male) came forward in 2/07. Suit filed 3/07. Diocese sued accuser 8/07. Arrested in Mexico 3/08; released 8/08 before extradition. Another alleged victim came forward 4/08. Laicization announced 2008. More accusations surfaced. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19, showing twelve female accusers and three male, all abused under age 14. Remains a fugitive in 2019.
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Originally from Costa Rico. In 2002 lawsuit 9 men alleged that Blanco abused them when they were teens. May have been ordered out of the Diocese in 1973 after an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. At least 1 settlement in 1991. By 1/04 at least 17 men had accused him of abuse. Civil trial set for 7/05 but 16 cases settled just prior to trial. Name included on the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 1/15/16 list of clergy and religious with established, admitted or credible allegations against them of sexual abuse of a minor.
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In suit filed in 2002 a woman alleged she was molested by Boyle in 1967 at age 17. Per news article, her mother reported the incident to another priest in the diocese. Boyle was later transferred to Reno and then to Hawaii. He died in 1998. The woman said she reported abuse to the Sacramento diocese in 4/02. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19.
Ordained:Â 1967
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. In 1999 a woman alleged abuse by Brady in the 1970s when she was in her early teens. She filed suit 2000; settled for $350K. Brady was sent for therapy and reassigned. In 2002 another woman alleged abuse as a girl in the 1970s. Allegation deemed credible. She filed suit; settled in 2/04. A third woman also sued. First alleged victim filed a new suit claiming defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress after Brady revealed her suit. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. It shows reports in 2000 and 2003 of abuse of girls in the 1970s. Also, faculties withdrawn 2002, and retired 2004.
Ordained:Â 1933
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Retired 1974. Died in 1992. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Allegation to docese in 2011 of abuse of a boy in the 1950s.
Ordained:Â 1944
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Given name Berthold Rudolph Caper. Named publicly as accused by the Sacramento diocese on its list 4/30/19. It notes allegation received in 1986 of abuse of a boy in 1962. Assigned to the diocese 1959-86. Faculties withdrawn and left the diocese in 1986. Died 5/10/88.
Ordained:Â 1947
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Incardinated into Sacramento diocese 1953. Retired 1994. Died in 2010. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Accused in 2002 of inappropriately kissing a 10-year-old girl in 1972.
Ordained:Â 1995
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for the Sacramento diocese. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Accused in 1997 of “nudity in the presence of minors and attempted sexual touching.” Faculties withdrawn in 1997.
Ordained:Â 2011
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Approximately age 42 when ordained in 1/2011. Arrested 5/9/14 on charges of statutory rape and oral copulation of a teen girl beginning in 2013, while assigned to St. James in Davis. Released on bond 5/10/14. Removed without privileges pending further investigation by police. Arraigned 6/10/14 on three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and a misdemeanor charge of oral copulation with a person younger than 18. Pled guilty under agreement with DA to one count of sexual intercourse with the girl. Sentenced 8/29/14 to 90 days in jail, three years probation and sexual offender counseling. Forbidden to contact the girl until she turned 18. Girl admitted during hearing that the sex was consensual and that she did not want matter prosecuted. Laicized 12/14. Felony reduced to misdemeanor and dismissed 12/17. On diocese’s list 4/30/19.
Ordained:Â 1956
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From El Salvador. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Sacramento on its list 4/30/19. Worked in the diocese 1970-73. Allegation to diocese in 1990 of abuse in 1970 of a girl younger than 14.
Ordained:Â 1971
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 5/22/19. Allegation in 1988 of abuse, possibly between 1965 and 1985, of a girl under age 14. Faculties removed in 1988.
Ordained:Â 1982
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Allegations in 5/06 of assault of a 15-year-old boy 1983-1985. Placed on leave. Diocese said there was a “semblance of truth” which warranted further investigation. Abuse was alleged to have occurred at St. Joseph’s in Rio Vista and at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento. Same accuser filed civil suit 3/09. On diocese’s list 4/30/19/ Permanently removed from ministry in 2006.
Ordained:Â 1958
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Accused of ‘affairs’ with three women he counseled. They won $1.4 million judgment against him in 1992, but not against Diocese; another woman won a $3 million judgment against him but not diocese. In 1993 women sued in attempt to recover damages from church insurance policy. California Superior Court Judge dismissed women’s suit which attempted to collect from Insurance Co., saying that abuse not covered by the policy. 3rd Dist. Appellate Court affirmed the decision 2/3/95. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes report to diocese in 1989 of abuse of a woman, ages 18-25. Faculties withdrawn. Dermody died in 2006.
Ordained:Â 1962
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Reports to the diocese in 1992 by two separate women of abuse as minors, occurring 1973-85. Dermody left the Sacramento diocese in 1992 and was assigned to prison ministry elsewhere. Retired, faculties withdrawn in 2002. Died in 2017.
Ordained:Â 1943
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Ordained for the Diocese of Savannah-Atlanta. Worked in the Sacramento diocese 1947-81. Faculties withdrawn and dismissed from Sacramento diocese after report in 1981 of child pornography. Allegation to diocese in 1983 of assault of a boy. Dowiing died in 2000. Three allegations of abuse of boys under age 14, occurring 1954-81, received by the diocese 2002, 2004 and 2019.
Ordained:Â 1930
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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In 6/09, the Jesuits settled with a man who alleged that Falvey raped him repeatedly over a four-year period, beginning in 1954 when he was age 7 and Falvey was assigned to St. Ignatius in Sacramento. Falvey died in 2/23/1966. On the Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes an allegation received in 2018 of rape of a boy under age 14 in the early 1960s. Falvey was the brother of Fr. Mark Falvey who abused at least 10 children in CA and was the subject of a 2007 settlement by the Jesuits. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18.
Ordained:Â 1977
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Retired 2010 for health reasons. Living at Immaculate Conception Parish in Sacramento when accused 10/11 of sex abuse of a girl at Our Lady of Assumption in Carmichael, where he was assigned 1977-82. Removed from ministry. Died in 2012. Accused in 2016 of abuse of a boy while at Our Lady of Assumption between 1977 and 1978. Both alleged victims under age 14 at time of abuse. On diocese’s list 4/30/19.
Ordained:Â 2000
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Mexico. Ordained for the Sacramento diocese. Allegation in 2008 of abuse 1993-2006. Report in 2016 of sexual misconduct with a young adult male. Investigation into misconduct with the adult yielded discovery of sexual misconduct with a minor while in seminary in Mexico City.
Ordained:Â 1973
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused on San Diego diocese’s 9/18 list. San Diego priest, in Northern CA since 1991. Suspended in 7/10, accused of sex abuse of two boys in the Sacramento area. Canonical trial, which ended in 1/11, yielded an “unclear” verdict. Faculties restored 1/12, again removed in 8/15. In 5/17 was offering retreats and spiritual counsel. In 7/18 led a “cluster mission” at a parish in Dubuque IA. Bio on the Oakland diocese’s website in 3/14 said Foley had worked in parishes, campus ministry, administration, and in high schools and colleges as a teacher, and that missions and retreats were his focus since 1995. On Santa Rosa diocese’s list 1/12/19, where he led ” Missions and Parish Retreats 1998-2006.” On Sacramento list 4/30/19. On Oakland diocese’s list in 2019. Foley filed a defamation suit against the San Diego diocese in 9/19. On Stockton’s list, where he worked 10/25-30 2014.
Ordained:Â 1955
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento. Retired in 2004. Allegation to the diocese in 2011 of abuse of a minor female in 1977. Faculties withdrawn. Died in 2017.
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Caught in “compromising position” in 1981 in a graveyard at night with 13-year-old boy in Sacramento. Sent to Reno under Bishop McFarland, who sent him to Orange in 1984. (McFarland became bishop of Orange in 1986.) Placed on leave in 2002. Two separate suits filed 2002. Also worked in Oakland diocese. Claims included in 2005 $35M settlement to 33 victims. Order’s insurance company did not want to pay $1.5M to reimburse Diocese for settlement. Status per Orange diocese in 8/16 was “Life of Prayer and Penance”. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes two reports received in 2003 of abuse of boys under age 14, occurring 1978-81.
Ordained:Â 1980
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Mexico. Ordained for Sacramento. Excardinated from Sacramento and incardinated into the Diocese of Nuevo Casas, Mexico in 1985. Named publicly as accused by the Sacramento diocese on its list 4/30/19. Allegation to the Sacramento diocese in 2009 of abuse of a male minor in 1974. Diocese in Mexico informed.
Ordained:Â 1980
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Mexico. Ordained for Sacramento. Placed on permanent leave 1/08 after diocesan review board deemed credible allegations of abuse. A man had alleged in 7/07 that Hernandez molested him 1986-87 at age 13, while Hernandez was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Colusa. On diocese’s list 4/30/19.
Ordained:Â 1977
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Accused of abuse at Holy Rosary in Woodland in 1982. In 2002 the Diocese of Sacramento acknowledged receiving the allegation approximately three years previously. Also worked in the Diocese of Oakland. Faculties withdrawn in 1998. Moved to Central Point, OR. Died 3/26/12. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes two separate allegations received in 1998 of abuse of boys under age 14, occurring 1976-78.
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits West Province on its list 12/7/18. It notes a report in 2006 of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1981-84. Dismissed in 1986. Assigned to Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA 1984-85.
Ordained:Â 1952
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Retired 1993. Died 1993. Allegation to diocese in 2003 of sexual assault, including rape, of a girl in 1965.
Ordained:Â 1995
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 6/3/19. It notes allegations received in 1995 of two females, at least one of them under age 14. The abuse allegedly occurred 1975-80. Removed from ministry and faculties withdrawn in 1996.
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Assigned to St. Pius X parish in Wauwatosa WI in 2001. Removed 3/28/13 when a teacher reported questionable behavior with a student at school. Ordered to stay away from children and under the supervision of his Order pending police investigation. Similar incidents in Sacramento diocese 1980s-90s were reported to WI in 5/13 and police late 2012. Charged in 2/17 with felony child sexual assault for alleged incidents of abuse of a girl at St. Pius X parish and school 2007-2010, starting when she was age 6. Pled guilty in 10/17 to reduced charges. Sentenced 12/17 to 1 year in House of Corrections. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes two reports in 2012 of abuse of boys under age 14 and report in 2019 of abuse of girl under age 14. Alleged abuse occurred 1988-95. Worked in diocese 1987-2000.
Ordained:Â 1962
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Allegation received in 1969 of abuse of a girl 1967-69. Mennis became a Navy chaplain for thirty years after the accusation in 1969. Faculties withdrawn in 2004. Died 10/28/14.
Ordained:Â 1942
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Allegation received in 1993 of abuse of a boy under age 18 in 1989. Allegation in 2018 of abuse of a male – investigation pending. Retired in 1990. Died 10/13/09.
Ordained:Â 1946
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Convicted 1992 of fondling a girl, age 7, while pastor of St. Ignatius in Sacramento. Sentenced to 5 years probation and 120 hours community service. Sent to live at Sacred Heart retirement center in Los Gatos, along with several other sex offenders. Died 10/18/04 at age 89. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, noting allegation reported in 1992 of sexual abuse of a minor 1988-89. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes allegation received in 1988 of sex abuse of a girl under age 14 1988-89. Worked in the diocese 1962-63 and 1975-91.
Ordained:Â 1970
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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From Mexico. Ordained for Sacramento. Report to diocese in 1995 of abuse of a boy under age 14. Fled to Mexico while criminal charges were pending. Accusation made public in 4/02. Included in 6/05 settlement. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It shows another accusation, received in 2003, of abuse of a boy under age 14. All of the known abuse occurred 1970-75. Moreno died in 2014.
Ordained:Â 1946
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Accused in 2008 of sexually abusing a boy at Our Lady of the Assumption in Carmichael CA, beginning in 1987 when the victim was 8 years old. Parents say diocese admitted there were other victims. O’Connor was a dean 1968-72, held diocesan offices 1972-86, and was made monsignor in 1979. He died in about 1990.
Ordained:Â 2007
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Born in US, raised in Mexico. Attended seminary in Oregon 1998-2007. Arrested 11/30/11 on two counts of felony lewd and lascivious acts with teen girl 2007-2009. Family told diocese 11/29/11. Police and CPS notified. Assigned to Our Lady of Mercy in Redding at time of arrest. Released on bail 01/19/12. Pled not guilty 4/13/12. On 7/5/13 pled no contest to one count of molesting the 13-year-old girl in her bedroom. Sentenced to eight years in prison 8/2/13. Per diocese in 8/17, Ojeda was removed from priesthood in 2016. On diocese’s list 4/30/19.
Status:Â Accused
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Jesuit brother. Joined the order in 1961. Professed final vows in 1977. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits West Province on its list 12/7/18. Allegations reported in 1980 and in 2003 of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1980. Was reportedly removed from assignment at Jesuit High School in Carmichael in 1980. Reassigned to Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose. Removed from ministry in 2003, sent to live under a safety plan at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos.
Ordained:Â 1961
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Colombia. Ordained for the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri (Oratorian). Named publicly as accused by the Sacramento diocese on its list 4/30/19. Two allegations, received in 2001 and 2002, of abuse of young males, ages 18-25. Worked in the diocese beginning in 1999. Faculties removed after allegations. Retired in 2003, returned to his Order.
Ordained:Â 1980
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Sacramento on its list 4/30/19. Petrich was assigned to St. Basil in Vallejo 1980-83. Removed from ministry in 1983, returned to Salvatorians in Wisconsin. Allegation received in 1987 of abuse in the 1980s of a boy.
Ordained:Â 1980
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Costellano Jose Pinal, aka Antonio Pinal. From Mexico. Ordained for Sacramento. Accused in 1989 of twice sodomizing a 14-year-old boy in 1983 and fondling the boy on a trip to Mexico. Returned to Mexico where Bishop Quinn helped him find ministry and advised him to stay in Mexico 5-6 years before returning to the U.S. According to prosecutors, Pinal “made admissions” in a 1991 letter to a bishop and asked whether he would face criminal prosecution if he returned to the US. Incardinated into Cuernavaca diocese 1991, worked there for decades. Criminal charges dropped in 2003 after Supreme Court ruling. Fraud suit against diocese filed 7/10. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. It shows three more allegations of abuse of boys, received in 1989, and an allegation in 2016 of abuse of a girl. All known abuse allegedly occurred 1981-86. New suit 10/19.
Ordained:Â 1960
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as credibly accused by the Sacramento diocese on its list in 4/30/19. Worked in the diocese 1969-73. Allegations of sexual abuse of 20 boys, occurring 1968-81. Earliest reports to the Sacramento diocese in the 1980s. Porras died in 2008.
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Sacramento on its list 4/30/19. Allegation received in 2011 of rape of a boy under age 14 in the 1950s. Prouix was assigned to Sacred Heart in Alturas 1945-59.
Ordained:Â 1961
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/30/19. Allegation to diocese in 2001 of abuse of a female between age 18 and 25 in 1974. Faculties retired/faculties withdrawn in 2001.
Ordained:Â 1970
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento. Allegation to the diocese in 2018 of abuse of a girl 1975-76. Investigation pending.
Ordained:Â 1979
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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From Mexico. Ordained for Sacramento. Pled guilty 1989 to committing lewd acts with a child under 14. Skipped bail and fled to Mexico before sentencing. Accused in 2003 lawsuit against Diocese and Urbina of sexual abuse of boy, age 9-17 in 1980s. Found working as a priest in Navojoa, Mexico in 2005. Mexico would not allow extradition to the U.S. Laicization announced 8/21/08. A 2008 civil suit dismissed 11/10 on SOL. On Sacramento diocese’s list 4/30/19. It notes allegations received 1989 and 2007, each of abuse of a boy in the 1980s. Warrant for arrest renewed in 2019.
Ordained:Â 1960
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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From Ireland. Ordained for Sacramento. Monsignor. Retired pastor of St. Theresa’s in South Lake Tahoe. Suspended in 12/18 after a man alleged that when he was age 17 in 1985 Wallace sexually abused him on a camp work trip. Wallace was the Director of Camp Pendola. On diocese’s list 4/30/19. It shows two allegations to diocese in 1995, each of abuse of young adult males, and the 2018 allegation. Investigation pending
Ordained:Â 1971
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Placed on leave April 2002 after information surfaced that he abused two men in 1970s and 1980s. Diocese placed him on leave after the allections arose the first time. Walsh left the diocese for a time and worked in San Francisco. He returned in 1999. W
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Sacramento on its list 4/30/19. It notes four allegations received in 1994 of abuse in 1972 of boys under age 14. Worked at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, may have filled in at times in Maxwell and Corning parishes. Left the diocese in 1973.
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