Archdiocese of Newark ACCUSED PRIESTS
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark includes ministries in Bergen, Union, Hudson, and Essex counties. In 2019, New Jersey’s attorney general announced an investigation into sexual abuse by Catholic priests. That same year, New Jersey’s five dioceses disclosed the names of all the priests in New Jersey that have been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse. The dioceses named 188 priests, with 63 of them from the Archdiocese of Newark. Â
The Archdiocese of Newark struggles with many scandals related to sexual abuse by priests. In 2017, a court sentenced former Priest Kevin Gugliotta to eleven months in prison after pleading guilty to disseminating child pornography. Another high-profile case involved former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who served as Archbishop of Newark from 1986 to 2000. Numerous victims, many of whom were young seminarians at the time of the abuse, have come forward to claim that McCarrick sexually abused them for years between 1993 and 2016.Â
In July 2018, the New York Times published a news story chronicling a pattern of McCarrick’s sexual abuse of teenage boys and male seminarians. Reports conducted by the Church revealed a widespread cover-up or apathy by church officials who chose to ignore complaints about McCarrick for years. After an investigation and church trial, the Catholic Church finally removed McCarrick in 2019.Â
Between 2005 and 2007, the Diocese of Metuchen and the Archdiocese of Newark paid out settlements totaling $180,000 to two priests who claimed that McCarrick abused them.
In 2018, an article by the Catholic News Agency stated that the rector of St. Andrews Hall college seminary faced termination after accusations surfaced about the clergy member placing a hidden camera in a young priest’s bedroom. The Catholic News Agency also reported that six Newark priests came forward with allegations of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese. Despite the Catholic Church vowing to be transparent concerning sexual abuse allegations, Archbishop Cardinal Joseph Tobin purportedly told priests not to talk to journalists about the story.
In early 2021, a former parishioner filed a lawsuit against the Catholic Church, claiming that, in the 1970s, former Newark Archbishop Peter Leo Gerety sexually abused her when she was only five years old. The molestation allegedly occurred in the archbishop’s bedroom in the church rectory, where he reportedly touched her sexually and masturbated in front of her. According to the lawsuit, Archbishop Gerety told the victim not to tell anyone because the allegations would hurt the girl’s mother.
Archbishop Gerety died in 2016. The church offered to settle the claim with the woman, who is now 49, for $5,000, but she turned down the offer and sued, claiming $50 million in damages. Numerous prior lawsuits against the church also accused Archbishop Gerety of covering up sexual abuse by priests who sexually abused children under his watch. The lawsuit names Gerety’s estate, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and other church entities as defendants within the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese of Newark lists the following clergy as “credibly accused” of sexual abuse: Robert Alcamo, Jorge Batista, James T. Benedetto, John x. Bergeur, Vincent Bonelli, John. C. Bouton, Michael Campanlonga, John Caparelli, James A. Cary, Robert Chabak, Peter Cheplic, Dennis Cocozza, Absalom Coutinho, Arturo Crespo, Hadmels R. DeFrias, Joseph DiPeri, John J. Donohue, Thomas F. Duffy, Edward Eilert, David Ernst, Joseph P. Fagan, John Flanagan, Michael C. Fugee, Lawrence Gadek, Richard Galdon, Manuel Gallo-Espinoza, William Giblin, Robert Gibney, Augustine Giella, Alan Guglielmo, Kevin Gugliotta, Charles Hartling, Eugene Heyndricks, Gerald (Carmen) Howard (Sita), Charles Hudson, John Komar, Kevin Kortina, John Laferrera, Francis T. Maione, Robert Marotta, Kenneth Martin, Dcn. John R. McAulay, William McCann, Theodore McCarrick, Daniel (Horatio D.) Medina, Richard Mieliwocki, John Morel, Robert Morel, Dcn. Thomas Mousley, John Nickas, Michael O’Brien, Thomas H. Reilly, Jesus Orlando Rengifo, Joseph Rice, Gerald Ruane, Mario Salazar, Thomas Stanford, Edward Stanley, Robert Stauffer, Gerald Sudol, Robert Svec, Michael M. Waters, Robert Zasacki.  Â
New Jersey lawmakers passed the New Jersey Child Victims Act (NJCVA) in December 2019. This most recent piece of legislation amends prior laws governing child sex abuse claims. The NJCVA extends the statute of limitations or time restrictions for filing a claim for damages up to age 55 or seven years after discovering traumatic physical or emotional injuries stemming from the abuse. Additionally, the NJCVA provides a revival window for childhood victims of sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit, no matter their current age or how long ago the abuse happened. Finally, the law enables survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice against the perpetrator of the abuse and against the institutions that allowed it to persist, holding them liable for the heinous acts and subsequent cover-up.Â
Now is the time to act before your opportunity to seek justice, compensation, and closure expires. If you or someone you loved experienced sex abuse at the Archdiocese of Newark, contact the lawyers at Herman Law today for a free consultation.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry and laicized.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 3/23/05.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 4/2/75.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 3/11/86.
Died in 2000. Accused in a lawsuit in 2008. Named also in a 12/20 lawsuit of abuse of a boy, ages 13-14, in 1986-87 while aa teacher at Blessed Sacrament Parish School in Elizabeth NJ. The plaintiff was a student.
Accused of abusing three brothers in the late 1960’s-early ’70s, including on trip to California. Permanently suspended in 1993 after refusing psychiatric evaluation after allegations of sexual abuse were made. Two of the three brothers sued him in 1994. SOL stopped legal action and case dismissed 2002 after several appeals.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Accused in 7/11 suit of abuse of a youth. Allegedly had boys wrestle in skimpy bathing suits and photographed them. Sold videos on web. Accused of groping plaintiff. Suit names Scouts and Diocese. Left active priesthood in mid-1980s. Privileges removed 1992; sent to treatment. Taught high school in Newark public schools for 20 years. At least 24 other men came forward with same complaints. Given non-teaching job 11/11. Another suit 12/11. Both settled 2012. Surrendered public schools teaching license 6/13. May have been laicized in 3/14. His appearance at annual Family Festival at Our Lady of the Valley parish resulted in suspension without privileges by Paterson bishop of the pastor, Chris Di Lella, a long-time friend. On Newark archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Died 3/6/19 of gunshot wound at his home in NV. Homicide investigation initiated. Reportedly had a history of hiring male prostitutes. New suit(s) 7/20 claim abuse in the 1980s.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
Accused in a lawsuit 12/19 of sexually abusing a boy, age 13, during private preparation for First Communion in 1976 or ’77. Cevetello was pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin in Garfield at the time of the alleged abuse. He died in 1985.
Removed from St. Valentine in Bloomfield in 11/04 due to an allegation that he abused a boy for three years, starting when the boy was age 15 and Chabak was assigned to St. Mary of the Assumption in Elizabeth. Named Monsignor in 1998. Retired per 2009-12 Directories. Had been living in a rectory after Hurricane Sandy with permission from Archdiocese until public pressure forced removal in 2/13. On Archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple allegations noted. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 12/19 suit of abusing a boy, age 13 or 14, at Christ the King in Hillside 1983-84.
Ordained:
Status:Â Settled
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Listed on 6/11/14 by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers (CFC) as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. The order states that the merits of most of the claims settled in the bankruptcy were not tested. Chaney was added to a list of accused on the website of Boston attorney Garabedian on 10/31/14 after a settlement had been reached in the year previous. Assignments included Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell NJ, where the abuse alleged in the Garabedian case is said to have been committed. The 2014 Official Catholic Directory shows Chaney living at a Christian Brothers residence in West Park, in the NY archdiocese. Convicted abuser Bro Ronald Justin Lasik CFC and accused Bro John Laurence Heathwood CFC are also listed as residing there. Lawsuits in 3/21 by three former students allege abuse in the 1960s and ’70s. Living in 3/21 in a CFC residence in New Rochelle
Known first to have been accused by a man in 2002. Accused in 2005 of abuse in 1980s by three people. Went on “voluntary” leave in 2005. Retired in 2006 after Church decided to try him. First accuser settled 4/06 for $50,000. Two others also settled. Privileges withdrawn. Last known to be living without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry.
Ordained:
Status:Â Sued
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Scoutmaster and teacher. Accused of abuse of of two brothers, one of whom died by suicide at age 12. Coakley died in 1988. Civil suit filed and appealed to NJ Supreme Court. Dismissed because of NJ Charitable Immunity Act. Coakley’s name appeared in the Boy Scout Perversion files released in 2012.
Removed from his assignment at Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park in 4/02 after accusation of “sexual improprieties involving a minor” several years previously. Died 2/16/17. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/13/19. One allegation against him noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Worked in Ethiopia, GA, OH, NJ, Vietnam, MD, Puerto Rico and PA. Per the PA Attorney General’s 3/1/16 report, Crouse sodomized a 14-year-old boy in the late 1960s while assigned to his order’s monastery (Sons of the Sacred Heart, or “Verona Fathers”) in Montclair, NJ. Victim told Altoona’s Bishop Adamec in 2002. (Crouse was assigned to Altoona-Johnstown diocese at the time.) Alleged a “Fr Ben” also molested him, and both gave him alcohol. Crouse admitted “inappropriate relationship.” Medical retirement 2002. Died 07/11/09.
Ordained:
Status:Â Convicted
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Bro. Aloysius. Joined the Xaverians in 1962. Per Boston personnel files released 1/03, Dagwell pled guilty in 1988 to molesting a student in Newark, NJ; others also complained. Sentenced to probation and ordered to stay away from children. Fired from his position as teacher and coach at a parochial school. Transferred to Boston; may have abused there. Left order in 2002. Worked for 15 years at Keiser U. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. On the Xaverians’ list 7/12/19. Sued in 7/20.
From the Dominican Republic. Accused of fondling two brothers under the age of 14 when they worked at the rectory of St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Elizabeth in 2001 and 2002. Their mother walked in on an incident and complained to church officials. Removed from the parish and active priesthood. Arrested in 2003; living in MD at the time. Pled guilty. Sentenced to three years probation and barred from contact with minors in NJ. On the archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry. Laicized. Lived in FL 2003-2010. Found in 3/19 to be teaching children at a private school in the Dominican Republic. Presenting himself as “Father Rafael” as part of an interfaith group called “The Order of Eremitic Servants.”
Named Auxiliary Bishop of Newark in 1996, Bishop of Camden in 1999, and Bishop of Brooklyn in 2003. In 11/19 the Newark archdiocese was notified of an allegation that DiMarzio sexually abused a St. Nicholas in Jersey City altar boy, age 11, in the mid-1970s. His alleged victim also accused Rev. Albert Mark. The man filed suit in 3/21. DiMarzio “emphatically denied” the allegation. In 1/20 the Vatican ordered Cardinal Dolan to investigate. In 3/20 a second man came forward, alleging DiMarzio repeatedly sexually abused him when he was about age six, forty years prior, at Holy Rosary in Jersey City. DiMarzio denied the allegation. This man filed suit in 2/21.
Named publicly as accused by the Newark archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Spent most of his career in New Jersey. Accused in 2003 of sexually abusing a student at Chaminade Prep in Canoga Park, CA while assigned there 1977-78. Faculties removed by the Newark diocese. Died in 2007.
Placed on leave in 1/20 during an investigation of recent, unspecified complaints. Chaplain of Oratory Catholic Prep in Summit, an all-boys school. The archdiocese stated that it “takes very seriously any and all credible complaints of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy…. .”
Publicly named as accused by the diocese on its list 3/17/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Suspended in 2002. Accused by two men of abuse as boys. Case referred to Vatican which sent it back to archdiocese for trial. Church trial held in 1/05. Acquitted; Vatican did not confirm the verdict until 2007. Returned to ministry as of 7/01/07. Returned to job as chaplain for NY Giants, but not to parish ministry. Lawsuit filed in 12/19 by one of the two who came forward in 2002, claiming abuse for five years, beginning in 1967 when he was age 12. Settled. Accused in suit filed in 11/20 of raping a girl, age 10, in 1971, and abusing her until 1975. Per the suit, two nuns held the girl down during the rape. Dowd denied it.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
Accused in 2002 of abuse of a teenage girl in the early 1980s. The allegations were deemed credible by the archdiocese. His accuser said she was also abused by two other priests. No prosecution, due to the statute of limitations. Living without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years as of 11/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Multiple accusers over the years. Sex education teacher for boys at Our Lady Help of Christians parochial school in East Orange, where he was assigned 1954-69. Died 3/26/88. At least one claim against Ernst included in 10/04 $1M settlement between archdiocese and individuals who claimed abuse by 9 priests. Also worked in parishes in Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Union City and Wyckoff. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Two new suits filed in 1/20 naming Ernst.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
Assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jersey City until 1953, then Madonna Della Libera (Our Lady of Libera) in West New York until his retirement in 1993. Elevated to monsignor in 1989. Active in retirement at parishes in Mount Carmel, Jersey City, Fort Lee, Newark, West Long Branch. Directed musical theater at parishes. Died 5/9/00. Accused in several lawsuits filed in 2020 of abuse while assigned to Holy Redeemer/Our Lady of Libera, 1975-77.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 6/25/75. Suit filed in 12/19 claiming abuse of a boy while assigned to Holy Trinity. The abuse allegedly began when the boy was age 7 and occurred in the 1950s and ’60s. The suit claims that Flanagan also abused other children.
Irish and U.S. citizen. Accused of beating and sexually abusing five boys at Mount Cashel orphanage in Newfoundland 1956-59. Worked as Dean at Damien Memorial School in HI 1972-75. Taught at Bergen Catholic in Newark archdiocese 1986-96. Indicted in Canada in 1996. In 2000 he agreed to return to Canada. Charges reduced. He pled guilty to brutally beating one of the boys in a shower and was sentenced to five months in jail in 8/00. Died 12/24/08. Named in a civil suit 4/4/14 as having abused one boy at Damien Memorial in about 1970.
Accused in 2001 of fonding a boy in 1999, beginning when the boy was age 13. Admitted behavior. Placed on leave. Found guilty 4/03 of aggravated sexual contact. Given lifetime parole, ordered to register as sex offender. Conviction overturned on appeal 2006. Signed agreement never to work unsupervised with children and to go to sex offender therapy. Back in ministry by 2009 as hospital chaplain and in parishes. Given chancery work. In 4/13 was found to be helping with overnight teen retreats in a parish. Parents upset. Resigned from active ministry 5/2/13. As part of criminal case against him for contempt of court based on recent behavior, agreed 11/1/13 to voluntarily seek laicization. Laicization announced 3/17/14. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry. Laicized. In 1/20 there was a settlement in the mid-six figures. In that case, Gadek was accused of sexually abusing a girl, ages 11-13, in 1960-62, while assigned to St. Catherine’s in Hillside.
Took leave in 1986. Suspended in 1987. Abused boys in the 1960s-70s as priest and Boy Scout troop chaplain. Convicted in 1987 of sexual abuse of three, ages 9-13. Sentenced to 25 years. Charges of abuse of seven others dropped. Died in 2000. Per obituary he had been “serving at the Service of the Paraclete, a home for retired priests in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.” It was actually a treatment facility for pedophile priests. On Newark archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Three claims settled in 2020 in the six figures.
St. Mary’s, Plainfield NJ visiting priest from Ecuador. In 4/03 a 15-year-old male St. Mary’s youth group member told his priest-cousin and a youth group leader Gallo Espinoza raped him in a parish rectory bedroom. Reported less than two weeks later by Catholic Charities to prosecutor’s office. Gallo Espinoza old by Archdiocese he could no longer minister; fled to Ecuador. Investigation closed. In 2010 the boy, then a young adult, filed police report. The AD Review Board deemed the allegation credible and recommended laicization. In 2005 Gallo Espinoza returned to the US and taught in a middle school and a high school in MD and VA. Abruptly fled in 2/14. In 7/15 his whereabouts were unknown. Criminal investigation re-opened. Found in 8/15 to be in Ecuador. Admitted to a “sexual encounter” with the boy. Victim filed criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued 1/16. Indicted in 5/16. Still at large at the time. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry.
Ordained:
Status:Â Sued
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township, NJ. Accused in a lawsuit filed 11/24/20 of sexually abusing a girl in her office at Immaculate Conception School several times a week, beginning in 1969 when the girl was age 8. Garner was a teacher and administrator at the school. Also accused, along with Sr. Alice Bernadette, C.S., of taking the girl in 1971 to Rev. William Dowd, and restraining the girl while the priest raped her. Dowd denied the allegations. Garner died 12/17/14.
Hartford CT priest, Portland ME auxiliary bishop 1966-69, then bishop 1969-74. Newark archbishop 1974-86. Died 9/20/16, age 104. Accused in a 3/21 lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl, age 5, several times in 1976. His accuser said she and her mother lived nearby and that Gerety offered to babysit, then molested her in his Cathedral bedroom. She said Gerety told her not to tell because it would hurt her mother.
Parish priest in early career in North Arlington and Rutherford NJ. At Seton Hall Prep 1961-88 as teacher, athletic director; headmaster 1969-80. Briefly assigned to parish in River Edge, then pastor of St. Joseph in East Orange 1989-00. Retired 7/00, lived and assisted at Holy Rosary in Edgewater until 2010. Arrested in Canada 7/02 with another priest in male prostitution sting allegedly involving minors. Placed on leave/retired by archdiocese. Charges against Giblin dropped 4/03 for lack of evidence; the other priest was convicted. Died 5/13/11. Former Seton Hall student filed suit, claiming abuse by Giblin and Rev. Robert Gibney in the 1960s. Suit ongoing in 10/17. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
Died in 2012. Accused in a civil suit filed 8/7/14 of abusing a boy at Sacred Heart School and Parish in Vailsburg 1961-63. Settled in 11/14. A second man alleged abuse at St. Catherine’s in Cedar Grove. Gibney’s name included on archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
Transferred from Newark NJ in 1982. Retired 1989. Returned to NJ. Allegation in 1992 to the Harrisburg diocese that Giella had abused a child beginning in 1983. Arrested in NJ 7/92, indicted for child molestation and child porn. Pled not guilty to sex assault of an 11-year-old girl. Family filed lawsuit. He died in 5/93, before he could be tried; suit settled with the diocese for $900K. Other women called news outlets saying they had been abused as minors in NJ in the 1960s by Giella. A PA woman filed suit in 2001; that and two other claims settled later in 2001. In 7/18 two sisters alleging abuse through the 1980s by Giella asked a court to lift a gag order that was part of prior settlements with their other sisters. Accused of abuse of 5 girls in their family, one beginning at age 18 months. On Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. On Newark’s list 2/13/19. The five sisters filed suit in 12/19.
In 9/10 Granstrand announced during services at Our Lady of Mercy that the Bergen County prosecutor’s office had investigated allegations against him of sexual abuse of young children, but that there would be no criminal charges. The father of one man in his 20s told reporters that Granstrand molested his son and another boy in 1996, and that his son spiraled into drugs and trouble. Granstrand denied the allegations. Per the Our Lady of Mercy website in 5/20, Granstrand was on staff as pastor emeritus.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Suspended in 2003. Accused of abusing a boy, age 16, in 1980s, before ordination. Later sued. Not charged due to SOL. Reinstated in 12/04 without restrictions, including as youth group chaplain in Scotch Plains. Arrested in NJ 10/20/16 on child porn charges in PA, where he stayed in apt a few times per week. Uploaded from his computer 20 child porn files to internet chat rooms. Removed from Holy Spirit in Union NJ earlier in month due to investigation; “fugitive from justice.” At parish just a few weeks, after 8 years at St. Bartholomew in Scotch Plains. Nationally ranked poker player. Pled guilty in 3/17. Sentenced in 8/17 to 11 and 1/2 to 23 and 1/2 months in prison; to register as sex offender; 5 years probation. Said he uploaded the porn to get back at God as he wasn’t winning poker tournaments. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in 3/09 suit of abuse of 11-year-old Scotch Plains boy in 2004. Suit in 4/1 claims abuse of boy, age 9, in 2006.
Accused in a lawsuit settled in 2020 in the high five figures of sexually abusing a boy, ages 14-15, in 1980-81 while assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in West Orange. The suit was settled on behalf of the estate of the claimant, who died before the claim was resolved. Hanson died 8/14/12.
Resigned in 6/20 as pastor of Church of the Epiphany in Cliffside Park after an allegation that he abused a minor prior to ordination. Ordained in 2001 at age 47 after a career in music, including in Carmel CA, Washington DC and Switzerland. Studied theology in San Jose CA, New Orleans and News Jersey. Studied for the priesthood at Seton Hall University in NJ. Harger denied wrongdoing.
Became a Marist Brother in 1959. Taught at Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle NJ until 1976, then entered seminary in Darlington NJ. Assistant Program Director for Union County CYO Office; Coordinator of Crossroads Program. Ordained to priesthood 5/26/79. Assistant at Holy Parish in Union 1979-93; St. Elizabeth’s in Wyckoff 1993-99; St. Mary’s in Rutherford starting 1999, St. Mary’s High faculty member. Retired 12/11. Died 6/25/12. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted.
Accused of sexually abusing a boy 1971-78, beginning when the boy was age 10. Herr was assigned his entire career, 1948-2000, to Ss. Peter and Paul in Hoboken, NJ. He died 12/15/07. A claim in the case was settled in 2/20 in the low six figures.Â
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Accused of molesting a boy 1963-67 at Essex Catholic High School, Newark, NJ. The boy died by suicide in 1978. The boy’s cousin later filed a civil suit against the NY Archdiocese, Newark and and the Order alleging abuse by several in the order. Heustis was later principal at Palma High for 6 years in 1the 1980s. Deceased.
Ordained:
Status:Â Convicted
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Accused of abusing a male high school freshman with emotional problems. Civil suit filed in 8/88. Police investigated. Sentenced to five years probation in 4/89 and inpatient therapy in New Mexico. Order and archdiocese filed against insurance company. NJ Superior Court ruled 8/5/97 reversing lower court’s order dismissing plaintiffs’ claims and remanding. Died 5/22/02. Named in a suit filed in 7/20.
Arrested 7/02 in male prostitution sting allegedly involving minors. Placed on leave by archdiocese. Pled guilty 2003. Sentenced to two years probation with no unsupervised contact with minors. Remained on leave as of 5/03. Apparently lived without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years until his death 12/24/07. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple victims noted. Suit filed in 1/20 by a man claiming Heyndricks abused him at age 14 in 1990, when he was an Our Lady of the Lake student and altar boy.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 1/21/97.
Associated with Marist Brothers’ High School and Roselle Catholic High School. Taught in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Japan. Last known to be living in 2008 at Marist Retirement Residence in Miami, FL. In 4/12 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced a recent settlement of at least one claim involving Jerome.
Arrested in 2003 for viewing child porn on his work computer. He had been hospital chaplain at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center for 10 years. Hospital’s computer technician noticed the websites in the computer history and notified police. Video showed Komar accessing the sites. Placed on leave. Living without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years as of 11/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Deceased.
Named publicly by the Newark archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Among assignments were Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, Our Lady of Lourdes in West Orange, Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains. Also worked in CA at DeLasalle HS in Concord, and St. Francis DeSales parish in San Bernardino. Deceased.
Pled guilty in 9/08 to possession of child pornography on computer. Sentenced 2/18/09 to 40 months prison and 5 years supervised release. Former administrator at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Principal 1984-88 of St. Peter’s Prep. Was vice president for mission and ministry at St. Peter’s College since 8/04. Included on the Northeast Province Jesuits list of credibly accused 1/15/19.
In 2009 a man told the archdiocese that he had been abused by Laferrera and Fr. T. Smith. Accusation dismissed as not credible. At least 11 other accusers came forward. Civil suit filed 3/11 by four; four others later joined. Pastor of Saint Philomena’s in Livingston when suit filed. Removed 7/11 when he took voluntary leave. Denied charges. Allowed to retire with benefits as of 6/6/12. Six plaintiffs settled 6/12 for $300K; privileges removed. Claims of two more plaintiffs were to be mediated. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19, noting multiple alleged victims. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children.
Former member of the Society of Divine Vocations (Vocationists), became diocesan priest in native Brazil. In 8/18 a man told the archdiocese that Lima sexually abused him when he was a 13-year-old altar boy in the late 1980s at Immaculate Conception, and Lima was a fill-in for the pastor. Lima was assigned at the time to St. Michael’s. The man said the abuse occurred over a year in the church, Lima’s bedroom and and a trip to FL. Lima’s accuser said he was informed by Newark archdiocese spokesman, James Goodness, that it was the Vocationists who were responsible to investigate, not the archdiocese. He said Lima left the order 20 years prior and was a priest in the Diocese of Guarulhos, Brazil. Investigate in 2009 for “relationship” with a youth at a Cocaia church. Still in active ministry in Brazil in 5/19.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
In 11/19 attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced he was preparing to file a lawsuit claiming that Mark, along with then Rev. and later Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, repeatedly sexually abused an altar boy at St. Nicholas church and school in Jersey City in the mid-1970s.Â
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Died 11/7/12.
Accused of abuse of two teen brothers at St. Andrew in Bayonne, starting in 1978. One told a priest in 1981 and auxiliary bishop Pichelli in 1983, but no action. Martin later held prominent position in diocese, then returned to parish ministry. The same victim went to Archbishop McCarrick with allegations in 1996 or ’97. Victim and family got small settlement. Martin was removed, later assigned as a hospital chaplain. Removed in 2002. Still a priest in 2013, without privileges, working as a train conductor for NJ Transit. He successfully sued to keep personnel file from being released in bankruptcy. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry. New suit in 7/20 claims abuse of a boy 1981-84 at St. Andrew’s.
Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Died 2/21/76.
Native of Honduras, ordained for the Newark archdiocese. Quietly placed on leave in 2002. Arrested in 2004, charged with abuse of 14-year-old boy in 1999. Pled guilty in 2008. Sentenced to three years probation. Privileges withdrawn. Name became public 9/08 after “confidential” memo from archdiocese to all bishops warning them he had no privileges. Laicization announced 9/3/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple victims noted.
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/18. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring while assigned to a scout camp in Alpine NJ 1956-77 and teaching in Russia, while assigned to a Narrowsburg NY scout camp and St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 1959, and while again at St. Ignatius in 1964. Died 1/24/80.
Allegation in 1994 of abuse of two youths in 1988. Placed on leave and ordered to undergo counseling. Disappeared. State counseling license suspended 1999 for improper behavior with minor. Arrested 2004 and accused of abuse of four teenage boys, ages 16-18, at in-patient substance abuse rehabilitation facility. Forced to surrender his license. Pled guilty in plea bargain to two counts 8/21/07. Sentenced 9/07 to 5 years probation and community service. Laicization announced 9/3/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
Placed on leave in 1993. Charged with criminal sexual contact for fondling a youth. Put his hands down the pants of the youth at a party in the rectory, celebrating Morel’s elevation to Monsignor. Convicted in 1994. Sentenced to six months probation. A second accuser came forward with similar allegations. Also accused in a 1994 lawsuit of abusing a boy for eight years, beginning when the boy was age 9 in 1973 and ending in about 1981. Lived without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years. Died 9/20/99. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple victims noted.
Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of “unpermitted sexual contact” with an 11-year-old boy in 1978. Nardino reportedly left the priesthood in the 1980s.
Died 10/09/08. A $75K settlement involving claims against Nickas announced 5/15/13. Accused of sex abuse of a boy on several occasions 1970-72, at St. Rocco’s in Newark. Also accused of giving the boy alcohol. A second man alleged that he was molested as a child while staying at a Newark homeless shelter founded by Nickas. The diocesan review board deemed both allegations not credible. After the first settlement, attorney asked that this man’s claims be re-investigated. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted.
Named publicly as accused by the Newark archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Incardinated 1977 into the archdiocese. Deceased.
Ordained:
Status:Â Sued
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 3/21 of sexually abusing a Bergen Catholic High School student in the early 1960s. O’Sullivan was the school’s band moderator.
Ordained:
Status:Â Settled
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Included on Attorney Garabedian’s list 3/28/16 of accused clerics named in civil claims resulting in settlements or arbitration awards. Allegedly abused a minor 1972-73 at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell NJ. Another man claimed publicly in 10/16 that O’Sullivan abused him at the school when he was age 14 in the early 1970s. Settlement of $1.9M in 8/16 of suit with 21 men alleging Bergen High staff of sexual abuse when they were young. Seven more former students subsequently came forward as of 7/17, several vs O’Sullivan.
Per 4/18/13 news, a man stated in 2012 NJ SOL testimony that as a teenage boy he was repeatedly raped by Omarini, a Pauline Father, in the early- to mid-1960s. The boy was a parishioner at St. Bernard’s church in Plainfield NJ, where Omarini said Mass in Italian on Sundays at least until 1977. The priest would travel from the Society of St. Paul’s abbey and seminary on Staten Island in the NY archdiocese. He was assigned to the order’s facility on Staten Island for his entire career, except for a two-year stint at St. Paul’s Monastery in Canfield OH 1950-52. In Omarini’s early years as a priest, the Society of St. Paul had a connection with nearby St. Rita’s church on Staten Island. The complainant states that there were other victims and that Omarini abused in Plainville and also on Staten Island at the Society’s abbey there. Omarini died 11/4/95. A lawsuit filed 7/13/20 claims abuse of three siblings at St. Bernard’s in the late-1950s and early-1960s.
Accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, age 10, in 1969 at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Settled in 5/20 in the mid-six figures. Died 1/18/08.
In 12/10 testimony before NJ Senate Judiciary Committee a man said he was abused by Pecklers and then-deacon Thomas Stanford while a teenager in 1976 at St. Paul’s in Jersey City. Pecklers was 17 or 18 himself at the beginning and was music director. Abuse went on for almost a year. Pecklers went on to be a Jesuit scholar on staff at Pontifical Gregorian University Rome. Plaintiff settled with diocese in 2008. When asked about allegation, Pecklers said there was no abuse because he was a minor himself at the time. Remained active priest as of 7/14. Included on the Northeast Jesuits list of credibly accused 1/15/19. It note report received in 2008 of abuse of a minor 1976-77, prior to entering the Jesuits. Ministry restricted in 2009.
Attorney Garabedian announced a settlement on behalf of one person in 9/13. Although Phelan spent most of his career in the African countries of Burkina Faso and Ghana as a member of the “White Missionaries,” he was assigned for at least one year (1977) in Plainfield in the Newark Archdiocese. Not indexed in Official Catholic Directory after 1992.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Removed in 2002. Accused, along with two other priests, of abuse of teenage girl. No criminal charges filed, due to statute of limitations. Church found allegations credible. Allegations against Rice included in 10/04 settlement with Archdiocese. Living without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years as of 11/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Died in 2014. New suit in 7/20 alleges abuse 1978-81 at St. John the Apostle in Linden. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low six figures of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 12-18, during 1978-85, while assigned to St. John the Apostle. The abuse included forced oral sex and forced sodomy.
Ordained:
Status:Â Settled
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Named publicly as accused by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian in 5/27. Allegedly sexually abused a girl, ages 15-17, 1986-88, while assigned to Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle NJ. The girl was a student. A claim in the case was settled in 2021 in the low six figures.
Accused in 2002 of abuse of a boy in the 1970s-80s. Deemed credible by archdiocese. Allowed to retire in 2004 without privileges. Name released in 2005 after he celebrated public mass. Died 8/15/15. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children.
Ordained:
Status:Â Sued
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Worked at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale in the 1980s. Sued in 7/20, accused of sexual abuse of a boy, ages 14-17, from about 1980-83.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Deceased.
Accused in 1994 of sexually abusing a girl, beginning in 1968 when the girl was age 15 and continuing until 1992. Shaw’s alleged victim said that the nun plied her with drugs and alcohol. Order provided therapy and settled with the woman for $70K. Shaw was removed as principal of elementary school. In 2004 she was working as administrator of the Caritas Community in Jersey City, a retirement home for nuns. In 1/19 she reportedly was still with the Sisters of Charity and restricted from outside ministry. Shaw’s accuser also alleges sexual abuse by her uncle, Fr. Daniel Millard, for 8 years beginning when she was age 5.
Ordained:
Status:Â Sued
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of Newark NJ
Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township, NJ. Accused, along with Sr. Maria Michael Garner, C.S., of restraining a 10-year-old girl at Immaculate Conception School in 1971 while Rev. William Dowd raped her. Dowd denied the allegations. Sr. Alice Bernadette is reportedly deceased.
Accused in 1967 of sexually abusing a girl. beginning in 1965, when the girl was 12. Her parents met with the Order’s mother superior, who at first didn’t believe the accusation. Letters from Sr. Andre to the girl and the nun’s journals confirmed the accusations. Sr. Andre had worked in two other dioceses before Newark and was transferred to CT in 1967. The church paid for the girl’s counseling; she died by suicide in 1989.
Two men filed civil suit in 2005 alleging abuse by nuns at Sacred Heart Orphanage in NJ in early 1940s. One man said he was abused by Sister Regina. She and most of other nuns who served at the orphanage are deceased. In 1990 both plaintiffs were in their 80s. In 2009, Court denied a motion by Order on limitations, ruing that the lawsuit could proceed.
Arrested 1982; pled guilty 1983 to abuse of a minor and providing him with drugs. Got five years probation and treatment at Paracletes in NM. Legally changed name to Gerald Howard. Incardinated into Jefferson City MO diocese; assigned to parish with school. Reportedly had no clerical assignments since removal from active ministry in 1984. Accused 2007 of abusing another boy. Claim settled 2009 for $600K and agreement to laicize. Other victims in NJ and MO. Arrested 4/10 in NJ and later in MO. Jaied until MO criminal trial. Settlement of five claims in 2013 for $650K. Pled guilty 6/17/14 to two counts of forcible sodomy and one count of attempted forcible sodomy against three teen boys. Other counts dropped. To serve three concurrent twelve-year sentences and register as sex offender when released. Laicized 9/24/12, announced 6/18/14. On Jefferson City diocese’s list 11/8/18. On Newark list 2/13/19,
Accused in a claim filed with the NJ Independent Victim Compensation Program of sexually abusing an altar boy, about ages 9-13, in 1970-73. Spanburgh was assigned to St. Catherine of Sienna in Cedar Grove during the time of the alleged abuse. Settled in the high five figures in 2/20. Spanburgh had been a Boy Scouts chaplain. Died in 1983.
In 12/10 testimony before the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee, a man said he was abused by Stanford (also spelled Stamford), while a teenager in 1977 at St. Paul’s in Jersey City. Stanford was a deacon at the time, prior to ordination to the priesthood. The man said he told Stanford about previous abuse by another teenager (later a Jesuit priest) and that Stanford used drugs and alcohol to abuse him for another three years. Plaintiff settled with the archdiocese in 2008. Stanford left the priesthood in the mid-1980s. He worked as lay employee for the Paterson Diocese until fired after the settlement. On Newark archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 3/19/19. One alleged victim noted. Deceased.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. One alleged victim noted. Permanently removed from ministry.
Hospital Chaplain 1995-2002. Removed in 2002 after allegation of sexual misconduct. At least one claim included in $1.9M settlement involving 9 priests and archdiocese in 10/04. Acquitted after a canonical trial and assigned to work at a hospice. In residence 12/17 at a Jersey City parish. “Stepped down” pending investigation in 8/18 after an accusation he sexually abused an altar boy while assigned to a Ridgefield Park parish in the 1980s and ’90s. One accuser said in 8/18 that some of Sudol’s victims later died by suicide. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19 (as “Gerald”). Multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry. Suits filed in early 2020 claim abuse of boys at two churches in Wallington and Nutley, starting prior to ordination. Suit filed in 7/20 claims abuse of a Ridgefield Park boy 1988-94. Settlement in the low five figures in 2020 of a claim of abuse in 1985 of a girl, age 13.
Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Deceased.
Monsignor. Placed on leave in in 10/14 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a boy in the mid-1970s while assigned to a Bergenfield parish. His accuser received a settlement in 2016. The archdiocese deemed the allegation credible. Canonical process initiated in 2015 ongoing in 2/19.
Arrested 1993 in NJ. Convicted 1994 on five counts of child endangerment – for exposing himself to children – in Lyndhurst NJ. Sentenced to five years probation; ordered to have a chaperone whenever he was in a car. In 6/04 a man reported to the Manchester NH diocese that Walsh fondled then masturbated him for 3-4 months between 1987-1988. Walsh was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry at the time. Walsh denied these allegations.
Allegations to archdiocese in 8/15 that Walters abused a boy and a girl in the early 1980s while assigned to St. Cassian in Montclair. Not suspended until 10/15. One accuser said Walters fondled and kissed him repeatedly as a 12-year-old altar boy in 1982; the other claimed Walters molested her at ages 13-14. Walters denied the accusations. Another woman publicly accused Walters of molesting her twice when she was age 13. Criminal investigation underway 7/16 of allegations he sexually abused a boy in the 1990s at St. John Nepomuce in Guttenberg. This accuser filed suit 8/17/16. His attorney said he was representing six Walters victims allegedly abused 1982-94, ages 8-14. Two more suits filed 10/16. Judge in 10/17 found probable cause to file charges. Five cases settled in 1/19. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children
Accused publicly in 10/20 by a 45-year-old man of sexually abusing him as a child for years, beginning at age 7. The alleged victim said that he was also abused by Rev. Kenneth L. Martin, who had promised to protect him from Wojtycha. Instead, both priests allegedly abuse him at St. Andrew’s parish in Bayonne, at hotels, and at a Jersey Shore house. The abuse is said to have included beatings, psychological torture and sodomy. Parish priest at St. Vincent de Paul in Bayonne 1938-63, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy in Jersey City 1963-70, and St. Andrew’s in Bayonne 1970-85. Elevated to Monsignor in 1983. Auxiliary Naval chaplain. Held chancery positions and received numerous honors. Lead a drum and bugle corp 1940s-60s. Retired in 1985 to the Palm Beach FL diocese. Died 6/8/09.
Initially was”Bro. Michael” with Brothers of the Holy Rosary (F.S.R.). Worked in Reno diocese; taught at Manogue High School 1974-78, directed CYO program. Ordained a Benedictine priest in 1987. Taught at Delbarton School in NJ for 18 years. In 6/12 a man joined in an existing suit against Delbarton School to allege abuse in 1980s by Worry. A 2015 lawsuit settled. Worry had been removed from assignment in 1/12 and sent to St. Mary’s Abbey after allegation of misconduct in the 1990s. Said to be under strict supervision. Accused in a lawsuit against the Delbarton School filed in 7/20 under the NJ Child Sexual Abuse Act of abusing a 15-year-old boy 1978-79. Reportedly still living on campus in 7/20.
Ordained for Newark. Sent to MN in 1980 for alcoholism treatment. Ministered in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis; incardinated there in 1987. Permanently removed from ministry in 2002 due to accusation of abuse of a youth in the early 1970s in Newark. Died 3/08 at age 67. On Newark archdiocese’s list 2/13/19.
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