Diocese of Allentown ACCUSED PRIESTS
The Roman Catholic Church has been in the midst of a devastating child sex abuse scandal for years now. Though child sexual abuse has been happening within churches throughout the world for centuries, only recently have survivors helped bring the ongoing systemic problem to light through litigation.
In Pennsylvania, the Diocese of Allentown was part of a disturbing grand jury report released in August 2018. The report revealed the sexual abuse of roughly 1,000 children by more than 300 clergy members of the six Pennsylvania dioceses over several decades.
The Diocese of Allentown serves more than 250,000 parishioners and includes Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties. Several lawsuits against the Diocese claim child sex abuse at the hands of its clergy members.
One of those lawsuits alleges sexual abuse that took place in 1974. The victim was a 13-year-old boy at the time. He was a student at St. Theresa of the Child of Jesus Catholic School, where Lawrence Haftle was his homeroom teacher. Haftle began grooming the teenage boy by giving him car rides off-campus. During those trips, Haftle would provide the boy with marijuana. The boy would then miss other classes due to being intoxicated and stay in Haftle’s room to sober up.
The lawsuit says the rides off-campus were “open and obvious.” However, nobody at the school ever intervened. Haftle also plied the victim with drugs and alcohol during a weekend getaway to Haftle’s farm property. Haftle molested the victim several times over the weekend while the victim was “highly intoxicated,” resulting in memory lapses. When commenting on this case to 69 News, they said
Even just one week after the grand jury released its report in 2018, Kevin Lonergan, a 30-year-old priest at the time, faced charges including one count of corruption of minors and one count of indecent assault. He allegedly sent nude photos of himself to a 17-year-old girl he met in August 2017 at the St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he was a priest.
Lonergan communicated with the girl predominantly via Snapchat after getting her cell phone number from a mutual acquaintance at the Church. According to the allegations, some of the messages Lonergan sent the girl included nude photos. Moreover, in February 2017, in an interaction at the Church, Lonergan hugged the girl, and when she tried to pull away, he actually pulled her closer and then grabbed her rear through her clothes.
Up to late last year, the Diocese of Allentown has paid almost $16 million to child sex abuse victims. The payments were part of the Diocese’s Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. An independent committee oversaw the program, and the average payment was $165,000. A condition of payment was a promise the recipients would not sue.
Though the regular statute of limitations had passed for most victims, an appeals court in Pennsylvania allowed a woman a chance to appeal to a jury because the coverup of the sex abuse constituted fraudulent concealment.
Before 2019, sexual abuse victims had just two years from the date of the abuse to file their claims. Childhood victims could file a civil lawsuit up until their 30th birthday. In 2019, Pennsylvania lawmakers extended the statute of limitations in response to the grand jury investigation and report. Now, child sexual abuse survivors have until age 55 to file a civil suit against their abuser and the institution allowing the abuse. Individuals abused between the ages of 18-24 can sue until age 30.
This new legislation doesn’t change anything for victims abused before 2019. The state Senate blocked a look-back window recommended by the report that would’ve accounted for all previously time-barred cases to have a second chance, necessitating the process of amending the state’s constitution, which is still in the works. Child sexual abuse victims with cases currently falling outside the statute of limitations can hope to see a decision by late 2022 or into 2023.
The Diocese’s Youth Protection webpage has information on its policies and reporting protocol.
Regardless of when your abuse occurred, you need to contact a sexual abuse attorney to learn about your legal rights and determine if you still qualify to receive compensation for your injuries and suffering via a civil lawsuit against both your abuser and the Diocese of Allentown that allowed the abuse to happen. Our legal team at Herman Law is passionate about finding true justice and closure for sexual abuse survivors.
If you or a family member suffered sexual abuse by a clergy member at the Diocese of Allentown, contact Herman Law today for a free consultation.
Ordained:Â 1966
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Accused in a 3/20 lawsuit of sexually abusing a young altar boy decades prior. The boy was allegedly ‘shared’ with multiple priests. Per the diocese in 2020, Agosta’s file was given to the state grand jury in 2016 because of a complaint, but because the accuser was anonymous and Agosta was dead, there could not be an investigation. Agosta died in 1995.
Ordained:Â 1930
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Monsignor. Assigned to St. John Cantius in Bridesburg 1930-46. Pastor of St. Casimir’s in Mahanoy City 1946-60. Pastor of St. Stanislaus in Minderville 1964-84. Retired 1984. Died 3/12/95. Name included on diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Allegation reported to diocese after his death.
Ordained:Â 1961
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Found by police in 1972 in a car with a teen boy, both without pants. No consequences. Complaint to diocese 1984 of repeated rape of a boy for years. Two more people later accused Bender of sex abuse in the 1960s. Convicted 1988 of abuse of boy. Given seven years’ probation. Laicized 5/05. New accusations 2006; arrested on charges of online solicitation of detective posing as 14-year-old boy. Pled guilty 7/06 but asked in 8/06 to withdraw his guilty plea based on a recent appellate decision. Pled guilty to federal charges 2/07. Sentenced to 10 years prison and lifetime probation 5/08. Released from prison 2014. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report and list released by diocese 8/19/18.
Ordained:Â 1970
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Monsignor. Leaves of absence 1978-80, 2006-07. Sabbatical 2001-02. Retired in 2009. First named publicly as accused in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Allegation to diocese in 2011 that Benestad abused a boy, including forced oral copulation, beginning at age 9, in the early 1980s. Accuser said the priest squirted holy water into his mouth afterwards “to purify him.” Benestad denied the allegations, which were deemed credible by law enforcement. Diocese claims to have tried to have Benestad laicized, but the Vatican said not enough evidence. Living in 2018 in Boca Raton, FL, in the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Ordained:Â 2000
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In a lawsuit filed in 8/10, parents of a 19-year-old girl alleged that Bonilla (high school chaplain) started a ‘relationship’ with her when she was a 17- or 18- year-old senior in 2008-09. The ‘relationship’ continued after the parents complained. He was removed from his parish in 11/09; sent to treatment. ‘Relationship’ continued while he was in treatment. The girl gave birth to his daughter in 7/10. He left therapy at some point and was living with the girl and baby. Diocese asked that he be laicized. Judge ruled case could proceed in 1/11.
Ordained:Â 1973
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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First named as accused publicly in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Educator, guidance counselor, campus minister. Held prominent diocesan positions. Diocese knew as early as 1979 of concerns about Cofenas’ behavior with boys. Admitted in 2000 to abuse of a 17-year-old boy in 1986, while assigned to a Sinking Spring parish and moderating the Youth Group. Treated 1989-90 at Paracletes in NM and in 2000 at St. John Vianney in Downington PA. Removed 2000. Laicized 2005. Died 12/14/13. Included on diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Added to Baltimore list 9/18. Lawsuit in 3/20 claims abuse of a 7-year-old altar boy at a Reading parish, continuing until the alleged victim was in his 30s. Accused also of ‘sharing’ the boy with other priests.
Ordained:Â 1970
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Died 4/7/07. Per the diocese, it received an allegation of child sex abuse against Coleman after his death.
Ordained:Â 1969
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Report to diocese 5/76 Connell made a sexual advance on a male high school student. In 10/07 a man told the Carmelites that when he was a Nativity High student, Connell abused him at least twice. He said he and his brother, whom he said was also abused, were living at the Order’s priory after their house burned down, and that Connell drugged him and he woke up with a bleeding rectum. He said he told Bro.Timothy Johnson who then beat him, warning that he would beat him worse if he told police.The man said he had also been sexually abused in sixth grade in the 1970s by a basketball coach, Jim Gross, at St. Patrick’s in Pottsville. Johnson left the order. Became a diocesan priest in San Antonio TX in 1976. Worked at Antonian College Prep until 1988 as teacher, vice-principal, principal. Pastored St. Thomas More parish. Died 1995. Two San Antonio accusers came forward after publicity in 2018. On San Antonio’s list 1/31/19.
Ordained:Â 1976
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Suspended 12/30/19 after taking “disturbing” photos of high school wrestlers at a tournament 12/27/19. The photos included closeups of the boys’ buttocks. Diocese investigating. Police investigated – no charges because the boys were clothed. An adult spectator noticed Derzack’s behavior and told a police officer at the tournament. Derzack was not dressed in clerical garb at the time. The officer had him delete the photos and leave the school.
Ordained:Â 1919
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Died in 1966. Allegation reported to diocese after his death. First named publicly as accused on diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1982
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Diocese announced 9/26/10 that Flanagan had been removed from his assignments as pastor of Annunciation, St. George, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Shenandoah and St. Mary Magdalen in Lost Creek; sent for treatment. Review Board found credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor dating back about 25 years, when he was assigned to Reading Central Catholic High School. May be other accusers. Chaperoned an unsanctioned international trip which included Bishop McDeviit High School students, diocese of Harrisburg. Name on Harrisburg’s 8/1/18 list. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report and on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Diocese claims it tried to have Flanagan laicized, but Vatican denied laicization.
Ordained:Â 1960
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In 2000 the U.S. Navy reported twice to the diocese that Ford sexually abused one of its enlistees when he was a 12-year-old student at Holy Guardian Angels Regional School in Muhlenberg Township in 1989. The alleged victim was undergoing mental health treatment. Per Navy officials, the diocese did not respond to the reports. Ford died in 2005. The man filed suit against the diocese in 8/18. On Allentown diocese 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1972
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In early 1990s six parents complained about Forist “luring” their children. Accused in 1996 of soliciting sex from 22-year-old man. Acquitted 1998. Sued 2004. Still priest as of 2006 but not active. Arrested in 9/06 for soliciting sex from 26-year-old man on a street corner in Greensburg PA. Forish had been working as a non-church affiliated psychologist at the time of his arrest. Plea deal (terms undisclosed) reached 11/06. Died in car auto accident 12/06. Name on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1958
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In 2002 a woman alleged sex abuse by Fromholzer, including on trip to the Poconos, in 9/65 when she was a 13- to 14-year-old student and he was a young priest. Suit filed 1/04. Second woman sued 7/04 alleging abuse on same 1965 trip. No criminal prosecution due to statute of limitations. Left active ministry 9/02. Last known to be living in FL. Named in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Per the report, one girl told her school principal about abuse by Fromholzer in the 1960s and was then expelled. Another alleged victim said she told several priests in the 1980s who didn’t want to hear it and did nothing. She learned through the GJ report that after she came forward in 2002 to law enforcement the diocese investigated her. She filed suit against the diocese in 9/18 alleging it caused the intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.
Ordained:Â 1985
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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A suit filed in 2004 by a woman alleged she was sexually abused by Gaffney for two years beginning in 1990, when she was age 16 and he was Reading Catholic vice-principal. Per the suit, officials were notified and Gaffney was moved to St. Frances de Chantal in Easton, where he continued to have sex with the plaintiff when she was in college. Removed from active ministry in 2002. Laicized in 2015. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report and Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Abuse alleged of a 14-year-old girl at 1985-87, reported to diocese in 1999. Also allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with adult women, one with a learning disability he was counseling. Suit filed in 1/19 claimed harassment and threats of a former female Albright College student, where he taught after leaving the priesthood in 2002. She dropped the suit in 6/19.
Ordained:Â 1980
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Diocese aware of issues as early as 1984. Galko admitted to sex with an 18-year-old male parishioner and to incidents with other males over the years, pre- and post-seminary and ordination. Concerns in 1987 about his spending too much time with altar servers and interaction with adolescent boys. Sent to Downingtown for treatment. Placed on leave 1988. Report to diocese in 2002 of abuse of male, age 17-18, in 1980 or ’81. Another report 2007 of abuse of 13-year-old 8th grade boy from St. Anne’s in Bethlehem. Galko acknowledged the abuse. Both victims said Galko plied them with alcohol. Laicized 2010.
Ordained:Â 1971
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. In 1977 a woman told the diocese that her 13-year-old son had been sexually abused by Ganster. Reassigned. A 37-year-old man told the diocese in 2002 that Ganster abused him for a year and a half beginning when he was a 14-year-old altar boy at St. Joseph’s in Frackville. He again contacted the diocese in 2004. His reports were not sent to D.A. until 2007. Accused in 2015 of abusing a 12-year-old boy in the summer of 1977. Put on sick leave 1987, sent to St. John Vianney in Downington for treatment in 1988. Request for laicization 1990, granted. Wanted to marry a woman he met at St. John Vianney and to work at Disney World. Diocese provided a reference for the job; Ganster worked at Disney World for 18 years. Died 7/3/14.
Ordained:Â 1959
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Per the report, In 1988 a boy told the diocese in a letter that Gillespie had sexually abused him at St. Joseph’s in Girardville, where he was an altar boy, about age 14. He reportedly did not get a response. The same person contacted the diocese again in 2003. His younger brother told the diocese in 2002 that when he was about age 10 at St. Joseph’s Gillespie began sexually abusing him. The priest’s modus operandi included having altar boys weighed and measured unclothed. One accuser said Gillespie dressed him in costumes, take his picture, then undress him. He said Gillespie had him drink alcohol and cough medicine, and that the abuse included oral sex. Removed 2002. Died 2017.
Ordained:Â 1979
Status:Â Cleared
Status:Â Cleared
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Priestly faculties removed in 8/18 after the Orlando diocese received a report of child sexual abuse against Gillis. Gillis transferred in 2005 to Orlando from the Diocese of Allentown, where the abuse allegedly occurred. Worked in parishes and high schools in both dioceses. Berks County D.A. investigating. Reinstated 9/18 after D.A. determined the allegations were false.
Ordained:Â 1968
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In lawsuit filed 1/04, woman claimed that Giuliani forced her to perform sexual acts 1971-1975 when he was working at Notre Dame High School, beginning when she was age 12. She said she told Church authorities twice, and was ordered to confession both times in response. Also said he visited her in college in 1975 and asked her to marry him. After her refusal, he never contacted her again. Second woman filed suit 5/04. She alleged that she was molested by Giuliani 12/76 when she was student at Cardinal Brennan High School, where he was principal. Reportedly ‘left the priesthood’ in 1977. In 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report – name spelled ‘Guiiani.’ On diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1955
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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“Retired” from Allentown to TX in 1992. Sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment, allowed to minister in Santa Fe diocese. Worked in Amarillo diocese until 2002. Arrested in TX 10/02; charged with abuse of 15-year-old boy. Died in jail 11/25/02 after “an accident” while awaiting trial. At least 40 men in PA and TX alleged abuse by him. One suit settled in TX in 2003 for $275K by Allentown diocese. One Allentown suit filed 7/04. In 2009 Mark Rozzi reported rape by Graff as a 13-year-old Catholic school student in 1984; he came forward after a friend said to have also been a Graff victim died by suicide. By 2016 two more friends he said Graff raped had taken their own lives. Rozzi was elected PA state rep in 2013 and went on to lead the effort to change the statute of limitations for sex crimes against children. Rozzi filed suit in 5/20. Graff named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown 8/19/18 list. On Amarillo list 1/31/19.
Ordained:Â 1972
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Accused in a lawsuit filed in 5/20 of raping and torturing a boy and his brother in the 1970s. Per the suit Grembocki, Rev. David A. Soderlund (later convicted) and several other priests all abused the boys in the basement of St Catharine’s in Reading. In 1972 Grembocki stepped in to “take the boys under his wing” after their father died. During bible study he would allegedly give the boys a drink which made them fall asleep and they would awaken to the abuse in the basement. Grembocki died in 6/16.
Ordained:Â 1961
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Added to Allentown diocese’s list in 2019. Per the list, Halabura retired in 2008 and was removed in 2019 after he self-reported an incident of abuse. He reported in 5/19 that he sexually abused a minor in the early 1980s at St. Anthony of Padua in Millmont. Named in a 3/20 lawsuit as one of several priests who abused a young Reading altar boy.
Ordained:Â 1968
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In 1/04 civil lawsuit, a woman alleged sexual abuse by Houseknecht when she was a student at Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem Township in the 1970s and Houseknecht was a teacher. She said Houseknecht spoke to her using crude/sexual language and that he inappropriately hugged her, his penis erect, at her family home. Per the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report, the womans said Houseknecht and another priest knew she was being abused by Rev. Richard J. Guiliani. Houseknecht was an active pastor when he died in 1990 at age 53. On 8/19/18 Allentown list.
Ordained:Â 1967
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Sent for treatment six times between 1982 and 2003. Admitted to the diocese in 9/03 that he sexually abused a girl when he was chaplain at St. Francis Orphanage in Orwigsburg 6/71-10/71. His victim was a 14-year-old resident of the orphanage. Per diocese notes the abuse occurred over approximately one year, as much as twice per week. Retired 9/1/03. Moved to Robertsville, MO.
Ordained:Â 1960
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2002 after an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor more than 20 years previously. Civil suit was filed in 1/04. alleging that Jones molested at least one youth on numerous occasions 1978-80. It also said that Jones and another priest performed oral sex on the plaintiff and several other boys during a trip. Suit was dismissed 1/05 due to the statute of limitations. Jones died in 5/04 at age 70. Also accused in a suit of using crude/sexual language toward a teenage girl.
Ordained:Â 1964
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese 8/19/18 list. Report to diocese in 12/92 that Kean abused a boy over several years, starting when he was age 12 and Kean was pastor of SS Peter and Paul in Tower City. Kean was at the parish 1/77-1/83. Kean acknowledged the abuse and to abusing the boy’s friend. May have been sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. More victims identified by Grand Jury, found in secret archives. Second victim contacted the diocese in 1999 re abuse as a teen altar boy in the 1970s in Tower City. A third man came forward in 4/02, saying that Msgr. William Jones sexually abused him then introduced him to and “shared” him with Kean. He said Kean performed oral sex on him and other boys in his Tower City bedroom. Reports in 2005 of abuse of two more: a Tower City altar boy ages 10-15 and an Ashland boy 1987-88, who went on to be heroin-addicted and suicidal. Kean retired 2002. Laicized 6/26/07.
Ordained:Â 1969
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Regional director for three CYO groups, chaplain for Appalachian Trail Scouting Council. In 1985-86 parishioners wrote to Bishop Welsh with concerns about Kerestus’ close and inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old boy. In 10/92 an 18-year-old male told the diocese that Kerestus sexually abused him for five years. Assessed by St. John Vianney Center in 2005 to be in the “moderate-high range” for “sexual re-offense.” A third man reported in 4/16 that Kerestus abused him 1975-80 when the man was a 15-year-old Holy Name High School student in West Reading. Removed 2002, given retirement status. Died in 2014. A 7/20 lawsuit claims abuse of a boy, ages 11-18, in the 1970s-early ’80s. At least one settlement.
Ordained:Â 1929
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publioly as accused on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Allegation reported after his death. Died 6/30/68.
Ordained:Â 1985
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Named publicly as accused on diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Removed in 2006, laicized in 2015. Assignments included St. Jerome’s in Tamaqua and Marian Catholic High School.
Ordained:Â 1973
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Concerns about Lawrence’s behavior as early as 1970 while in seminary. In 2002 a man alleged that Lawrence molested him at age 12 during a tutoring session in 1982 at St. Catharine of Siena in Mount Penn. He said told his parents immediately when he returned home, sobbing, and that his father called the church. The next day his father met with the diocese’s top administrator. Lawrence admitted to molesting the boy and was gone the next day, sent to St. John Vianney in Downingtown for treatment. He was back in a parish assignment within a year. The boy’s father complained again to Bishop Welsh in1986 and 1994; Welsh removed him from parish work but assigned him to the Diocesan Tribunal. Welsh retired in 1998. Lawrence wasn’t removed until 2002. A civil suit was filed in 2004. In 11/09 a reported to the diocese that Lawrence sexually abused him at age 13. Lawrence died in 4/15. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.
Ordained:Â 2014
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Charged with felony corruption of minors and misdemeanor indecent assault in 8/18 after accused in 6/18 of groping a 17-year-old girl and sending her nude photos of himself. Lonergan reportedly met the girl at St. Francis of Assisi in Allentown and asked other parishioners for her cell phone number. Pled guilty in 11/19. Sentenced in 2/20 to 1 to 2 years in state prison and to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Case sent to the Vatican. In 2016, prior to Lonergans’s transfer to St. Francis of Assisi, he was accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl. The girl’s family reportedly would not cooperate with an investigation. The diocese disputed that Lonergan was transferred to a new parish improperly, saying the County Children and Youth found the accusation to be unfounded. The D.A. and the diocese’s investigator both said the allegation was not “unfounded” but was “unsubstantiated” because there wasn’t a victim able to testify. Diocese to refer case to the Vatican.
Ordained:Â 1956
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Removed in 2002. Died in 2005.
Ordained:Â 1922
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Monsignor. Founded Our Lady Help of Christians parish in 1927, where he remained until his death. Also Allentown State Hospital chaplain until 1975. Died 6/29/81. First named publicly as accused on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Allegation reported to the diocese after Mathis’ death.
Ordained:Â 1994
Status:Â Charged
Status:Â Charged
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Criminally charged in federal court 12/3/20 with three counts of child pornography offenses. McCandless reportedly knew of the investigation for over three years. He lost his job as a counselor at DeSales University in 10/17 due to the investigation. McCandless worked at a parish in Monaco 2010-2017, and was an advisor to the royal family. He allegedly collected thousands of child abuse images while in Monaco and added to his collection in the U.S. Prior to leaving for Monaco in 2010, he was accused of admitting to abusing a 14-year-old French boy.
Ordained:Â 1960
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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A woman filed suit 5/09 in Delaware alleging that McHale, who was an Allentown priest, began to abuse her in 1964 when she was age 12; she said in continued until 1984. He reportedly took her on frequent trips to six states and once to Rome. McHale’s accuser says she told a priest in 1991 several times, who took no action. In 2016 she said that she discovered after a news investigation in 8/16 that the priest she had told, Rev. William Geiger, also had allegations of child sexual abuse against him, McHale died in 1997 at age 65. A Delaware judge dismissed her lawsuit in 4/10, citing no jurisdiction. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1965
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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In 12/92 a man told the diocese that McNelis sexually abused him 1966-68, when he was a 10 -to 13-year-old altar boy. McNelis was sent in 1993 to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Reassigned in 1/94 to St. Ignatius parish in Sinking Spring PA, where he remained until his removal in 3/02. In 2004 a man reported to the diocese that when he was age 16 in 1968, McNelis forcibly orally copulated him on two occasions. Two lawsuits in 2004. McNelis died 3/24/05. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1976
Status:Â Charged
Status:Â Charged
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Charged in 1997 with fondling a 17-year-old male hitchhiker; placed on probation in 1998. Record was to be expunged if successful probation. Diocese suspended him from duties. Had been pastor, high school teacher and high school principal. The 2002 Official Catholic Directory shows him at Holy Family Villa (a home for priests) in Bethlehem, PA. In 2004 the diocese said his whereabouts were unknown. Name included on diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1975
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Monsignor. Diocesan director of ecumenical and inter-religious affairs. Former educator in diocesan schools. Pastor St. Ann’s in Emmaus beginning 2008. In 7/16 a parishioner found searches such as “small boy nudes” while working on Mraz’s two laptop computers; parishioner told diocese. Diocese alerted D.A. Images were then found on the laptops. Mraz admitted to searching for child porn. Charged in 9/16 with child porn possession, criminal use of a communication facility, and selling obscene materials. Mraz had been absent for a month for what parishioners said they were told were “medical issues.” Pled guilty 6/17. Sentenced 9/14 to 6 to 23 months in jail and was to be registered as a sex offender for 15 years. Included on diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1992
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Monsignor. Pastor of Sacred Heart in Bath when suspended from ministry 6/27/18 due to accusations that he encouraged a 16-year-old VA boy to masturbate during online video ‘counseling’ sessions in 2012. The boy contacted law enforcement. Lawsuit filed. Settled 9/18. Nave allegedly also stripped naked and masturbated online. The boy reportedly took screenshots of Nave, who was talking to him while naked and touching himself. Name included on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1972
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Three men filed two separate suits in Allentown in 2004 alleging abuse by Patil when they were ages 7 to 9, 1978-80, at Bethlehem Catholic High School. The boys lived in the neighborhood. Cases dismissed in 2005. Patil was promoted to Provincial Superior of his Order in 1990. Reportedly working as pastor of a church in Ontario Canada as of 2004. Went on to work in Buffalo NY, Youngstown OH, then India. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low five figures of sexually abusing an altar boy, age 8, in 1992. The abuse allegedly occurred one time, at Assumption of the BVM in Northampton, where Patil was a fill-in priest. Patil is accused of reaching inside the boys pants and fondling him under the guise of helping him put on his altar boy robes.
Ordained:Â 1964
Status:Â Reinstated
Status:Â Reinstated
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Named publicly in 10/19 by the diocese as accused of sexually abusing a minor in the late 1980s and early 1990s while pastor of St. George’s in Shenandoah. Removed from ministry pending investigation. Per the diocese, the allegation was received 9/24/19. Potts’ accuser reported the allegations to the IRCP (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program), which notified the diocese. Potts was returned to ministry in 8/20 on recommendation of the diocesan Review Board, after a diocesan investigation determined that Potts “did not commit the acts that were alleged.” .
Ordained:Â 1975
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Assigned to parishes, high schools and Catholic Scouting. In 1991 a former seminarian told Bishop Welsh that Puza molested him three times when he was an eighth-grader. Puza admitted to molesting the boy, but said it was just once, and when the boy was a senior in high school. Told therapist of “quite a bit of male and female involvement.” In 1995 a high school student, age 18, reported ‘sexual contact’ with Puza. On 2/4/02 Puza admitted to ‘sexual misconduct’ with a minor; he resigned as pastor of St. Richard’s in Barnesville 2/7/02. Laicized in 2010.
Ordained:Â 1966
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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Director of Catholic Charities for over 36 years and other prominent chancery positions. Diocese received a report in 4/87 that Rigney fondled a 12- or -13-year-old girl. Complaint in 1989 that Rigney fired a Holy Family Manor nurse’s aid because she resisted his sexual advances. In 4/02 a woman told diocese that Rigney molested her over one year, 1966-67, when she was age 9 or 10 and he was assigned to St. Peter’s in Reading. She said Rigney also molested her sister. Rigney requested early retirement in 4/02 for ‘medical reasons.’ Sued 1/04 for alleged abuse of 9-year-old girl. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.
Ordained:Â 1972
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Assigned to parishes, Catholic Scouting and CYOs. Two reports to diocese in 1986 of ‘sexual contact’ with three boys, one age 9, in the early 1980s. On ‘sick leave’ 2/86, sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Assigned 10/87 to nursing/retirement home for priests. Resigned 11/01 after accused of sex abuse of two elderly residents. Another allegation 1/92; Admitted to feeling boys’ genitals. Lawsuit filed by 20-year-old man in 1994 claiming Diocese failed to prevent him from abuse at ages 9-12 by Rock in Mount Carbon. Rock denied the allegation. Settlement for $305K in 2000. Report 3/00 of past abuse of boy beginning 5th or 6th grade. Named in suits filed by five alleged victims in 2004. Laicized 2005. Accused in 2007 of abuse of 6th- to 8th-grade boy 1979-81. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Per 12/19 lawsuit abused girl, age 13, continuing for 11 years.
Ordained:Â 1947
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Transferred 8 times during first 8 years of priesthood. Leave of absences 11/55-2/56 and 4/60-7/61. Chaplain at St. Joseph Manor until 1964, then left active ministry the same year. Laicized in 2/65. Died 12/20/03. In 2009 a man in his 60s reported sexual abuse as a boy by Royer. In 5/16 an 81-yr-old man stated publicly that Royer sexually abused him in 1947, when the man was an 11-yr-old altar boy at Ss. Simon and Jude in West Bethlehem. Named in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1930
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Retired 1979. Died 1980. A man told the diocese in 8/01 that Ruffenach sexually and physically abused him beginning in about 1945, when the man was a St. John the Baptist school first-grader and continuing through eighth grade.
Ordained:Â 1954
Status:Â Settled
Status:Â Settled
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Sabas was accused of having sexually abused at least one 14-year-old boy during the summer of 1964. Sabas’s alleged victim reported the abuse to the diocese in 1974, during Bishop Joseph McShea’s tenure. When Sabas’s accuser discovered in 1989 that the priest was still assigned to parish work, he sued Sabas and the Allentown diocese; the case was settled out of court for $40,000 in 1991. The diocese reportedly had assured the man several times that he was only victim. Sabas died in 1996. Shown as still active in the 1993 Catholic Directory. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1964
Status:Â Reinstated
Status:Â Reinstated
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Monsignor. Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bethlehem Township when suspended in 9/18 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a student of Holy Name High School in Reading. Sacks was VP there 1965-68 and principal 1974-79. He denied the allegation, calling it a “case of mistaken identity.” Reinstated within several weeks, after his accuser said the allegation “was made in error.”
Ordained:Â 1958
Status:Â Sued
Status:Â Sued
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A ciivil suit was filed in 3/04 against the diocese alleging that Shields abused a 12-year-old altar boy in 1972. Shields allegedly invited the boy back to the rectory of St. Ann’s in Lansford after bingo night and began to molest him. The boy reportedly fled and never let himself be alone with the priest again. He said he told his mother and a deacon at the parish. Shields was moved 3 months later. Another man reported in 3/04 that Shields sexually abused him at St. Ann’s 25-30 years previously. Shields retired in 1995 and died 8/00. Named in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1978
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Parish priest, Catholic Scouting chaplain, CYO and Youth Ministry director, Family Life Bureau director. Died 1991, age 38. Diocese received a report on 11/17/11 that Shigo sexually abused an 8th-9th grade altar boy at St. Ambrose, where Shigo was assigned in 1981.
Ordained:Â 1965
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Accused 1980 of abuse of three boys, ages 12-13. Photos found of Soderlund in sex acts with boys. Admitted to ‘sexual activity’ with them. Sent to St. John Vianney for treatment. Assigned as a parish pastor in 1981, restricted to no contact with minors, sent to another parish the next year. Abused another boy. In 1986 made Director of Pastoral Care at Good Samaritan Med Center in Pottsdale. Removed 1989 for violating restrictions by having an 8-year-old altar boy and calling him on the phone. Soderlund appealed to the Vatican which agreed his rights were violated. Bishop Welsh offered him housing and income, but no job. Lawsuit against diocese in 2004. Laicized 2005. Arrested 2009 in WY on child porn charges; convicted. Sentenced 2-5 years’ prison. Registered sex offender in WY. In 8/14/18 PA GJ Report. Settlement 4/20 with man alleging abuse at age 12 in 1971. Accused in 5/20 lawsuit of abuse of boys in early 1970s.
Ordained:Â 1947
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Very Rev. First named as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Parish priest, pastor, educator, held prominent chancery positions. Admitted when confronted in 1988 to kissing a 19-year-old male on the lips four times during a counseling session. Sent to counselor who said there was “a lot more going on here than Father Strassner has admitted.” Two more complaints in 1991 of past child sex abuse, one a boy ages 6-8. Sick leave 8/1/93-2/18/94, sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Accused in 2001 of sex advances of a 31-year-old man during counseling session. In 2004 a man told the diocese Strassner sexually assaulted him during counseling or confession in 1977 when the man was age 26 or 27. This accuser wrote down the names of 25 or 30 others he alleged Strassner sexual assaulted. In 11/11 a 63-year-old man reported sex abuse, including oral copulation, by Strassner when he was in 7th or 8th grade. Retired 2003. Died 11/20/09.
Ordained:Â 1971
Status:Â Charged
Status:Â Charged
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Very Rev. First named as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Parish priest, pastor, educator, held prominent chancery positions. Admitted when confronted in 1988 to kissing a 19-year-old male on the lips four times during a counseling session. Sent to counselor who said there was “a lot more going on here than Father Strassner has admitted.” Two more complaints in 1991 of past child sex abuse, one a boy ages 6-8. Sick leave 8/1/93-2/18/94, sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment. Accused in 2001 of sex advances of a 31-year-old man during counseling session. In 2004 a man told the diocese Strassner sexually assaulted him during counseling or confession in 1977 when the man was age 26 or 27. This accuser wrote down the names of 25 or 30 others he alleged Strassner sexual assaulted. In 11/11 a 63-year-old man reported sex abuse, including oral copulation, by Strassner when he was in 7th or 8th grade. Retired 2003. Died 11/20/09.
Ordained:Â 1973
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Allentown priest for 20 years. Educator, held diocesan positions, worked in parishes. Moved to Metuchen NJ diocese 1993, incardinated there 1995. Allentown notified Metuchen in 2010 of allegations dating back about 30 years. A 44-year-old woman alleged sexual abuse by Uhrig for 4 years, starting when she was age 13 and in 7th grade at St. Anthony’s in Easton, where Uhrig was assigned. Allegations deemed “not frivolous,” Uhrig denied abuse.Placed on leave. Parish notified 10/10/10. Living at a priests’ retirement residence in Somerset NJ beginning sometime in 2011. A 5/17 church bulletin showed him to be assisting at weekend masses at a Whitehouse Station, NJ parish. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list.
Ordained:Â 1966
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Teacher, parish priest, pastor, held prominent diocesan positions. Diocese announced 9/26/10 Ulincy’s removal from ministry due to credible allegations that he had molested a minor in 1981 while assigned to Ss. Simon and Jude’s in Bethlehem. In 11/81 a 17-year-old male told police that Ulincy had sexually propositioned him. Ulincy admitted his behavior. Sick leave 12/1/81-2/15/82; sent to treatment then reassigned. In 2010 the victim said he had gone to the church for help after running away from home, and that Ulincy offered him alcohol, fondled his penis then anally penetrated him. In the early 1990s a 25-year-old man, who was a contractor working at St. Joseph’s in Frackville’s rectory told police that Ulincly exposed himself to him. The man was given $2,500 and Ulincy was moved out of St. Joseph’s. Ulincy retired 3/1/11 and died 10/28/16. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On 8/19/18 Allentown list.
Ordained:Â 1974
Status:Â Convicted
Status:Â Convicted
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Arrested in 2004 on charges of possession of an “enormous amount” of child pornography. Removed from assignment. Sent to St. John Vianney Hospital for eval and treatment. Diocese knew Yarrosh had “personality problems.” Also accused of embezzlement. Agreed to plead guilty in 2005 in return for sentence of 3 to 23 months in prison, 20 months’ parole, 10 years’ probation, and pay $24,000 in restitution. Violated probation – had gone to NYC with a 7-year-old child and found with porn. Sentenced in 11/06 to 4-10 years in prison. Sentenced upheld 1/08. PA registered sex offender. Dismissed from priesthood in 6/07, Named in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.
Ordained:Â 1936
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Allentown diocese’s 8/19/18 list. Member of diocesan Tribunal. Psychologist. Died 1968. In 10/04 a woman told the diocese that Zmijewski sexually abused her in 1950 when she was a St. Peter’s in Reading 9th grader. She said she was referred to Zmijewski for counseling, and he proposed hypnotizing her at his residence. She said she feigned being hypnotized and he then had her strip naked. He allegedly left the room for a few minutes then returned and told her to get dressed.
Ordained:Â 1938
Status:Â Accused
Status:Â Accused
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Parish assignments in Bridgeport, Emmaus, Willow Grove and Philadelphia. Involved in a Germantown summer camp. Music Director at Allentown Central Catholic High School, later at Reading Central Catholic High. Residing at St. Mary’s parish in Kutztown.when he died 9/18/62. First named publicly as accused on Allentown’s 8/19/18 list. Allegation received after his death.
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