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Diocese of Greensburg ACCUSED PRIESTS

Disturbingly, many child sex abuse survivors are levying allegations against the Roman Catholic Church in recent years. The Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania published its own list of Clergy with Credible and Substantiated Allegations Against Them on August 14, 2018. That’s the same day a Pennsylvania grand jury released its report detailing credible claims involving more than 300 “predator priests” and over 1,000 child sex abuse victims. The abuse accounted for in the report goes back as far as 1947 and involves six dioceses, including Greensburg.

Emil Payer, a priest convicted in 2014 of stealing almost $100,000 from the Church of the Seven Dolors, is also on the list of those credibly accused of child sex abuse. The Diocese gained knowledge of the allegations in 2018 by law enforcement officials, and an independent investigation determined the claims were credible. Accusations against Payer include the abuse of multiple minors and adults.

Another report published last year named Andrew Kawecki, formerly Father Kawecki in Fairchance, Fayette County. His victim was an 11-year-old altar boy, and the abuse continued for several years. The sexual abuse allegedly took place in an upstairs bedroom of the rectory at St. Cyril and Methodius Parish. Though removed from active ministry, Payer and Kawecki are still priests.

Last year, a lawsuit filed against the Diocese of Greensburg alleged that Father Joseph Sredzinski raped and sexually abused an 11-year-old boy from 1991 to 1997 while Sredzinski was a priest at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. The lawsuit states the perpetrator also exposed the victim to pornography. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Sredzinski invited other priests to the church rectory so they could also rape the boy and participate in orgies.

The court documents noted that the bombshell August 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report also identified Sredzinski. The lawsuit accused the Diocese of Greensburg of knowing about the abuse but choosing to take no action whatsoever against Sredzinski to stop the abuse or prevent him from abusing other children. In other words, the Diocese failed to protect some of its most vulnerable members, leading to long-term, irreparable harm.

In late 2019, a lawsuit filed against the Diocese of Greensburg by a 56-year-old woman contained claims the woman suffered sexual abuse by the late Rev. George Pierce during the 1970s when she was just 10 or 11 until age 15. The suit also names Bishop Edward Malesic and his predecessor, Lawrence Brandt, for endangering the woman by covering up the threat that Father Pierce posed.

The abuse took place while Pierce was a priest at Holy Family Church in Seward from 1972 to 1985. The lawsuit claimed that Bishop William Connare knew about Pierce’s behavior as early as 1972. Pierce then admitted it in 1973, and Connare and the Diocese did nothing but settle with the victim, which included having her sign a confidentiality agreement prohibiting her from disclosing the crime.

In response to the deluge of child sex abuse cases that have come to light, the Diocese of Greensburg created the Survivors’ Compensation Program, part of the Comprehensive Reconciliation Initiative. In a release from the Diocese, the initiative is announced in part by the following: “The Diocese of Greensburg announced details of a Comprehensive Reconciliation Initiative to help survivors of clergy sexual abuse. The initiative includes a Survivors’ Compensation program, an opportunity for survivors to have a personal interaction with an objective program administrator, as well as counseling, spiritual guidance, and pastoral care for anyone impacted by clergy abuse in the Diocese of Greensburg.”

Affected individuals can find information concerning participation in this Survivors’ Compensation Program on the program’s About page.

Child sexual abuse survivors can also timely file a civil lawsuit for compensation for their injuries and suffering. Pennsylvania lawmakers extended the statute of limitations governing sexual abuse cases in 2019. Childhood sex abuse survivors can now file civil claims until their 55th birthday, while those abused between the ages of 18-24 can file a claim until they reach age 30.

State legislators are pushing for a look-back window similar to other states, including New York and California. This look-back window would allow all child sexual abuse survivors, no matter their current age or how long ago the abuse happened, to file a civil suit within two years of the date of the new law’s commencement. Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward halted the legislation in the state Senate, calling it unconstitutional. However, efforts to amend the state constitution are still underway, with citizens likely to see the end result in late 2022 or early 2023.

No matter how far in the past your abuse happened, please contact Herman Law today for a free consultation if you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse by anyone in the Diocese of Greensburg. We can evaluate your case and determine if you currently qualify for compensation to aid in your ongoing healing. We want to help you get the justice and closure you deserve.

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 of sexually abusing an altar boy many times over a four-year period until 1978, beginning when the boy was age 12. The abuse allegedly occurred at Transfiguration Parish in Mt. Pleasant and at a church rectory in Clymer. In 1988 Bealko was charged with firing a gun at his 22-year-old housemate in Irondequoit, NY. Bealko was pastor of a Polish National Catholic Church parish at the time. He said he had been in a relationship with the young man for 2 1/2 years, and that the young man moved with him from PA. A 17-year-old boy was also staying with Bealko. The boy was removed by Child Protective Services. By the early 2000s Bealko was active as a traditionalist priest in Latrobe, PA. Per a news report in 2007, Bealko was dismissed by the Greensburg diocese in the mid-1980s, ousted later by a Tridentine church in Greensburg, and dismissed again by another in Unity, PA in 2007.
Ordained: 1992
Status: Accused
 
Pastor of Holy Family in West Newton and St Edward’s in Herminie in 8/18 when suspended due to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor 28 years prior. A canonical investigation deemed the allegation unsubstantiated, as announced in 10/19. The review board did find “inappropriate conduct in the workplace.” Bonafed resigned from his parishes and was to go on leave of absence. (Per news in 2010 Bonafed was struck in the head with a blunt object by a burglar in the rectory.)
Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused
 
Suspended 6/29/18 after the diocese received an allegation of abuse against Clark. The abuse was said to have occurred 50 years previously at St. James School in Apollo, where Clark was working as a janitor prior to entering seminary. The diocese provided no further details about the allegation in its statement about Clark’s removal, but it did refer to awareness “of the signs of child sexual abuse and how to report it.” Diocese deemed allegation “credible and substantiated” in 10/18 and announced that Clark would not return to active ministry.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled
 
Allegations 1983 of abuse of two teen brothers 1981-82, in their home and on trips with the family. Admitted the abuse. Also accused of abusing their friend. Sent to Spencer Abbey in MA for treatment. Suit filed in 1983 by the two families; settled for $375K in 1986 and sealed at request of diocese. Families refused to pursue criminal charges in 1983. The suit also alleged that Bishop Connare failed to discharge Dellamalva after being confronted by the plaintiffs and others. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. It notes “numerous allegations.” Accused of abuse of a 9th to 12th grade Mother of Sorrows in Murrysville altar boy during annual mountain retreats. Sued; settled 2004 for $25K. A fifth man alleged abuse at ages 13-15 in the Mother of Sorrows rectory. Sued; settled for $25K. Per GJ report, Dellamava last functioned as a priest in the diocese in 1984 and resigned from priesthood in 1986. Died 1994.
Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused in 11/04 of the 1967-69 sex abuse of an Immaculate Conception in Irwin altar boy and parish school student, beginning when the boy was age 10 or 11. The abuse allegedly included tying the boy up in a confessional, then the priest sticking his penis in the boy’s mouth to silence his screams. He also allegedly sodomized the boy with a crucifix. Flohr died in 2004.
Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused
 
Professor at St. Vincent College, Latrobe; removed 8/09 after pornography was found on his work computer. Disagreement as to whether it was child porn or homosexual male porn. A student confessed that he did the downloading. Gruber sued college 9/10 for defamation; dropped suit 11/10. In 8/12 Vatican permanently banned him from ministry and ordered him to live in monastery. Abuse of confession/ defamation of superior at issue. Laicization announced 7/13 when he failed to move to monastery. Was to appeal to Vatican.
Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 08/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Retired 1973. Died 1986. Report to diocese 7/05 from a man saying Guth sexually abused him at around age 7 in West Newton. Guth was assigned to Holy Family in West Newton 8/44-11/62. The man said that his Sunday School teacher told him that if a person missed mass, they would die. He said he was so worried about his mom, who didn’t attend mass, that he sought out Fr. Guth. He said that he “cried and pleaded for his mother’s soul,” and that the priest pulled his [the boy’s] pants down, fondled him and stuck his finger up his anus. He said that afterward Guth told him that if he told, both he and his mother and his whole family would burn in hell.
Ordained: 1980
Status: Charged
 
From Poland. Ordained for the Greenburg diocese. Placed on leave in 5/19 pending investigation by law enforcement of an allegation that he sexually abused a minor fifteen years prior. Pastor of St. Joseph in Everson and St. John the Baptist in Scottdale at the time of his suspension. Arrested in 8/20, charged with indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with an altar boy for three years, beginning in 2004 when the boy was age 11. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Fairchance.
Ordained: 1943
Status: Settled
 
Retired in 1987. Died in 1991. Per 8/14/18 PA G.J. Report, diocese received report in 3/04 of sex abuse by Lesniak of a boy, age 13, in about 1977. The alleged victim said Lesniak invited him to a sleepover for altar boys, found he was the only boy there, and Lesniak fondled him. Sued. Settled in 1/06 for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 9/04 of sex assault of a boy in 1962 during an overnight at the rectory. Settled for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Allegation 5/05 of fondling a boy on an overnight rectory stay; in 1/06, same settlement as the previous two. Report in 2007 of abuse of a boy over 4 years, beginning 1983 when the boy was age 7 or 8. Accuser said Lesiak took him for a walk to his car during a picnic , then forced him to perform oral sex. He said he became an altar boy, and the abuse continued including anal rape. He said Lesniak gave him wine and that by the age of 12, he was an alcoholic. The diocese offered him $5K and 90 counseling sessions.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Accused of abuse of multiple teenage girls while assigned to Greensburg diocese in the 1950s. Impregnated a 17-year-old girl in 1956. Married her in 1/57. In 7/57 sent to Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment. Divorced in 12/57. In NM until 1961. Accepted into Gary IN diocese on “trial basis.” Taught at a high school in Hammond IN 1961-63, where there were more concerns re his behavior with girls. Removed. In a Chicago rectory 1963-64. In 2006 accused of abuse of 11-year-old girl while in Chicago. Accepted into Wheeling WV diocese 1/64, transferred to VA 8/64. Died 6/4/2000. Gary bishop in 8/18 stated the diocese received an allegation in 2012 against Lukac, and that the diocesan review board said there wasn’t enough evidence to deem it credible. Not on Gary list released 8/27/18. On Wheeling-Charleston list late 2018.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled
 
First named publicly accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 1987. Allegation to diocese in 11/07 from a man who said Marcinek abused him from about 1972, when he was a 10-year-old Holy Rosary student in Republic, until the early 1980s. He said the abuse, including oral copulation, occurred at the rectory, Marsinek’s cabin and on trips, including to to Sea World and Geauga Lake in OH and Niagara Falls. Marsinek may have also abused the alleged victim’s brother. He said his family was poor and Marsinek gave him money and gifts, including a car. Settled for $10K and 90 counseling sessions.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Suspended in 8/18 due to a credible allegation that he sexually abused a minor about 20 years prior. A second allegation surfaced in 3/19 of sexual abuse of a girl 1973-76, beginning when Matusak was a deacon and continuing after ordination. His accuser said Matusak stalked and harassed her for almost 20 years. Retirement announced 6/12/19. Died 10/13/19, age 69.
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Parish priest, teacher. Admitted in 1979 and 1980 to “inappropriate behavior” with a 15-year-old boy. Sent for eval. Returned to ministry. In 1986 several grade school to middle school children told the diocese that, during religion class, Moslener asked them if they masturbated and said other inappropriate things. Sent for eval. Police told diocese in 4/86 Moslener was investigated for sex with juveniles. Sent to St. Luke’s in MD 10/87. Said in 3/87 to be involved with a 16-year-old boy in North Huntingdon and another at St. Joseph’s in New Kensington Kept in ministry. Pastor 1992-06 of several parishes. In 1999 a fourth accuser surfaced. Removed 3/02. A fifth in 2003. In 2013 a man said he and his siblings were abused by Moslener as children.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused
 
In 11/18 a man alleged sexual abuse by Nyeste when he was an 11-year-old altar boy at St. Emory’s in Connellsville, PA. The man said the abuse occurred at Nyeste’s farmhouse in the mountains, that he passed out after the priest gave him wine and awakened to find Nyeste on top of him. Nyeste worked in PA, NY and OH. He died 5/19/87 in Cleveland, OH. Nyeste’s accuser was offered a settlement by the diocese, but said was not sure he would accept it.
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 2007. A woman told the diocese in 4/02 that Oris sexually abused her when he was assigned to St. Hedwig in Smock, PA she was ages 4 or 5 to age 12 when he was at St. Florian in United. She said Oris also abused her older sister when she was in third or fourth grade until fifth grade. Oris was a close friend of the girls’ parents. He would have each girl stay over in the rectory, sharing his bed. After the allegation in 2002, Oris was removed from public ministry. He said he had been “….asking god that they forgive me, asking all these girls to forgive me… .” In 2014 another woman came forward, alleging that when she was age 10 or 11 in 1977 or 1978, Oris kissed her on the mouth on about five occasions. She said she was a student at St. Mary’s in Uniontown and that the abuse would occur when she was sent to the rectory by the school principal for counseling.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused
 
In 8/20 the diocese announced that Payer had credible and substantiated allegations against him of abusing multiple minors and vulnerable adults in the 1980s, and was added to its list. He denied wrongdoing.The diocese learned of the allegations from law enforcement in 10/18. In 2014 Payer pleaded guilty to theft from a South Huntingdon parish; sentenced to probation.
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA GJ Report. Died 2009. In 1997 a woman told the diocese that Pierce sexually abused her ages 12-20, beginning in 1968 at St. Gertrude’s in Aultman. In 1972 Holy Family parishioners complained to diocese about young women staying overnight at the rectory. Parishioners from most assignments told diocese about Pierce’s relationship with a “particular female.” Pierce acknowledged but minimized the “relationship.” She sued in 1997; $30K settlement. Pierce was treated 11/97-5/98 at the Anodos Center. Retired 8/98, faculties removed. Moved to Erie diocese where he may have helped out. Allegation to Greensburg diocese 2002 from man alleging abuse for three years, beginning age 10 in 1969. Suit 10/19 claiming rape of girl 1973-78, starting age 11.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled
 
Report to diocese in 3/02 that Premoshis sexually abused a 16- to 17-year-old male Geibel High student 1980-82. Accuser said Premoshis was his ‘surrogate father’ who gave him gifts, took him on trips, and plied him with alcohol. Premoshis removed from job as president of the high school. Retired. Permanently barred from public ministry 7/02. Civil suit filed in 8/02; dismissed in 2003 due to the statute of limitations. No criminal charges filed, also due to SOL. Settlement for $5K and 90 counseling sessions. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 1992. Report to diocese in 2002 that in the early 1960s Sanesi repeatedly sexually abused a boy who was a student at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary. Another former St. Joseph’s minor seminarian alleged in 2013 that Sanesi sexually abused him 1962-63.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Convicted
 
Per 8/14/18 PA GJ report, diocese knew 5/81 of abuse 9/80 of two 14-year-old boys. Had been reported to St. Mary’s in Kittanning pastor, but no action. One mother deterred by Rev. Klinzing from going to police. Indications 2/83 from St. Mary’s mothers that other boys victimized. They told Chief of Police, who said he’d heard rumors and had spoken with their pastor. No action. Possible previous incident with a Latrobe boy. Sick leave 6/83-6/84, sent to House of Affirmation in MO, then Military chaplain in CA, FL, KS VA and MA. Fired 11/91 from Topeka State Hospital after he “managed to gain access to a locked unit deceitfully” to try to take male teen patients to movies. Report 2/02 of abuse of boy, age 9 – early teens, at first assignment. Faculties revoked 2002, sent to Anodos Center for treatment. Accused 4/02 of 1979 abuse of 13-year-old Latrobe altar boy. Removed for life 2002. Left priesthood 1/05. Arrested in OR 2017 for abuse of young disabled male. Convicted. Imprisoned.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 2015. Found in 5/91 by police with a young boy in a car parked at night in a cemetery. Mayor of Everson met with Fr. Roger Statnick about the incident, and concerns from the community about Sredzinski spending too much time with boys. Allegation 6/91 of misconduct while swimming with a boy, and of inappropriate touch with the boy on a drive to Cleveland. Father of boy forbade Sredzinski’s contact with his son. Call in 4/02 to diocese from woman who said Sredzinski abused her relative in 1985 in Brownsville, PA. Accused in a 6/20 lawsuit of raping and sexually abusing a boy 1991-97, beginning when the boy was age 11. Per the suit, Sredzinski invited other priests to the rectory to rape the boy during orgies, and that the abuse also occurred at church-sponsored events in Washington DC. The suit was filed in DC.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted
 
Worked in Latrobe, Greensburg, Smock, Freeport, Lower Burrell, Apollo and West Newton parishes. Retired in 12/16. Arrested in 7/17 on charges of “involuntary deviate sexual intercourse” with 10-year-old boy during 1991-92, when Sweeney was assigned to St. Margaret Mary in Lower Burrell and the boy was a 4th grader at the parish school. His accuser reported the allegations to police in 2016 after seeing the movie “Spotlight.” He said he was called into Sweeney’s office after misbehaving on the school bus, and that Sweeney forced him to perform oral sex on him, warning him that he would get in trouble if he told anyone. He said the Sweeney’s secretary brought him milk and cookies after the abuse. Sweeney pled guilty 7/31/18. In 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Sentenced 12/18 to 11 months to 5 years in state prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 1994. In 4/02 a man told the diocese that Tamilowski touched him inappropriately in the 1960s, when he was an altar boy at Assumption parish in Leechburg and the Mission of St. Mary. The man said that on several occasions Tamilowski pushed him into a corner of the sacristy, grabbed his crotch, and told him his parents wouldn’t believe him if he told. The accuser also said that many years prior to 2002 he told the office manager for the diocese,of the abuse, whose response was to tell him to “not rock the boat.” Suit filed by a man in 10/18, claiming abuse by Tamilowski for three years, starting in 1978 when he was an altar boy at St. Hyacinth in Monessen. A second suit was filed in 12/18 by a man alleging abuse ages 14-18 in the late 1970s at St. Hyacinth.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted
 
Criminally charged in 1987 for abusing as many as 12 young boys. while pastor of St. John’s in Delmont, PA. Pled guilty to abuse of one; got 5 years probation, with treatment as a condition of probation, and $10K fine. Sent To St. Luke’s in MD for treatment. Complaint 4/02 of abuse of a 10-year-old altar boy in 1973, including repeated rape. Civil suit filed in 2005 claiming abuse 1973-76. Settled for $130K. Laicized around 11/04. Died in 2017 in FL. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report 10/22/18.
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Died 2000. Allegation to diocese 5/11/15 that Weber sexually abused an 11- to 13-year-old boy in the early 1980s, at St. Gertrude’s in Vandergrift. The alleged victim said that Weber had given a lecture to children about “impure thoughts and actions,” and that afterward, when the two were alone, the priest fondled the boy’s genitals.

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