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Diocese of Harrisburg ACCUSED PRIESTS

Throughout the world, children of the Roman Catholic Churches have been subject to child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members for centuries. Only recently have victims started to come forward and tell their stories.

The Diocese of Harrisburg is one of the biggest dioceses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, covering fifteen counties throughout South Central Pennsylvania, including Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York. In 2016, the Pennsylvania attorney general led a grand jury investigation looking into the sexual abuse at the Diocese of Harrisburg and other dioceses throughout the commonwealth.

The leadership members at the Diocese of Harrisburg claimed they were planning to release a list of accused priests within the Diocese in September 2016. However, they claim the attorney general told them not to do so, allegedly saying it would compromise the investigation.

The Philadelphia Inquirer claims the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Diocese of Greensburg attempted to shut down the investigation by blocking the grand jury probe of clergy members. The dioceses tried to argue that the grand jury lacked a legal justification for its inquiries.

Their attempts to block the investigation perfectly exemplify how the Diocese of Harrisburg engaged in the same tragic cover-ups that dioceses throughout the country commit and often condone. These dioceses created these cover-ups to protect their reputations rather than putting the safety of their church members and children first.

Unfortunately, the leadership at the Diocese of Harrisburg played a significant role in allowing child sexual abuse to become so prevalent for so long. Instead of helping victims when they reported abuse and promptly and appropriately punishing the abusers, the Diocese told victims to stay quiet and either never punished the abusers or simply transferred them to another diocese where they would abuse other children.

The grand jury report revealed more than 1,000 people, mainly children, who were sexually abused by clergy in six of Pennsylvania’s eight dioceses. On August 1, 2018, the Diocese of Harrisburg released a list of 71 names of clergy members credibly accused of sexually abusing children. In addition to releasing this list, Bishop Ronald Gainer also stated that the Diocese would be changing its confidentiality policies and would remove any men accused of child sexual abuse from any place of honor within the Church.

One case, in particular, involved a priest, Reverend Raymond Prybis, who was accused of child sexual abuse while he was in a Boston-area diocese before he was transferred to York County under assignment at the Diocese of Harrisburg. Another case recently closed sentenced John Allen to 5 years of probation for molesting two boys. He’s now deemed a sexually violent predator. Detectives arrested Allen in March 2019 for allegedly molesting children from 1997 to 2002 while they were serving as altar boys at the St. Margaret Mary’s Alacoque Church in Harrisburg. In August 2018, a former altar boy filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Harrisburg for failing to protect him against Allen between 1999 and 2002.

In 2020, the Diocese made national headlines when filing for bankruptcy, showcased as the first and only Catholic diocese throughout Pennsylvania to file for bankruptcy following the 2018 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury report. As part of its bankruptcy settlement agreement, the Diocese of Harrisburg can potentially bar lawsuits against the Diocese, its insurers, and parishes from individuals with valid child sex abuse cases if they decline to join the bankruptcy proceeding. The deadline to file a claim against the Diocese passed on November 13, 2020.

The Diocese of Harrisburg set up a Youth Protection Page meant to protect children within the Diocese. It contains an unambiguous place for victims to report child sex abuse and bishop abuse.

Outside of bankruptcy restrictions, Pennsylvania law enables childhood sex abuse survivors to file civil claims against their abusers and the institutions allowing the abuse to happen until their 55th birthday. Pennsylvania currently doesn’t have a look-back window like other states, including New York and California, but could see an amendment to its constitution providing this sort of relief in late 2022 or early 2023. A look-back window would provide a two-year opportunity for all state citizens to file a civil claim, regardless of their current age or how long ago the abuse occurred.

If a clergy member at the Diocese of Harrisburg sexually abused you or someone you love, we encourage you to contact our dedicated and compassionate team of sexual abuse lawyers at Herman Law today for a free consultation to review your case and determine how to enact justice for your suffering.

Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Aguledo Cano’s name was included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18 of clergy accused of sexually abusing children since 1940. Noted to have been a seminarian, accused of the sexual abuse of a child, and to still be alive.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Seminarian. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury report 8/14/19. Report to the diocese in 1989 from a woman that Allen sexually abused her son in the 1970s. She reported the alleged abuse again in 2002. In 1994 another woman told the diocese her son was molested by Allen in 1974-75, when the boy was a 5th-grader. Allen died 10/16/11.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Convicted
 
Per diocesan records, concerns about Allen as early as 1970. Reportedly abused multiple young boys 1970s-90s. Sent for eval 1991. Arrested 1992 for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer. Other allegations in 1985 of sex with several young men from local college. Resigned in 2002 after confronted with credible allegations of abusing boy, ages 14-18, starting about 1979. Laicization announced in 6/06. Included on diocese’s 8/1/18 list. Lawsuit 8/18 by a 29-year-old former Penbrook altar boy claiming abuse for 3 years, beginning in 1999. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Arrested 3/19, on charges related to claims he abused two young Penbrook altar boys 1997-2002. Pled guilty 11/5/20. Sentenced in 2/21 to five years’ probation and to register as a sex offender for life.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused
 
Removed from his ministry with young adults in 1967. On leave for 6 months in 1976, then reassigned. Boy Scout chaplain and campus minister. Retired at age 54 in 1994. Sent to St. John Vianney Center in Downington PA for treatment. Admitted to raping and sexually abusing 14 children, ages 14-16 More people came forward 1994-2016 alleging abuse as children by Bach. Died 3/31/10 at an assisted living facility in Seaside Point DE. In 2016 a man reported that Bach abused him when the man was was an altar boy in 1960 and Bach was a seminarian. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Added to Baltimore list 9/18.
Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused
 
From Colombia. Assigned to the Harrisburg diocese to assist with the Spanish-speaking population in York and Lebanon. Named as accused by the diocese on its list 8/1/18. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Personnel file shows that in 1989 there were concerns about past allegations against him of child sexual abuse. The diocese gave Barajas money to return to Colombia in 11/89.
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused
 
Pastor in Shippensburg and Harrisburg parishes, chaplain in Lewisburg prison and the state mental hospital. Multiple allegations of sexual abuse of girls against him, including rape, some girls as young as age 6. Some were abused while hospitalized. In 2014 Bishop Gainer asked the Vatican not to defrock Beeman. Died 10/1/16 at age 90. Name included on diocese’s 8/1/18 list. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1926
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Died 7/7/66. Longtime pastor of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Conewago Township. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused
 
Ordained for Baltimore archdiocese, transferred to Richmond diocese. On loan to Mt. St. Mary’s College in MD in 1996 when accused of sex abuse of a boy 1980-82 in Harrisburg, PA. Assigned to the Lafayette, LA diocese 1992-96 at request of his friend, a Lafayette Bishop. Suspended from duties in LA when charges surfaced and was to be sent to treatment. Another allegation of attempted molestation of a 14- to 15-year-old boy in VA in the summer of 1987. On Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury report. Added 9/18 to Baltimore list. On Richmond diocese’s list 2/13/19.
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused
 
Principal of Holy Family School in Harrisburg beginning 1958, and administrator of the parish. Died 1997. Name in included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of inappropriate behavior toward a child over several years.
Ordained: 1944 Status: Accused
Monsignor. Worked in Lancaster, Gettysburg York, and Mount Carmel. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel 1963-1996. Diocese announced 8/6/18 that Bradley’s name was added to its list first released 8/1/18 due to an accusation against him of child sex abuse. Deceased. Allegation reported after his death.
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused
 
In later 2018 a man told the PA A.G. that Chaisson sexually abused him beginning when he was a 12-year-old altar boy at St. Margaret Mary in Harrisburg in the 1970s. He said the priest groomed him with gifts and special attention and that the abuse occurred over a three-year period, in the rectory and on a road trip to Novia Scotia. He said Chiasson rubbed his body with oil, plied him with alcohol, possibly drugged him, and took photos of him nude. Chaisson died in 4/22/99. Per his obituary, Chaisson was “heavily involved in youth ministry” at St. William’s in Tewksbury, MA 1980-85, was a Navy chaplain 1987-90 and, for eight years until his death, was chaplain at Donovan State Prison in San Diego, CA. He was also assigned to Most Precious Blood parish in Chula Vista.
Ordained: 2001
Status: Accused
 
Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/19. Investigated by Homeland Security for possible child porn and federal law violations. Investigation dropped when child porn not found on Cramer’s computer. Cramer did reportedly tell someone online in CT who was charged with child porn possession that he wanted to go to Mexico to “rent” boys. Dispensed from the priesthood in 11/14.
Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused
 
Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused
 
Assignments included principal at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Shamokin 1979-86, principal at Lebanon Catholic High 1986-96, Gettysburg College campus minister. Worked at parishes in York, Mt. Carmel, Harrisburg, Gettysburg (Bonneauville). Died 2/25/06, age 57. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child.
Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued
 
Deceased. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child. Lawsuit filed in 7/19 claiming Dougherty and another priest, Walter Sempko, of raped an altar boy repeatedly at St. Joseph’s in the early 1960s.
Ordained: 1922
Status: Accused
 
Navy chaplain, assistant in SC, Washington DC, PA and MA. Pastored in SC, FL, GA and NY. Died 4/13/76 in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Name included on Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child.
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused
 
Admitted to visiting some websites possibly with images of unclothed minors. FBI found no criminal images. Reinvestigated, some images turned over to the D.A., who concluded Fisher’s computer did not contain criminal images. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/19.
Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused
 
Ordained a permanent deacon. Convicted in federal court of sending child pornography. Assigned to St. James in Lititz 1983-2000. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused
 
Accused of inappropriate touching and comments toward a child. Died 6/16/12. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child. Per obit, was a “prolific writer, homilist, educator.” Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Coal Township beginning in 1967. Edited the diocesan paper 1975-2006. Parish assignments in Lancaster, Columbia, Steelton Shamokin and Ranshaw. Pastor 1976-1981 in Palmyra,and 1981-1985 in Steelton. Was also at Harrisburg and New Cumberland parishes. Retired 2006. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused
 
Assisted in York, McSheerystown, Leanon, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Shamokin parishes. Chaplain at South Mountain Geriatric Rehab, Geisinger Med Center in Danville and Mt. Alto College, Pastor in Gettysburg, Lancaster, Steelton, Sunbury, Northumberland and administrator in Enhaut and Lewisburg. Retired 2010, lived at Elysburg parish, then a Bishop Datillo Retirement Center for priests. Died 2/22/17. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18, noted to have been accused of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused
 
Priest of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Shown in the Toledo OH diocese in the 1989 Catholic Directory. Name on Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18, noted to have “multiple allegations of sexual abuse of children.” Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. Deceased. Last shown the in 2012 Directory, at a Carthagena OH parish, Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Ordained: 2021
Status: Accused
 
Seminarian studying at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus OH in 1985, assigned to a parish in Sellinsgrove PA. Removed. Filed a RICO lawsuit in 2004 against the U.S. Church, claiming he was blocked from ordination for blowing the whistle on homosexual priests. The case was settled in 2005. Hower’s name was included on the Diocese of Harrisburg’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. It revealed that Hower’s sister told the diocese in 1988 that Hower molested her son when the boy was ages 5-7. Hower was a seminarian in 1988 for the Tucson diocese. Harrisburg informed Tucson. Hower was not ordained.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Assigned to parishes in Kulpmont, Lancaster, Elizabethtown, York, Mount Carmel, Selinsgrove, Harrisburg, Shamokin, York Haven and New Oxford. Died 8/20/05. Name included on dioceses’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child.
Ordained: 2013
Status: Accused
 
In 9/13 a parent reported to the diocese concerns that Kayda was having inappropriate interactions with their minor daughter on Facebook. The diocese confronted Kayda and had his computer forensically examined. Pornographic images of adolescents were found, as well as internet visits to child porn websites. Kayda died by suicide 10/3/13 at age 27. He wrote several suicide notes which alluded to his having been an abuse victim. He did not name his abuser. Named as accused by the diocese on its list 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused
 
Assistant at parishes in Harrisburg, Mt. Carmel, York, Mechanicsburg. Pastor in Williamstown, York, Palmyra. Chaplain of PA Industrial School in Camp Hill 1957-62. Allegations in 2003 of child sexual abuse in 1970s, deemed ‘credible’ by diocese. Diocese did not make this public until 8/16; said Koychick was already retired in 2003, law enforcement notified, and Koychick forbidden to function as a priest. Name on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Pastored many parishes. Principal of Holy Spirit School in Mt. Carmel. Head of archives at the Diocesan Center, on diocesan Marriage Tribunal. Allegation of pornography in Kujovsky’s room with an image of a nude altar boy. Another time, a book of animated pornography was found in his room that appeared to show child sex abuse. D.A. determined that it was not criminal. Died 3/28/15. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the 8/14/18 Grand Jury Report.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Labuda’s name was included on the Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused of the sexual abuse of a child. Reportedly a seminarian for two weeks. Convicted in 2010 of beating a priest with an ax handle for whom he was working as a business manager in a Greensburg diocese parish. Sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison. Per news accounts, Labuda claimed he was removed from the seminary due to injuries he had suffered in a motorcycle accident.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Labuda’s name was included on the Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused of the sexual abuse of a child. Reportedly a seminarian for two weeks. Convicted in 2010 of beating a priest with an ax handle for whom he was working as a business manager in a Greensburg diocese parish. Sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison. Per news accounts, Labuda claimed he was removed from the seminary due to injuries he had suffered in a motorcycle accident.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused
 
Accused of the sexual abuse of multiple boys throughout his priesthood. Moved frequently until his last 16 years at Sacred Heart in Lewisburg. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. One man told the diocese in 2002 that Lawler molested him at age 10 in 1963. In 2014 another man reported that Lawler sexually abused him from age 13 in 1985 until Lawler died in 1987.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Deacon. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused of inappropriate communications with a child. A 1968 memo in Logue’s personnel file noted that Logue was accused by a 13-year-old boy and his father of asking the boy in to expose his genitalia. Logue “admitted his tendencies.” Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused
 
Included on the Harrisburg diocese list 8/1/18, and in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Noted have been accused of soliciting a child for sex, and in a sexual relationship with an adult that began when the adult was a child. Complaints to diocese in 1987 that Long sought sex with a 17-year-old girl four years prior. Also accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with a 13-year-old girl. Chaplain of a Danville convent attached to a girls’ high school at the time. Admitted to sex with ‘four or five’ girls since assigned to Baltimore. Removed from ministry after new superior learned of his history. Sent to Guesthouse then St. Luke’s for treatment. Allowed to work in Baltimore archdiocese 1991-92 briefly until more reports of inappropriate behavior. Left community for vacation, never returned. Deceased. Added 9/18 to Baltimore list. On Scranton diocese’s list 12/22/18.
Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused
 
Family alleged abuse in 12/88 of their sons while a deacon at St. Paul’s in Annville. Sent in 2/89 to St. Luke’s in MD. Removed from ministry by diocese in 1990. Laicization announced 6/06. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Per news in 2/19, allegedly raped a 15-year-old boy and fondled an 11-year-old boy in the late 1980s. Also said to have told people he fantasized about sex with boys and was a pedophile. Went on to work for more than two decades for York County as a caseworker in the Human Services Department for Mental Health/Intellectual and Development Disabilities. Fired in 9/18 after the 8/18 release of the PA Grand Jury Report. Living in 2/19 in a residential neighborhood.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused
 
Died 7/4/07, age 80. Assigned to Holy Name of Jesus parish for 34 years. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused
 
In 1994, a man told the diocese that he had been abused by Marsico in 1982 at age 13. Marsico was assigned to St. Leo the Great in Rohrerstown and later to St. Rose of Lima in York. Diocese investigated and removed Marsico from active ministry without privileges. Diocese arranged for Marsico to pay for man’s therapy and medication. It denied him any type of settlement because it said it had no knowledge of the sexual abuse at the time it happened. The man testified before a grand jury in 10/16 for the state A.G.’s investigation of 6 PA dioceses. He said that the D.A. in the late 1990s told him there were other Marsico victims. In 2011 Marsico was reportedly a Harrisburg travel agent. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18.
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused
 
Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Noted to be the subject of multiple allegations of sexual abuse of children. Worked in Harrisburg parishes until 1970. Professor of psychology and education at Marymount College of VA and professor of psychology and statistics at Georgetown University. Retired in 1987, lived in Central PA. Died 8/12/06. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report released 8/14/18.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report released 8/14/18. Military archdiocese informed Harrisburg in 1994 that Mercado was accused of french kissing a 12-year-old girl on the grounds of the Lebanon V.A. Hospital. Per the Catholic Directory, Mercado was assigned to the V.A. in the early 1990s.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused
 
Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. At St. Rose of Lima in York 1958-61. Deceased. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused
 
Died in 1980. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child. Assigned late 1950s-early 1960s to St. Mary’s in Lebanon.
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused
 
Accused in 1995 of the sexual abuse of a minor in about 1972. Kept in ministry. Removed in 12/02 due to a credible accusation and his admission of having sexually abused an adolescent 30 years prior. Two other men then came forward to allege abuse by Pease. The Vatican had not yet ruled on his case as of 2007. Bishop Gainer asked Vatican to impose a ‘life of prayer and penance.’ Pease’s name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Abused throughout his career, at 10 parishes. Gainer decided to request laicization for Pease in light of the GJ report.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused
 
Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Subject of an allegation that he “was inappropriately touching and kissing minors.” Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. Accused in 1965 of molesting 7th- and 8th-grade girls at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Harrisburg. The girls reportedly told their principal, who did nothing. Someone reported the molestations to a Fr. McAndrew, who informed the Chancery of “immodest touches” by Procopio toward the girls. Msgr. McGovern wrote that “the more recent actions received a distorted interpretation in the highly imaginative minds of pubescent girls.” Procopio was kept in ministry and retired in 1995. Deceased.
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused
 
Assigned to Apostolate for Spanish Speaking People in Lancaster, PA 1976-80. Moved in 1980 to the Diocese of El Paso, TX and by 1984 was in the Diocese of Victoria,TX, where he was incardinated in 1986. Died 5/15/08. Name included on Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Noted to have multiple allegations of child sex abuse against him. Included in PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. On the El Paso and Victoria dioceses’ lists 1/31/19.
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused
 
Pastor from 1975 until his death of Holy Trinity in Columbia PA. Died 12/4/93. Assigned to St. Rose of Lima in York 1961-64. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of having sexually abused a child.
Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused
 
Deacon. Name included on Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. Affiliated with the NY archdiocese prior to 2001. Accused in 2015 by two women of inappropriate behavior “that crossed boundary lines.” Confronted by diocese, retired. Allowed to minister only with “explicit permission.” Report to Children and Youth Services and to diocese in 2016 of a recent inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Behavior allegedly included hugging and kissing the girl, holding her hand, and telling her she was his “girlfriend.” Harrisburg diocese determined the behavior was “grooming,” not abuse. Rush died in 2016.
Ordained: 1973
Status: none
 
Chaplain of St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster 1977-1986. Pastor of St. Columba in Bloomsburg 1989-1994. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18, noted to have two allegations of the sexual abuse of children against him. Died in 10/18 in FL.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Seminarian. Accused of inappropriate communications with several children. Known to have been studying in 2010 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued
 
Accused, along with Rev. Raymond Dougherty, in a lawsuit filed in 7/19 by a 67- year-old man of repeatedly raping him as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s in the early 1960s. Sempko died 10/2/17, age 94.
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused
 
Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/19. Multiple allegations against him of sexual abuse of boys. One alleged victim said he was a 12-year-old altar boy at St. Patrick’s in Carlisle in the 1980s when Shank began sexually abusing him, and that it went on for a year and a half. Another claimed abuse 1971-74. Also took pornographic photos of altar boys and videos of himself assaulting boys. Sent to Institute of Living for treatment in 1994. Shank told a news outlet in 8/18 that he was involved with not “more than very few” and that he had been in treatment. He said, too, that the diocese told him to resign in 11/94. The diocese said it turned the case over to DA’s office in 2/95.
Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused
 
Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused in 2004 of the sexual abuse of a 9- to 10-year-old girl around 1979, at St. Joan of Arc in Hershey, PA. She said she told the school principal who became angry and called her “a demon-child.” Sperber transferred in 1992 to the Archdiocese of Miami. Went on leave in 1998, left priesthood in 2000. Living in Port Charlotte FL in 8/18, music minister at a Congregational United Church of Christ in Punta Gorda.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused
 
Diocese knew as early as 1966 of allegations, when Steffen was a high school chaplain. Several parents complained about his behavior with their sons, including fondling. A female student said he spoke to her about masturbation, intercourse and “certain aberrations of the marital act.” Transferred 5/69. More accusation 1993 and 1997 of inappropriate sexual talk to minors. Report in 1993 that in 1968 he touched the genital area of a hospitalized 10-year-old boy. Bishop Dattilo said in 2/02 no penalty due to “insufficient evidence” of “overt offense.” Steffen warned in 2/03. Faculties for hearing confessions removed 2/09 for inappropriate sexual questioning within the sacrament. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Died 7/15/15. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Added to Baltimore list 9/18.
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused
 
Died 10/10/04, age 82. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused
 
Monsignor. Involved with Radio and Television Apostolate, Diocesan Communications Commission, Respect Life Task Force, Commission for Evangelization. Assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg, taught at Harrisburg Catholic High School, principal of Lancaster Catholic Hight School. Retired 1996. Died in 1997. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Seminarian. Name included on the Harrisburg diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused
 
The diocese acknowledged in 2016 that it had received multiple allegations against Vaughn of sexual abuse of young girls. In 4/02 a woman said he molested her two daughters when they were about age 9, 1961-66. In 7/02 he was accused of sexually abusing two sisters, one ages 3-13 during 1961-74, the other when she was 5-10, in 1958-63. Another report 7/04 claimed abuse of a girl, age 11 or 12 in 1958; in 8/04 a report of abuse of another girl. In 5/12 another allegation, of abuse of a girl 1959-63. In 2016 a woman reported abuse at age 11, and that she witnessed Vaughn’s abuse of other girls. Name included on the diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report 8/14/18. Vaughn retired in 1986 and died 12/29/92.
Ordained: Unknown
Status: Accused
 
Deacon. Died 1987. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Accused after his death of the sexual abuse of a child.
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused
 
Parish priest, became Army chaplain in 1951. Diocese received allegations in 1980 and 1986 of “unwanted sexual misconduct” by Zangari toward adult women. Sent in 1986 to St. Luke’s for evaluation. Admitted to fathering a child with a former high school student. No follow-up apparent by diocese. Review by bishop in 2002 of the 1986 evaluation; he said it showed “full proof of [Zangari’s] sexual misconduct with minors.” Faculties removed. Died 9/23/04. Name included on diocese’s list released 8/1/18. Included in the PA Grand Jury Report.

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