Diocese of Spokane ACCUSED PRIESTS

A civil suit filed by a man in 5/03 alleged abuse when he was a boy in 1956 during a trip to Seattle. Another suit filed by a male plaintiff in 6/03 alleged abuse in 1957. Abuse said to have occurred at the Fairchild Air Force Base swimming pool where Beaver had privileges as an Army Reservist. Two more suits were filed in 12/04 and 7/05. Beaver was removed from ministry in 1983, retired in 1984. Privileges removed in 2002. Name included on the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 1/15/16 list of clergy and religious with established, admitted or credible allegations against them of sexual abuse of a minor. Assigned 1976-80 to Fort Lewis Chaplain’s Office and 1981-83 to Madigan General Hospital.

A woman filed suit in 2004 alleging that Boulden molested her beginning when she was age 12 and a student at a Spokane parish school in the 1970s and ’80s. The parish pastor was reportedly informed at the time, and his response was to blame the girl and ask why she was threatening the career of a “fine young priest.” Boulden denied the allegations. He moved to Seattle in 1983, doing occasional parish ministry. He was working in 1987 for the Mayor’s Office for Senior Services and was hired in 1989 by the Police Dept. Removed from ministry in 2002. Seattle Police knew of allegations by 2003. Per bishop in 11/07, the allegations were credible. Name included on the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 1/15/16 list. Placed on leave by the Seattle Police Dept. in 2/20 after public pressure.

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes an allegation of abuse 1974-76 received in 2007. Assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to St. Francis in Spokane. Bradley left the Franciscans in 1979 and was incardinated into the Diocese of Orange, where he was assigned to parishes in Anaheim, Garden Grove, Dana Point and Capistrano Beach. He was also a member of the diocese’s Council of Priests. Retired in 2004. Died in 2020.

In a 1994 lawsuit a woman accused Bradley of using premarital counseling to break up her engagement and start an affair with her. She was 17 when counseling started. The woman won a settlement, amount unknown. Bradley “retired” in 1995 but apparently was allowed to return to limited ministry. Placed on leave in 2002. Another woman filed suit in 5/04 alleging that she was sexually abused as a 5-year old by Bradley 1969-70. In 4/07 he reportedly would continue to draw a pension from the Diocese. No privileges.

As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (dated 7/18/11) the province agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the province who are identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claim filed in the bankruptcy, and who have not denied the allegation. Burris’ name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Worked in San Francisco, Seattle, and Spokane dioceses. On the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/18 (name misspelled “Burrus”). It notes alleged abuse occurring in 1944 or ’45, reported in 2009. Assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to St. Mary’s MIssion in Omak, WA. May have been dismissed around 1950.

Seminarian. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Per the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, Charlo was assigned 1961-63 to Mount St. Michael’s in Spokane, and was dismissed in 1963.

Franciscan brother. Sued in 1993 by a woman alleging abuse in the early 1970s in the Spokane diocese, when she was a Marycliff High School student. Connolly was sent to therapy. Transferred to CA. Accused of abuse 1985-87 at St. Anthony Seminary In Los Angeles archdiocese. Also sued there. Settlement of this suit announced 8/10/06. Died in 1999. Name has been spelled both Connelly and Connolly, Berard and Bernard. Personnel file released 5/12. On the Oakland diocese’s list 6/1/19. On the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/19. It notes alleged sex abuse of minors 1960-61, 1982-84 reported 1993, 2003, 2004, 2014.

As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (dated 7/18/11) the province agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the province who are identified as perpetrators ofsexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the bankruptcy case, and who have not denied the allegation. Corkery’s name is included on this list. Worked in the San Francisco, Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima dioceses. Died 5/10/59. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes reports in 2009 of abuse 1948-53, 1954, 1955-59, 1957-58.

Per a statement released by the Diocese of Spokane in 11/07, Coughlin was the subject of an accusation that was found to be credible or proven. Died 9/27/65. Name included on Seattle archdiocese’s list 1/15/16 of clergy and religious with admitted, established or credible allegations against them of sexual abuse of a minor. Worked at Seattle Prep 1952-57. Per the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, allegations reported in 2006 of abuse 1949-50.

Sued in 2002 by a woman who alleged he began an improper relationship with her when she was 15 and he was nearly 60. She attended a horse camp he ran on Kalispel Indian Reservation and said his involvement progressed from innocuous physical contact to wrestling to overt sexual activity. Relationship continued into her adulthood. He died in 2005. Diocese said in 2007 that the allegation was credible.

Entered the Jesuit order in 1964. Accused, along with Fr. John Morse, by 15 women and 1 man of abuse when they were students at St. Mary’s Mission and School on the Colville Indian Reservation in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Placed on leave at some point, required to live under supervision at a Jesuit residence. Jesuits announced a $4.8M settlement with the 16 in 1/08. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, noting abuse of a minor 1971-72 at St. Mary’s Mission in Spokane. On the Jesuits Midwest Province list 12/17/18, with multiple allegations of abuse while assigned to St. Mary’s Mission 1966-70. Dismissed from the Jesuits 8/27/12.

Per statement released by the Diocese of Spokane in 11/07, Hurley was named in accusation that was found to be admitted, credible or proven. He spent most of his career at Gonzaga Prep, and died in 10/16/98. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. Subsequently in 12/18, the President of Gonzaga Prep announced that the inclusion of John Hurley’s name was a mistake, and the the allegations were actually against James Hurley, SJ.

The Diocese acknowledged in 12/03 that there were credible accusations against Knecht. Seven plaintiffs filed civil suit(s) in 1/04 claiming abuse by Knecht at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chewelah. In 4/04, another man filed suit against the Diocese, alleging that he was abused by Knecht as a minor for about three years. Knecht worked in the Diocese from 1932 until he died in 1956 at age 56. He spent almost 20 years at Chewelah. One claim settled in 12/04. Others pending in 4/06.

Native of Germany. Ordained for the diocese of Spokane. Author. First named publicly as accused 3/1/17 by the Spokane diocese, as required by bankruptcy guidelines. Assigned to Assumption parish 6/1/88-6/30/02. On Archdiocese of Seattle’s 3/3/17 list (name spelled Koltzenberg). Worked at St. Mark’s in Shoreline 2002-2006, and Holy Family in Auburn 2006-2008. Noted to be permanently barred from ministry.

Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane 11/07, Kosak, a seminary student, was named in accusation that was found to be admitted, credible or proven. He was dismisssed from seminary. No further information found.

Arrested 5/07 for sexual battery of teenage boys at ID school for troubled boys where he was a counselor. Admitted being a sex addict. Order revealed 2 past allegations of “inappropriate relationships.” Sent to treatment both times. Placed on restricted leave in 1993. Laicized 1996. Pled guilty 11/07 just before trial. Sentenced to 5 years 3/08. Worked in dioceses of Stockton (twice), Tucson, Portland, El Paso, Spokane, Seattle, Sacramento, Reno, and Phoenix; aka Wayne 1963-74, aka Louie. Name included on Seattle archdiocese’s list 1/15/16. Worked at St. George in Seattle 1980-84. New accusation 5/18 of 1973 abuse in Stockton. On Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/18. On Las Vegas list 4/12/19. On Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/19. On Phoenix list 10/29/19.

Sued in 2005. Accused of abuse of at least two boys at Morning Star Boy’s Ranch in the 1950s. Lavoy was the ranch’s founding director. Forced out in 1966. Died in 1994. As of 2010, 19 plaintiffs had alleged abuse by Lavoy, Joseph Weitensteiner and others at the ranch. In 11/09 the ranch transferred the bulk of its assets to the nonprofit Morning Star Foundation which would complicate any possible settlements or judgments. Judgment for defendants in 2/10. Some plaintiffs received previous settlement from Diocese.

First allegations in 1966. In 1969, police ordered Leary, then President of Gonzaga University to leave Spokane in 24 hours or be arrested for sexually abusing teenage boys. Jesuits approved and Leary left. Reassigned to posts in Massachusetts, Utah, Nevada, New York and California. Died 12/21/1993. Jesuit officials admitted in 2006 to two recent settlements with victims. There may have been as many as 12 victims. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes reports in 2006 and 2009 of abuse 1965-66.

On sabbatical from his job as an elementary school teacher for the Diocese of Cleveland, studying at Gonzaga University, when arrested in Spokane in 5/94. Allegedly showed a 13-year-old boy a $20 bill in a mall bathroom, then had the boy perform oral sex on him. Released on bail posted by his Order. Died by suicide 5/29/94 before he could be arraigned. In the 1970s and early 1980s Lent taught at St. Charles Borromeo School in Albuquerque,NM.

Professed vows as a Marianist brother in 1949, Province of the Pacific. Worked in schools from Hawaii to Virginia. Accused of abuse of at least 5 teenage boys while principal at DeSales Catholic School in Spokane in the 1970s. Four cases settled; files sealed. Left the Marianists in 1980. Joined the Benedictines in 1983. Ordained for the Benedictines in 1987. Worked in Richmond, Virginia diocese until 1998 when one of his accusers learned where he was and notified the diocese. One claim settled for $30K in 4/04. Died 12/30/07. On Richmond diocese’s list 2/13/19. It notes he “abandoned ministry.” On the Marianists’ list of accused 6/24/20.

In 11/06 a woman sued Marier and Bishop William Skylstad over allegations that the priest possessed child pornography. The woman said she found the porn in 1996 while cleaning the priest’s room and told the Bishop. Marier denied that it was child porn. Sent for treatment. Later reassigned. The woman said in the suit that the bishop defamed her by publicly issuing a strongly-worded press release that supported Marier. Court dismissed the lawsuit in 3/07.

Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane in 11/07, McDonald was the subject of an accusation that was found to be credible or proven. He died 10/07/85. Most of his career was spent at Bellarmine Preparatory High School in Tacoma, WA. During the late 1940s through the 1950s he was assigned to St. Mary’s Indian Mission in Omak, WA, which was part of the Spokane diocese. On the Jesuits West list 12/7/18. It notes claims in 2009 of abuse 1948-53, 1953-60 and 1959-65.

Entered the Jesuit novitiate in Florissant, MO in 1957 and took final vows 2/2/68. Per statement released by the Diocese of Spokane in 11/07, Melia was named in accusation that was found to be admitted, credible or proven. He worked as a cook at philosophate in Spokane as well as in AK and OR. Died 5/30/08.

Per 5/07 news article, Mepingajira is named in a bankruptcy claim as having abused “a person in 1995 at Mater Dei, a Spokane institute that offers religious education.” Name is not included on the Diocese’s 11/21/07 List of Admitted, Proven or Credibly Accused Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse. Mepingajira may be Rev. Joseph Mpingajira of the Republic of Malawi in southeast Africa, notorious for sexual involvement with married women.

The bishop announced in 2002 that Mertens had been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors and had been removed from ministry in 1989. One man filed suit in 7/04, alleging abuse by Mertens in the 1980s in several locations. A priest complained about Mertens in 1984 or ’85. Another claim settled in 1994. Mertens also abused in Guatemala between 1961-1977. Reportedly in 4/07 Mertens was to continue to draw a pension. No privileges.

Accused of the sexual abuse, including rape, of mostly girls and at least 1 boy, all students at St. Mary’s Mission and School on the Colville Indian Reservation late 1950s-1960s. Some of the children were as young as age 5. Allegations also from his time at St. Joseph’s in Yakima, and St. Ignatius Mission in MT. Removed from ministry in 2006. Sent to live at Jesuit residence in Spokane. On list of priests with admitted, proven or credible accusations issued by Spokane Diocese 11/07. Jesuits announced $4.8M settlement in 1/08 with 16. There were 38 other claims as part of 3/25/11 settlement with Jesuits. New Suit filed by 8 11/11. Over 66 claims against Morse of sexual abuse by 2011. Died 08/09/15. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18.

Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane 11/07, O’Brien was named in accusation that was found to be credible or proven. He died 9/10/89. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes claims reported in 2009 of abuse in 1978 and 1980. O’Brien was assigned to Gonzaga Prep in Spokane during the years of the alleged abuse.

Removed in 1985. Abused at least 65 boys in the 1970s-1980s in Spokane and Seattle. Worked as a psychologist for teens in Bellevue after leaving active priesthood. Sanctioned in 1984 for abuse while a priest. Sanctions lifted in 1986. License permanently removed in 1/04. At least two victims died by suicide. Named in new suit filed in 2/08 by four plaintiffs. Admitted guilt and settled in 11/08 for $5M but unable to pay. Two plaintiffs settled before a 5/09 trial; last two plaintiffs settled during trial. Settlements in 5/12. Name included on archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 1/15/16. Laicized. In 2019 living in Mt. Vernon, WA.

Worked in parishes and schools in the dioceses of Seattle and Spokane WA, Great Falls and Helena MT, Boise City ID and Portland OR. A woman filed suit in 1/04 alleging sexual abuse by O’Grady at Jesuit House in Spokane when she was 12. O’Grady was providing “supply work” to parishes in Spokane at that time. He died 06/16/93. Suit names Portland Province of the Jesuit Order and Bishop Syklstad. Settled in 12/04. Diocese said allegations were proven or credible. On Boise diocese’s list in 10/19. It notes incidents in 1984 and 1985 while assigned to Sacred Heart in Boise, reported in 2003. Per the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, there were claims in 2003 and 2009 against O’Grady of abuse in 1981.

Allegations in the late 1950s-early 1960s. Removed from active priesthood in 1989. Retired in Ireland. One civil claim made in 7/03 alleged that O’Malley abused a youth in 1981-82 in Spokane Valley. This claim was settled in 9/03 for $50K. As many as 11 men filed suit in 2004. Died in 2007.

Three brothers sued the Spokane diocese in 2003 alleging abuse by Oosterman between 1968 and 1975. Subject of previous lawsuit by two alleged victims, settled by the diocese in 1993. Spent most of his career in Spokane; released in 1978 to Archdiocese of Anchorage. Resigned from ministry in 1980, married and moved to TX. Allegations surfaced in Anchorage in 2004. Included on the Anchorage archdiocese’s list 1/16/20, noting sexual misconduct with a minor in 1978. Died in 2011.

As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (dated 7/18/11) the Order agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the Province who are identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the Bankruptcy case, and who have not denied the allegation. Pierre’s name is included on this list. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes claims in 2009 of abuse 1962-65. Pierre was assigned to Mount St. Michael’s in Spokane, WA during the years of the alleged abuse. He died 8/17/79.

In 9/03 the Diocese of Spokane identified Pineau as having been credibly accused of sexual misconduct. The abuse was said to have occurred about 36 years prior and involved an adolescent in a counseling situation. Pineau retired in 1968 (about the time of the incident) and died in 1982 at age 83.

From Belgium, where he was ordained in 1901 for the Nesqually diocese, which ultimately became the Diocese of Spokane. Elevated to monsignor in 1941. Pastor of St. Ann’s for 46 years, starting in 1906.Vicar general of the diocese 1939-55. Died in 1957, age 78. Named publicly on the Diocese of Spokane’s list of priests with admitted, proven or credible accusations of abuse. The list was released in 11/2009 as part of non-monetary provisions of bankruptcy process.

Spent much of his career at Indian schools and reservations in Montana, Idaho and Washington. Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane 11/07, Ryan was named in accusation that was found to be credible or proven. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes sexual abuse of a minor 1960-63. Assigned during that time to St. Michael’s Mission in Inchelium, WA. Died 2/6/67.

Proof of Claims was filed in 2006 as part of the Spokane Diocese’s bankruptcy. Accused of abuse of a teen girl at St. Patrick’s Parish and at Gonzaga University 12/61-12/64. He denied the allegations and later said an investigation found no evidence that the allegations were true. Retired in 6/10.

Monsignor. Seattle priest until Yakima diocese formed in 1951. Per 6/03 articles, Sondergeld was accused of abusing at least 3 minors. One man filed suit in 2003 alleging abuse in Yakima 1967-68, and that Sondergeld would give him money after each act. Diocese claimed Sondergeld, then in his 80s, was senile. Two other men came forward to claim abuse in the 1940s in Spokane. Songergeld died in 1969. New lawsuit 7/1/13 against Yakima and Seattle. On Yakima diocese’s list 7/9/19. It notes multiple claims and lawsuits settled. One victim stated in 2022 that Sondergeld abused at least 35 in the Spokane diocese and at least 11 in Yakima.

Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane in 11/07, Sullivan was the subject of an accusation that was found to be credible or proven. The diocese listed him in the category of Jesuit Clergy/Religious. It is unclear if Sullivan was a priest or religious brother. He was “dismissed.” As of 2/21, not included on the Jesuits’ lists.

At Seattle U. 1951-76. Philosophy professor. Died 6/13/76. Accused in 2005 suit of abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1968. Investigation also uncovered accusations of 1947 abuse in Spokane. Allegations reported to church in 1965. Complaint to order in 1993 and archdiocese in 2004. Suit settled 11/06 for $350K. New suit filed by 8 men 7/07. A 10th man filed suit 10/08. Included in 3/25/11 settlement. Name included on Seattle archdiocese’s list 1/15/16. Worked at Bellarmine Prep. in Tacoma 1939 and Seattle U.1952-76. On Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18, noting abuse in 1950s, 1961-73, 1963-67 and 1968-69 reported 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Per statement released by Diocese of Spokane 11/07, Trautman was named in accusation that was found to be admitted, credible or proven. He died 5/24/99, age 83. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/18. It notes allegations reported in 2008 and 2009 of abuse 1956-63, 1961-63 and 1961-69.

Professor of music at Gonzaga University. Office and apartment raided by federal agents in 4/13; warrant showed he spent over $1600 over three years on child porn. Went on leave. Removed from job at Gonzaga and sent to a Jesuit center in Los Gatos. Pled guilty in 2/18. Sentenced in 5/18 to six months in jail. Included on the Jesuit West Province’s list 12/7/18.

Reportedly in 5/07, Vevik, an active priest of the Spokane Diocese, was named in bankruptcy claims as having “assaulted a person in a restroom of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in 1978.” Vevik denied the claims and was fighting the accusations. Pastor of Mary Queen Parish in Spokane per diocesan website accessed 2/4/21.

Wynn, a deacon serving in Brewster and Twisp, was removed from ministry in 7/03 after allegations that he violated Church guidelines for ministers in their interactions with minors. An unspecified incident involved a teenage girl. Police interviewed the girl who made the allegations but decided to drop charges because Webster did not violate any criminal laws. Review Board recommended his removal from the diaconate.

Accused in 2005 of abuse of two boys in the 1970s and ’80s at Morning Star Boys Ranch. Resigned as head of the Ranch in 4/06. Denied all allegations. Reportedly took a lie detector test and passed. Abuse alleged by 19 plaintiffs against Weitensteiner, Marvin Lavoy and others at the Ranch. In 11/09 Ranch transferred bulk of assets to nonprofit Morning Star Foundation. Jury decided in favor of defendant 2/11/10. Some plaintiffs received settlement from the Diocese earlier. A second trial was set for 6/10. Settlements in 5/12. Reinstated in 4/15 after each claim was denied or deemed non-credible by a retired federal judge hired by the Diocese.

Retired in 7/02. Placed on leave in 11/02 after allegation that he molested a boy in 1966. Wetzler denied the charges and passed a polygraph. Investigation by the Church and a former Spokane police detective determined that Wetzler was innocent. Reportedly the boy had indeed been abused by a counselor but Wetzler had never acted as a counselor. Returned to active statusin 2/03. Placed on leave againin early 2014 during an investigation of accusations of past sexual abuse of another child. Per recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board, permanently removed in 10/14 and submitted to a monitoring program.