Harrisburg Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Over the last two decades, the Roman Catholic Church has faced intense scrutiny in every state, especially Pennsylvania. Predatory priests have targeted victims in parishes, school, church-related functions, summer camps, and sports events. In Pennsylvania, more than 575 Catholic religious leaders have credible accusations that they sexually assaulted underage children and young adults. That number includes sixty Catholic clergy members in the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg and Dauphin County accused of molestation.

In 2018, the Pennsylvania grand jury investigators released a report that caused lawmakers across the country to launch statewide investigations into the dioceses in their communities. Investigators began naming accused catholic priests, deacons, bishops, sisters, and nuns who had sexually assaulted minors for decades.

Some Pennsylvania dioceses created compensation funds with the guidance of the Vatican and Pope Francis to cover all or a portion of the victims’ counseling and treatment to help in their recovery. While some of these funds provided robust compensation, most did not offer enough to pay for the sexual assault survivor’s pain and suffering.

Roman Catholic Diocese Harrisburg Sexual Abuse Attorney

Many states began extending their statute of limitations as an effective measure to provide opportunities to sexually abused survivors who were harmed years ago. This change in the law helped victims pursue civil actions against the predator who caused them harm, and the Catholic Church and religious orders that covered it up.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, can assist you in finding justice in obtaining the compensation you deserve. In addition to providing legal advice, we will listen to your story while protecting your confidentiality and rights. With our years of experience, we understand how to use the law to resolve your case successfully.

Seeking Bankruptcy Protection

In February 2020, the Harrisburg Diocese sought bankruptcy protection in Pennsylvania, ahead of all the other dioceses and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The release of the 2018 grand jury report revealed that more priests in Pennsylvania had been investigated for sexual abuse most of the other states nationwide.

Initially, the laws of Pennsylvania prevented sexual assault survivors who were harmed years ago to file a civil lawsuit against their alleged abuser. However, a decision by the appellate court created a new pathway for assault survivors to seek financial compensation from the Church, including through the Diocese of Harrisburg.

As a result of the decisions by the grand jury and appellate court, many lawsuits have been filed against the diocese seeking compensation before the diocese becomes financially unstable. Over the last sixteen years, twenty dioceses throughout the United States sought protection through the bankruptcy court in response to the sexual molestation crisis.

Before the release of the grand jury report, the list of priests and other religious leaders with credible allegations of sexually assaulting minors totaled about 250. Since then, another 300 priests and bishops’ names were added to the list with accusations that they had sexually assaulted over a thousand children. These assaults occurred over many decades in parishes throughout the state, including in the Pennsylvania dioceses of Altoona-Johnston, Diocese of Pittsburg, Greenberg Diocese, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Sexual Assault Survivors Deserve Compensation

Nearly all victims of sexual assault by Catholic religious leaders wait for years or decades to get justice. Likely, most incidents of sexual molestation are never reported to proper authorities. Other times, prosecutors drop the charges because of a lack of evidence or the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Our team of dedicated advocate attorneys wants to assist you in exposing the predator’s acts of abuse to hold them responsible. Additionally, we want to hold the Catholic Church accountable for protecting the priest at your expense.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, with the guidance to the Vatican and Pope Francis, created a survivor compensation program as a part of their bankruptcy filing. The compensation program is designed to provide financial help for survivors of sexual assault who were harmed by priests in active ministry, or those who were deceased, on leave of absence, no longer associated with the Church or religious orders, or retired.

Signs of Sexual Abuse are Not Always Apparent

Statistics maintained by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 25% of females and 70% of males under eighteen years of age had been sexually abused. Over 93% of all sexual abuse survivors know the predator who abused, molested, sodomized, or raped them. About four of ten sexual survivors experience challenges in building relationships with partners, friends, family, and coworkers as they mature.

Not every sign of sexual abuse is visible. Often, sexual predators go to great lengths to ensure their actions are hidden, using fear and intimidation to scare their victims. In some cases, there are apparent physical warning signs, including a sexually transmitted infection or trauma occurring to the genital area that might involve bloody sheets, unexplained bleeding, or bruises. Behavioral and emotional signs of sexual assault often include:

• Inappropriate sexual behavior based on the victim’s age
• Avoiding taking off their clothes when bathing or changing
• Fear of being left alone when around specific individuals
• Sudden changes in eating habits that include the refusal to eat, difficulty in swallowing, or decreasing appetite
• Bedwetting in older toddlers, children, and teens
• Speaking excessively about sexual activity
• Drawing of sexual imagery or playing out simulated sexual activity
• Excessive fear or unexplained worry
• Displaying signs of withdrawal or insecurity
• Believing that their body or self is repulsive, immoral or dirty
• Fear of the dark, being afraid of being alone and nightmares

The emotional scars left by sexual abuse can be lifelong. Often, sexual abuse victims suffer from ongoing anxiety, lifelong depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other health condition. Keep your child’s access to individuals who do not respect their boundaries or engage in inappropriate touching. Their actions could be an indicator of actual or potential sexual abuse.

Hiring a Diocese of Harrisburg Sexual Abuse Attorney

The attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, have recovered over $250 million in damages for our clients. Our trial attorneys have presented evidence in front of a judge and jury and negotiated out-of-court settlements directly with the defendants and responsible parties accountable for compensation.

If you, or a loved one, is the victim of sexual abuse by a clergy member, contact us today. We can help. Let us use our years of experience to ensure you receive financial compensation while we protect your rights.

All information we share it remains confidential. We handle all cases through contingency fee arrangements. This agreement provides immediate representation without any payment for our services until after we have successfully resolved your case for compensation.

List of Clergy Members Accused of Abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg

Agudelo Cano, Alexander Dario

The Harrisburg Catholic diocese accused seventy-one priests, including Father Agudelo Cano, of sexually abusing or having inappropriate contact, including indecent behavior with children.

Current Status: Seminarian (2018)

Allen, Francis (Scotty) II

In 1989, a woman reported to the diocese that Allen had sexually molested her son during the 1970s. The woman reported the allegation again in 2002. In 1994, a different woman spoke with the diocese, saying that Allen had sexually assaulted her child between 1974 and 1975 when he was in the fifth grade.

Current Status: Died 10/2011

Allen, John G.

Ordained: 1970

Reports indicate that the diocese had concerns about Reverend Allen’s behavior back in the 1970s. Reports suggest that Allen sexually molested multiple young males between the 1970s and 1990s. The church reassigned the priest in 2002 after he was confronted with a credible allegation that he had sexually molested a boy for years starting about 1979 when the victim was between fourteen and eighteen years old.

Current Status: Arrested 3/2019

Bach, Francis

Ordained: 1962

Father Bach was first accused of sexual assault involving minors in 1994 with incidents that date back to 1969 when a male victim was 13 years old. By 2002, the Diocese of Harrisburg learned other victims coming forward with their allegations. The priest took early retirement and resigned in May 1994.

Current Status: Died 3/2010

Barajas Arias, Luis Jesus

Ordained: 1982

The Diocese of Harrisburg hired Barajas Arias to serve the Spanish-speaking parishioners. In 1989, the Parish Monsignor was informed that parishioners were concerned about Barajas Arias’ repeated past accusations of child molestation. The church raised thousands of dollars to cover the Reverend’s transportation costs back to Columbia.

Current Status: Current Status Unknown

Beeman, James W.

Ordained: 1953

Former Lexington Bishop Gainer asked the Vatican not to defrock Beeman to avoid “risking public knowledge of his crimes” after the priest admitted repeatedly raping very young girls.

Current Status: No living a life of prayer and penance

Bolen, John P.

Ordained: 1926

The Diocese claims the victim’s 2018 allegations of child sexual abuse against the now-deceased Monsignor are credible.

Current Status: Died 7/1966

Bostwick III, John Raymond

Ordained: 1969

Accusations of indecent behavior from the early 1980s arose in March 1996 involving Father Bostwick and a boy between 12 and 14 years old. In 2002, another victim notified the Diocese of Harrisburg of inappropriate touching occurring in 1987.

Current Status: Removed from ministry 1996

Bradel, Frederick R.

Ordained: 1947

The Diocese of Harrisburg found a sexually abused survivor’s allegation of the priest’s inappropriate behavior credible, several years after his death.

Current Status: Died 1997

Bradley, Joseph

Ordained: 1944

The Diocese of Harrisburg credibly accused Monsignor Bradley of sexual assault after his death.

Current Status: Deceased

Chiasson, Ronald

Ordained: 1976

The victim was twelve years old and an altar boy when he met Reverend Chiasson in the 1970s at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church. The priest eventually sexually abused the boy when the two were on an out-of-state trip.

Current Status: Died 1999

Cramer, Donald

Ordained: 2001

In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security investigated Father Cramer while he was in an online chat room communicating with individuals criminally charged for possessing child pornography. The priest mentioned he wanted to travel to Mexico to “rent” boys.

Current Status: Removed from priesthood 11/2014

D’Allesandro, Patrick

Ordained: 1980

The diocese found credible evidence years after the priest’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Current Status: Deceased

DeChico, Philip

Ordained: 1974

The diocese found credible evidence years after Reverend DeChico’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. The priest was the Principal at Lebanon High School (1986 through 1996)

Current Status: Guide 2006

Dougherty (Daughetry), Raymond E.

Ordained: 1944

The diocese found credible evidence years after Reverend Dougherty’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with two minors. The priest claimed that another Reverend repeatedly raped an altar boy in the early 1960s at St. Joseph’s.

Current Status: Deceased

Driscoll, C.SS.R., Joseph H.

Ordained: 1922

The diocese found credible evidence years after the Navy chaplain’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Current Status: Died 1976

Fisher, Paul R.

Ordained: 1977

In 2011, Reverend Fisher admitted to visiting websites with images of unclothed minors, which were downloaded and recovered from his computer. In 2016, law enforcement determined the photos were not criminal images.

Current Status: Installed as pastor at Saint Rose of Lima – York 6/2016

Hackman, Donald (Tim)

Ordained: Deacon 1983

In 1999, the diocese received a resignation letter from Deacon Hackman one month before an undercover law enforcement officer received child pornography mailed by Hackman. The Deacon was found guilty in federal court for sending child pornography.

Current Status: Convicted in Federal Court

Hager, Joseph

Ordained: 1934

The diocese found credible evidence years after Monsignor Hager’s death from a sexual abuse survivor that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Current Status: Died 4/1992

Haney, Thomas Ronald

Ordained: 1958

The diocese found credible evidence years after Father Haney’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. A sexual abuse survivor accused the priest of inappropriate touching and comments toward a child.

Current Status: Died 6/2012

Harrisburg Priest #1, Unnamed

This priest was a part of the PA Grand Jury Report and listed as Harrisburg Priest #1 with information redacted due to ongoing litigation.

Current Status: Unknown

Harrisburg Priest #2, Unnamed

This priest was a part of the PA Grand Jury Report and listed as Harrisburg Priest # 2. Additional information was redacted due to ongoing litigation.

Current Status: Unknown

Haviland, William T.

Ordained: 1962

In 2018, Father Haviland was among fourteen priests who had served at The Assumption of the Blessed Mother Church that was accused of engaging in sexual abuse with a minor.

Current Status: Died 2/2017

Herber, C.PP.S., John

Ordained: 1968

In 1997, the church received information from a parishioner involving Father Heber (a visiting priest) and sexual misconduct that had occurred when the victim was seven years old. The victim first told her father in 1990 about what happened, eight years after the incident of molestation was reported to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood Order.

Current Status: Deceased

Hower, Phillip A.

Father Hower filed a RICO lawsuit in 2004 against the church making claims Church officials were blocking his ordination because he blew the whistle on homosexual priests. The church settled the case in 2005. Evidence in the 2018 PA Grand Jury Report stated that the priest’s sister talked to the diocese about how Reverend Hower had molested her son when he was between 5 and 7 years old in 1998 while in the Tucson diocese.

Current Status: Never Ordained

Hudak, Francis

Ordained: 1955

The diocese found credible evidence years after Monsignor Hudak’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Current Status: Died 2005

Kayda, Kevin L.

Ordained: 2013

In September 2013, the diocese received a report from a parent indicating that the priest was engaged in inappropriate sexual activity on Facebook with their minor daughter. After a confrontation and a forensic examination of the priest’s computer, pornographic photographs of adolescents were found. Evidence revealed the priest had visited online child porn websites. Kayda left the note before committing suicide in October 2013.

Current Status: Death by suicide 10/2013

Koychick, George J.

Ordained: 1949

In 2016, the diocese released information of credible evidence involving Reverend Koychick and a 2003 allegation of child sex abuse occurring in the 1970s. The church notified the police and prohibited Koychick from functioning as a priest.

Current Status: Deceased

Kujovsky, Thomas J.

Ordained: 1957

Allegations arose of pornography found in Monsignor Kujovsky’s room had images of a nude altar boy. Later, an animated pornography book showing child sex abuse was found in his room. The District Attorney’s Office determined the priest’s activity was not criminal.

Current Status: Died 3/2015

Labuda, Kevin

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Reverend Labuda had only been at the diocese as a seminarian for two weeks when he was asked to leave. The priest then worked as a church business manager at Immaculate Conception Church in Connellsville before being sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for beating a priest with the ax handle. Labuda’s name was also on the diocese list of allegations of sexual abuse with the child.

Current Status: Sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison in 2010

Lawler, Thomas F.

Ordained: 1955

Credible evidence shows multiple accusations of sexual abuse involving Reverend Lawler throughout his priesthood. The priest was relocated numerous times during his career before staying at Sacred Heart in Lewisburg for over a decade. One victim notified the diocese in 2002 that the priest had sexually assaulted him in 1963 when he was ten years old. Another victim reported in 2014 that the priest had sexually abused him in 1985 until the priest’s death in 1987, starting when the boy was only thirteen years old.

Current Status: Died 1987

Logue, Robert

In 2018, the diocese released Deacon Logue’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and laypeople associated with sexual abuse of underage children. A 1968 memo revealed that a thirteen-year-old boy accused the deacon of asking him to expose his genitalia. The deacon “admitted his tendencies.”

Current Status: Unknown

Long, Arthur J.

Ordained: 1955

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence involving Reverend Long and solicitation of a child for sex. The report indicates that the priest was soliciting for a sexual relationship with an adult that began when the victim was underage. In 1987, the diocese received complaints that Father Long was engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior from a young girl that began four years prior when she was thirteen years old. Long admitted to having sex with four or five girls since he had been reassigned to Baltimore. The church allowed Long to work in the Baltimore archdiocese between 1991 and 1992 until new allegations of inappropriate behavior arose.

Current Status: Deceased

Luck, David H.

Ordained: 1987

The deacon, while at St. Paul’s and Ann’s, faced allegations of sexually abusing a boy. The diocese sent Reverend Luck to St. Luke’s in Maryland for treatment in 1989 before removing him from ministry in 1990. In 2019, news arose of an alleged rape involving the priest and a fifteen-year-old boy and fondling an eleven-year-old boy during the 1980s. The priest had allegedly told individuals he fantasized about sex with underage children and thought he was a pedophile. Reports in 2019 indicate he lives in a residential neighborhood.

Current Status: Laicized 2006

Maher, Robert J.

Ordained: 1937

In 2016, the diocese revealed credible allegations that Monsignor Maher had sexually abused children in the 1960s. At that time, the Reverend resided in an orphanage for girls and resigned from that post in 1975. More recently, allegations of sexual abuse arose involving at least fifteen underage boys that occurred at St. Vincent’s in Hanover. More allegations arose after he died in 1990.

Current Status: Died 6/1990

Mahoney, Daniel Joseph

Ordained: 1952

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Reverend Mahoney and an underage minor.

Current Status: Died 7/2007

Marsico, Guy D.

Ordained: 1973

In 1994, the diocese was informed that a man was alleging sexual abuse that occurred in 1982 involving Reverend Marsico when the victim was a thirteen-year-old boy. The church reassigned the priest to St. Leo the Great in Rohrerstown and then to Saint Rose of Lima in York. After a diocesan investigation, Marsico was removed from active ministry and ordered by the church to pay for the victim’s medication and therapy. The diocese refused to pay a settlement stating it was unaware it knew of the sexual abuse when it occurred. The victim provided testimony to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury in 2016.

Current Status: Working as a Harrisburg travel agent (2011)

McGinley, Anthony J.

Ordained: 1945

In 2018, the diocese released Reverend McGinley’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and laypeople associated with sexual abuse of underage children. Assigned to Harrisburg parishes before 1970.

Current Status: Died 8/2006

Mercado, Ibarra C.

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Reverend Mercado, who was accused of “French kissing a twelve-year-old girl on the grounds of the Lebanon VA Hospital.”

Current Status: Unknown

Murphy, Neil J.

Ordained: 1957

The diocese found credible evidence years after Reverend Murphy’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor that occurred at Saint Rose of Lima in York between 1954 and 1961.

Current Status: Deceased

Noel, James E.

Ordained: 1954

The diocese found credible evidence years after the priest’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. Reverend Noel was assigned to St. Mary’s in Lebanon during the early 1950s into the 1960s.

Pease, Joseph M.

Ordained: 1961

In 1995, Reverend Pease was accused of sexually assaulting an underage child around 1982. The church kept the priest in the ministry but removed him in 2002 after credible accusations arose of him sexually abusing and adolescence three decades before. Two other possible victims came forward to accused Pease as of 2007; the Vatican had not ruled on his case after the diocese asked the Vatican to consider imposing a “life of prayer and penance.” The PA Grand Jury reported that the priest abused victims throughout his career, likely at ten parishes.

Current Status: The Bishop requested laicization

Procopio, Charles

Ordained: 1956

The diocese found credible evidence in 2018, years after the Procopio’s death, that he participated in unacceptable sexual behavior with minors, including “inappropriate touching and kissing minors.” One accusation involved molestation in 1965 of seventh and eighth-grade girls at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Harrisburg. The female victims reported the priest’s inappropriate behavior to the principal, who took no action. Others reported Procopio’s sexual abuse incidents to Father McAndrew, who told the chancery that Procopio modestly touches the girls. The church kept Procopio in ministry. He retired in 1995.

Current Status: Deceased

Quiroz Reyes, Guido Miguel

Ordained: 1944

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Quiroz Reyes. The evidence showed that the priest had multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving children. He had been assigned to Apostolate for Spanish Speaking People in Lancaster, PA between 1976 and 1980 before relocating to the diocese of El Paso, Texas. By 1984, he had been reassigned to the Diocese of Victoria, Texas.

Current Status: Did 5/2008

Redacted #3 Unnamed

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving an unnamed priest.

Current Status: Name and information redacted due to ongoing litigation

Redacted #4 Unnamed

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving an unnamed priest.

Current Status: Name and information redacted due to ongoing litigation

Rolko, Stephen M.

Ordained: 1957

The diocese found credible evidence years after the Rolko’s death that the priest participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. Between 1975 and 1993, Rolko served as pastor of Holy Trinity in Columbia, PA.

Current Status: Died 12/1993

Rush, James

Ordained: 1979

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Deacon Rush. In 2015, two possible victimized women accused the Deacon of inappropriate behavior that had “crossed the boundary lines.” The church confronted Rush and allowed him to retire and continue ministering with “explicit permission.” In 2016, the priest was accused of an inappropriate relationship with a girl when she was fourteen years old. The victim alleges the behavior included kissing and hugging, holding her hand and saying she was his “girlfriend.” The diocese determined that the Deacon’s behavior was not abuse but “grooming.”

Current Status: Died 2016

Scala, Thomas

Ordained: 1973

In 2018, the diocese released the Reverend’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and lay people associated with the sexual abuse of underage children. Between 1977 and 1986, Scala served as a chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Lancaster). Between 1989 and 1994, he was pastor of St. Columba in Bloomsburg.

Current Status: Died 10/2018

Schlager, Bryan

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Schlager. The seminarian was accused of inappropriately communicating with several children. In 2010, he was listed as studying at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Current Status: Unknown

Sempko, Walter A.

Ordained: 1950

In July 2019, a filed lawsuit alleges that Father Sempko sexually assaulted the victim, who was a St. Joseph’s altar boy in the early 1960s. The priest died at ninety-four years of age.

Current Status: Died 10/2017

Shank, Herbert J.

Ordained: 1967

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Shank. Multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving boys arose. One victim stated that Shank started sexually abusing him in the 1980s when he was twelve years old and an altar boy at St. Patrick’s in Carlisle. The victim says that sexual assaulting and lasted over 1.5 years. Another victim reported that the priest sexually assaulted him in 1971/74 and took videos and pornographic photographs of him assaulting altar boys. The church sent Shank for treatment in 1994 to the Institute of Living. The church turned his case over to the District Attorney’s Office in 1995.

Current Status: The church ordered him to resign in 11/1994

Sperber, Timothy

Ordained: 1978

In 2018, the diocese released Sperber’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and laypeople associated with sexual abuse of underage children. In 2004, Sperber was charged with sexually assaulting an underage girl around 1979 while at St. Joan of Arc in Hershey. The victim stated she had spoken with the school principal who became angry with her and called her “a demon-child.” The church transferred Sperber to the Archdiocese of Miami in 1992. In 1998, the priest was “on leave.”

Current Status: (2018) Living in Port Charlotte, Florida and attending the Congregational United Church of Christ in Punta Gorda

Steffen, Carl J.

Ordained: 1958

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Steffen. The evidence shows that the diocese was aware of Steffen’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior as early as 1966 when the priest was a high school chaplain. The allegations indicate that Father Steffen was fondling underage boys. One female student stated the priest had spoken to her about intercourse, masturbation, and “certain aberrations of the sexual act.” The church transferred Steffen out of the parish. More accusations involving inappropriate sexual talk with minors were reported. A report in 1993 indicates that the priest had touched a ten-year-old boy’s genitals while he was hospitalized in 1968. The church stated there was insufficient evidence to take any action.

Current Status: Died 7/2015

Sukniac, John J.

Ordained: 1950

In 2018, the diocese released Suknaic’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and laypeople associated with sexual abuse of underage children.

Current Status: Died 10/2004

Taylor, Francis J.

Ordained: 1954

The diocese found credible evidence years after Monsignor Taylor’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. The Monsignor had served as assistant pastor at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Harrisburg, principal at Lancaster Catholic High School, and taught at Harrisburg Catholic High School.

Current Status: Died 1997

Tokarick, John Jr.

In 2018, the diocese released the Seminarian’s name among credibly accused priests, volunteers, and laypeople associated with sexual abuse of underage children.

Current Status: Unknown

Vaughn, Frederick J.

Ordained: 1937

The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report found conclusive evidence of sexual abuse involving Reverend Vaughn. In 2016, the diocese received multiple allegations against the priest involving sexually assaulting young girls. In 2002, the mother of two female victims alleged that Vaughn sexually assaulted them when they were approximately nine years of age between 1961 and 1966. Also, in 2002, two sisters said that the priest sexually assaulted them. One female reported the priest at sexually assaulted her between 1961 and 1974, from the time she was three until thirteen years of age. The other girl said she had been sexually assaulted by the priest beginning in 1958 when she was eleven or twelve years old. Other victims came forward. The priest retired in 1986.

Current Status: Died 12/1992

Vecera, James

The diocese found credible evidence years after Vecera’s death that he participated in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Current Status: Died 1987

Zangari, Salvatore V.

Ordained: 1944

In 1980 and 1986, the diocese of Harrisburg received allegations that Reverend Zangari had “unwanted sexual misconduct” toward adult women. In 1986, the church sent the priest to St. Luke’s Institute in Maryland for evaluation. Zangari admitted he had fathered a child after his ordination with a former high school student. There is no evidence to shows that the diocese had any follow-up to his admission. In 2002, the Diocese Bishop revealed that the 1986 evaluation sufficiently proved that the priest had sexually abused minors. The church removed his faculties.

Current Status: Died 9/2004