List of Accused Priests in Maryland

Clergy abuse is an unfortunate occurrence worldwide, and Maryland is no exception. Throughout Baltimore parishes and other areas of the state, church members have been abused for decades. More and more survivors are choosing to speak out and seek justice, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to support and advocate for them every step of the way.

Last Name	First Name	Diocese	Status	Accusations (Summary)
Barnes	Michael Lowell	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	A boy filed a lawsuit against the Baltimore Archdiocese for molestation in 1977-1982. The abuse occurred in the rectory and on out-of-state trips. Barnes left the priesthood in 1988, was arrested in 2009 for abuse of a boy, and laicized in 2013. The A.G. report reveals indications of issues with Barnes during seminary, treatment and several leaves of absence during his priesthood, as well as a note in his file saying the woman “could be dangerous”.
Avant	James	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A woman alleged that Avant abused her son and other boys in the early 1970s at St. Martin’s rectory. Avant left the order in 1990 and requested dispensation from religious life in 1995.
Albaugh	William Steven	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Arrested	Albaugh admitted storing child abuse images on thumb drives and his Verizon Online cloud storage system and was suspended from his duties.
Bauernfeind	Thomas J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Bauernfeind, a parish priest, was accused of sexual abuse of a girl, age 16, in the mid-1970s. He was sent to House of Affirmation in MA for treatment and kept in ministry as a parish pastor.
Bechtel	W. Vincent	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Baltimore archdiocese named Bechtel on its list 4/24/2019, and the Diocese of Harrisburg told Baltimore in 2018 of a claim of sex abuse against Bechtel, occurring while assigned to Mt. St. Joseph High School. Bechtel died in 1994.
Belschner	Ronald	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Archdiocese announced that Belschner had sexually abused a child in the mid-1970s, went on leave of absence in 1991, and had his faculties permanently removed in 2023. He denied the allegations, and was placed on leave in 1990.
Bevan	Thomas R.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Monsignor Bevan held prominent Chancery positions and roles in the Boy Scouts, but was removed from ministry in 2009 after allegations that he sexually abused a boy several times at St. John’s School in Frederick 1974-1979. He was given a 10-year suspended sentence and 18 months home detention.
Morgan	Eugene	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Morgan was accused of sexually abusing a male Calvert Hall College High Student in the late 1970s. The boy said Morgan made the boys swim naked and fondled his genitals.
Posten	James M.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Jeffrey was publicly accused of abuse by the Xaverian order, but withdrew in 1950.
Braun	William A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Baltimore archdiocese named Braun publicly as accused of sexually abusing a boy 1947-1949. The abuse reportedly began the summer after the boy’s 7th grade at St. Dominic’s School and went on for two years.
Brinkmann	Frederick C.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A man reported sexual abuse at age 16 by Brinkmann to the Redemptorists, and the Archdiocese told the Redemptorists. Brinkmann was assigned to St. Michael’s in Baltimore 1977-1978, and allegedly orally raped the boy on one occasion.
Bugge	Gerard	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Gerard Serafin Bugge was a priest who was assigned to parishes in Baltimore and Annapolis MD, Washington DC and Lancaster PA. He was named by the Baltimore archdiocese on its 09/2002 list of accused, and was removed from faculty after allegations were reported to his Order.
Blackwell	Maurice J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Pastor of St. Edward’s in Baltimore 1979-2003, placed on leave in 1993 after complaints of abuse of a minor, permanently placed on leave in 1998 after admitting to a “sexual relationship” with another minor which ended in the 1970s, laicized in 2004 and found guilty in 2005 of abuse, including rape.
Bonacci	Louis A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A second accuser was located during the investigation of an allegation that Bonacci improperly touched a minor in a family home 1978-1982. Bonacci was permanently removed from active ministry by his order in 2011.
Callahan	Robert C.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Callahan was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, sued in 1978 for an affair with a neighbor’s wife, went on leave of absence, never returned to ministry, married, and sexually abused a boy from 1967-1974.
Carney	John J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A woman reported that on numerous occasions Carney fondled and kissed her when she was age 10, and that she reported the abuse to Baltimore County Police. The Archdiocese settled with her for $50K. Accused of physically abusing a 6th grade boy in the 1960s, Carney was friends with accused priest Joseph Maskell.
Carroll	Douglas	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 1990, a priest was removed from ministry after admitting soliciting a minor in another state.
Corbett	John J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Corbett, a priest from England, was accused of abusing two girls at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Baltimore in 1949-1950 and 1952 or 1953. He was named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019.
Cox	Brian M.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Admitted in 1994 to touching the genitals of a 13-year-old boy. No charges were filed. In 1995, Cox was placed on permanent leave without privileges for sexual abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1981. He returned to MD after treatment. Report of abuse of a fifth-grade altar boy over six months in 1980. Arrested, charged with the abuse of two boys, pleaded guilty, served 9 months, laicized. Cox said he told a Church official about his “struggles” with pedophilia, and was told “Don’t worry about it”.
Cullen	Robert B.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Accused of sexually abusing a grade-school girl, between ages 8 and 14, and others in the 1960s. No action was taken, and the victim reported her abuse in 2005, and the Jesuits made the mandated report.
Coyle	Charles G.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Sued	Coyle was accused of abuse of a boy in the 1970s at Newton South High School in Boston, and of abuse of two brothers while he was a seminarian in Baltimore in the 1960s. He died 7/1/2015.
Cristancho	Fernando	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Cristancho arranged in vitro fertilization of a woman in Colombia using his sperm, and triplets were born in 11/2001. Cristancho was assigned to the Archdiocese of Baltimore 1999-2002, at St. Ignatius in Forest Hill. DSS found that he had sexually abused of both of the boys, including oral sex. Arrested in 9/2017, Cristancho pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and admitted to creating nude images of four other children.
Danilak	John	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Indicted	Byzantine Catholic priest. Indicted in 2002. Accused of abuse of a youth in 1978. Charge dropped when Danilak died in 4/2003, just prior to trial. At least two other men have made similar complaints.
Davies	Joseph A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Monsignor Davies was a parish priest, prep school chaplain, prison chaplain, archdiocesan Director of Catholic Boy Scouts, and active in Volunteers for America. He received numerous allegations of child sexual abuse, including rape, in the 1950s and 1960s.
Justice	John	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Ordained for the diaconate in 1974, assigned to St. Louis in Clarksville 1975-1989, and substitute chaplain at Bon Secours Hospital 1989-1990. Died in 2015.
O’Hara	Leo	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Charged	In 1981, five boys from St. Rose Elementary School accused O’Hara of having sexual experiences with them. In 1987, he was charged with 16 counts of sexual offenses and 16 counts of child abuse in Ocean City MD. He admitted to molesting over 100 children since 1953. A hospital chaplain was accused of sexually assaulting a boy beginning in 1976. The boy’s younger brother was also abused.
Dean	Alfred A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	From the Bahamas, Dean was assigned to St. Veronica in South Baltimore and then to St. Francis Xavier in East Baltimore. He was suspended in 2002 after allegations that he molested a 13-year-old boy.
Deakin	Richard	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Convicted of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl, given a 20-year suspended sentence and a 15-year suspended sentence, and 5 years probation. Left priesthood in 1988 and married, surrendered his social work license in 2018 due to the public release of information about his sexual misconduct.
Dolan	Francis E.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Fabian was accused of sexual abuse in Baltimore in 1945 by a man who said several other Xaverian Brothers and a Passionist priest sexually abused him.
Dimitroff	Donald	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Name appears on the Baltimore archdiocese’s 9/2002 list of religious priests and brothers accused of sexual abuse. Dimitroff admitted to the abuse and said he thought the boy was 18.
Demek	Martin H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Unsubstantiated	Pastor Demek was suspended in 4/2021 due to an allegation of sexual abuse. He was returned to ministry in 4/2022 after the Archdiocese deemed the allegations unsubstantiated.
Dowdy	James H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Dowdy was accused of sexual abuse in the late 1970s – early 1980s, and admitted to abusing two minors. He was removed from ministry and his faculties were removed, and sent to St. Luke’s, where he admitted to abusing boys.
Duerr	Robert W.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A former nun reported in 2002 that Duerr fondled altar boys when they were third graders at St. Rita’s parish school. In 2012, a woman told the Archdiocese that Duerr sexually abused her beginning when she was age 7 and continuing until she went away to college.
Ernst	Francis P.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The MD Attorney General’s Report named Ernst as accused of sexually abusing and raping a boy, ages 12-14, at St. Augustine in Elkridge MD, where he was assigned 1998-2004. Ernst died in 2004.
Duke	Frederick H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Duke admitted in 1988 to sexually abusing 26 children, seven of whom later came forward. Many victims told other priests and/or church authorities, to no avail, and Duke was sent for ‘spiritual direction’.
Duggan	John H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A teenage boy was abused by Duggan in the late 1960s – early 1970s, and a Jesuit official admitted to the abuse in 1993. Duggan admitted to sexually abusing young children early in his priesthood. After 1996, John M. Duggan was restricted to convent and prison ministry, yet allowed to assist at parishes. He died in 2004.
Esposito	Luigi	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Ordained in Italy, assigned to Our Lady of Pompei in Highlandtown 1964-2018, named pastor in 1987, incardinated into the Archdiocese in 2000, suspended from ministry in 5/2018 after allegations of sexual abuse of a girl, beginning in 1973.
Evans	Terence J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A man reported that Evans sexually abused him as a boy, about age 14, in the late 1950s, when pastor at St. Margaret’s. The boy left as soon as Evans released his hand, and never returned to CYO.
Ewanowski	Alfred	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	A former student reported abuse by Ewanowski in 1967 at Archbishop Curley High School. Additional allegations followed of abuse while Ewanowski was a Curley High faculty member, where he was assigned 1968-1976.
Farabaugh	Kenneth	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	The archdiocese learned of allegations of sexual abuse in 1993, but the alleged victim denied the allegations and Farabaugh denied abuse, so the matter was dropped. In 2000, the alleged victim provided detailed allegations of sexual abuse. Farabaugh’s name appeared on Baltimore’s 9/26/2002 list of abusers, and two more women came forward with allegations of abuse as children.
Fisher	Carl A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	The Baltimore Archdiocese named Fisher publicly as accused on 4/24/2019, and the MD Attorney General’s report shows that Fisher was accused of sexual abuse of boys and girls, including rape, and sometimes payment to the children.
Firlie	Joseph P.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Firlie was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. A man reported to the Archdiocese that he was sexually abused by Firlie at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School at ages 10-14, during 1979-1983.
Flaherty	Robert	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Flaherty was suspended from ministry in 2018 after an investigation by the state’s attorney of allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the mid-1980s. He was teaching at St. John’s Prep in Danvers MA when suspended.
Fondriest	Sylvan	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The archdiocese named a priest as accused of abuse in the late 1950s-early 1960s and in 2008 of abuse in the late 1950s.
Figlewski	Alphonsus	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Alphonse Figlewski, a priest who worked in Shamokin PA, Milwaukee WI, Chelsea MA, Bridgeport CT, Baltimore MD, Ellicott City MD, Loretto Italy, and Hamburg NY, was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. He died in 1948.
Heilman	Edward	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Heilman was accused of abuse of an altar boy, ages 8-13, in the 1970s at Shrine of the Little Flower in Baltimore. He died in 1988.
Koob	Gerard J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Two women came forward to say that Koob repeatedly raped them in the early 1970s, when they were Keough High School students. Koob denied the allegations, and left the priesthood around 1979.
Fiorentino	Joseph G.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A woman reported that Fiorentino pressed himself against her breasts and buttocks multiple times during 1973-1977, and another woman confronted Fiorentino for grabbing students’ buttocks.
Affrica	Louis John	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Affrica was named as a perpetrator of abuse of minors in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s report. He was accused of abuse of a boy, ages 15-18, and a girl, age 15 or 16, during 1973-1976.
Wooden	Roger K.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Monsignor Wooden was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, and anonymous ads appeared in the Baltimore Sun asking if anyone had ever been disciplined by the Monsignor.
Free	Daniel	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Free was named publicly as accused by the Baltimore archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019, removed from ministry in 2000, and died 6/11/2016. Two girls reported abuse in the mid-1950s and mid-1960s.
Hudson	Thomas	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Hudson was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, name redacted. He was placed on leave in 5/2023 by the Episcopal Diocese of MD when the allegations came to light.
Gallagher	Joseph J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Former editor of The Catholic Review, J. Joseph Gallagher, was accused of abusing a 14-year-old boy in 1980. He objected to his inclusion on the list, saying the incident involved only a massage, and no genital touching.
Gerg	Joseph U.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 1997, the Baltimore archdiocese received an allegation that Gerg sexually abused a minor. He was removed from active ministry in 2002, and included on several lists of accused priests.
Girard	Steven P.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	In 1991, a parishioner reported that Girard’s foster sons were allowed to drink whiskey in the rectory, and in 2002, Girard was sent to St. Luke Institute after falsely telling police he was the victim of a car jacking. In 2004, a young man alleged abuse by Girard.
Haight	Mark A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	The Albany Diocese knew of allegations of child sexual abuse against Haight from early in his priesthood. He was sent to treatment in 1985 and 1989. In 2023, the family of a man who came forward in 2002 sued the Archdiocese, St. Mary’s Seminary and University and the Sulpice Foundation for wrongful death. The man died in 2022 from a drug overdose.
Helowicz	Marion Francis	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Arrested in 1984 for attempting to solicit a police officer, charged dropped, sent to treatment, admitted to abusing a learning-disabled teenage boy in 1988, sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years, and 200 hours community service, laicized in 2017, included in the MD Attorney General’s Report.
Hill	Joseph J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Hill was accused of sexually abusing a girl, age 16 or 17, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Baltimore.
Hiltz	Robert E.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 2003, Hiltz was accused of sexually abusing a girl he was related to in the 1970s. In 2018, a man reported abuse by Hiltz at age 10 in 1968.
Hopkins	Joseph H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Hopkins was named publicly as accused by the Baltimore archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019. He was sent away in 1949 due to “some bad action….with legal ramifications” and told to keep his whereabouts secret because his case was “still active in the courts”.
Hopkins	George L.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Named publicly as accused in the Baltimore Archdiocese’s revised list 4/24/2019, Hopkins was accused of abuse in the early 1950s, was given the title monsignor in 1956, was Chancellor 1954-1965, and was also an Archdiocesan Consultor, and Rural Dean 1965-1968. Hopkins died in 1980.
Jameson	William H.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Jameson was sexually abused by a woman at age 13 in 1942 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Baltimore. He moved to the Archdiocese of Washington DC and then to the Diocese of Joliet IL, where he died in 1973.
Hopkins	Robert F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Hopkins admitted to sexual misconduct with 14 boys from the 1950s to the early 1980s at five different parishes. He was named on Baltimore’s 9/26/2002 list of abusive priests.
Julian	Albert J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Julian was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, admitted to the abuse, requested and granted laicization in 1970 so he could marry, and died in 2006.
Kelly	Thomas F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Benedict Joseph was accused of sexual abuse in Baltimore in 1945 by a student at St. Mary’s Industrial School.
Kenney	Joseph A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Archdiocese stated in 2018 that they knew of allegations of abuse in the early 1950s, and that Kenney was kept in ministry.
Kelly	Thomas M.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Kelly was named publicly in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. He was made to retire in late 1971 after complaints of his extreme drunkenness, conduct with women and girls and other erratic behavior.
Kenny	Simon E.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Monsignor Kenny French was named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019 of sex abuse in the early 1980s. He died in 1999.
Knapp	Paul	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Knapp’s name appeared on Baltimore’s 9/2002 list of priests, religious priests and brothers accused of sexual misconduct. He was removed from his Saratoga Springs NY parish in 1993 and was to undergo treatment.
Kolodziej	Michael	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Served as principal of Cardinal O’Hara High in Buffalo and assistant principal at St. Francis High in Athol Springs. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report are allegations of abuse by Kolodziej of six former students.
Krach	Joseph W.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Krach was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, treated at Seton Psychiatric Institute in 1968, arrested in 10/1981 for soliciting an undercover policeman, committed to psychiatric hospitalization for 6 months, retired early in 12/1991.
Kruse	Joseph J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Name included on Baltimore’s 9/2002 list of abusive priests. In 1987 Kruse confessed to a diocesan official that he had sexually assaulted two teenage boys, one who had recently turned 18 and the other at age 16 in 1985. Kruse was sent to Institute of Living in CT for treatment, and then to a hospital chaplaincy in the archdiocese with a parish residency.
Krouse	William Earl	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Jay Krouse, a former pastor and teacher at MD School for the Deaf and St. Francis Catholic Deaf Center, was arrested in FL in 1996 and sentenced to six 10-year prison terms for abusing six deaf boys 1970-1978.
Lannon	James V.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	After becoming priest in Washington DC, Lannon was suspended for sexual impropriety with teenage boys and permanently removed from parish ministry in 1958. A woman alleged abuse by Lannon in the mid-1930s, when she was age 9 or 10.
Kuhl	Thomas G.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1988, taught religion at Our Lady of Pompei High School and Towson Catholic High School, and was the choir director. In 2006, a man alleged abuse by Kuhl and another teacher, Eric Price, for two years when he was an Our Lady of Pompei student. Both teachers were immediately placed on leave. A man alleged abuse by Kuhl, 1995-2005. The boy became addicted to heroin and was incarcerated off and on.
Langan	Xavier	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Brother Geoffrey Langan was accused of sexually abusing a Calvert Hall College High School student in 1969. The school acknowledged the allegation and another by an older alumnus in 2004, and in 2018 a former student said Langan would watch students swim naked through the pool.
LaPorta	Ross A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	LaPorta had recently retired when the allegation was made, and was listed as pastor emeritus at St. Mark’s in Catonsville, MD. Five other priests who worked there are also accused. The 1999 allegation was of abuse of a boy, ages 6 to 16, by faculty members. Accused of sexually abusing a girl in 1966 at St. Charles in Pikesville, when she answered the rectory telephones with her underwear down. In 2013 the Archdiocese received a report that Laporta had sexually abused and raped a boy in the early 1970s.
Larkin	Regis F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Larkin worked in archdiocesan parishes 1945-1980, and was named publicly as accused by the Baltimore archdiocese on its list 4/16/2019. He was accused of abusing a boy, ages 12-15, 1978-1981, and a 5th grade boy 1955-1956.
Lee	Thomas B.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Priest of the Archdiocese of Seoul, South Korea, accused of sexual abuse in the early 1970s. His name appears on a list of priests accused of abuse in Baltimore.
Lefevre	Francis J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	LeFevre admitted to sexually abusing numerous minors in the 1970s and 1980s, was sent to CT for treatment, and returned to Baltimore after a few months. LeFevre was accused of abusing a boy 1975-1976, a boy age 10 in 1975-1976, a boy age 11 or 12 in 1974 at St. Anthony of Padua, and a boy age 11 or 12 in 1969-1971 at St. Ursula’s.
Leary	David	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Leary was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. His personnel file shows concerns about him by his superiors as early as 1961, and he returned to parish work as an associate pastor in 2013.
Lentz	Robert F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Lentz was a parish priest, chaplain for juvenile courts, worked with the Catholic Youth Department, and directed the Youth Office. He was placed on leave in 2002 after allegations of abuse against two boys, and in 2006 another man came forward.
Linden	Phillip J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Linden was assigned in the archdiocese 1969-1986 and worked at Xavier University of Louisiana 1991-2018.
Lippold	John L.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 2010 the Archdiocese learned that Lippold had abused a girl, age 16, over a two-year period in the late 1960s. The Archdiocese notified police who told them not to pursue an investigation or contact Lippold during the police investigation.
Lochner	Robert J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Parish priest, director of southern area of the archdiocesan confraternity of Christian doctrine, MD National Guard Chaplain, co-moderator of the Catholic Youth Organization, first named publicly as accused by the Baltimore archdiocese on 4/16/2019, died 12/9/1967 in a car accident. Two boys received settlements.
Lorento	Anthony	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	A woman reported to the Archdiocese that Lorento held her and tried to kiss her when she was 16, in about 1981. The Archdiocese told the Pallotines and Lorento left the priesthood in 1998.
Loskarn	George B.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Accused of sexual abuse in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and admitted to fondling an 18-year-old male in about 1985. A 1st to 3rd grade altar boy said Loskarn fondled himself under his robe and played “truth or dare” with them.
Lupico	Samuel J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A man reported that in the 1980s, when he was living with Lupico in a rectory as his foster son, the priest gave him alcohol and made sexual advances toward him, and that he molested other boys. Lupico denied the allegations.
Mardaga	Ronald	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Mardaga was removed from the priesthood in 1986 after admitting to sexually abusing a boy, age 13 or 14, around 1975-1976. He refused inpatient treatment and requested laicization in 1990, which was granted in 1992.
Maskell	A. Joseph	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Maskell is said to have abused and raped girls at Keough High School in the late 1960s-early 1970s. He is also said to have abused and raped girls at Keough High School, at times with Magnus. The Archdiocese paid $472K to 16 people with allegations against Maskell by 5/2017. An Irish accuser surfaced in 5/2017. In 2023, 39 people had reported being abused by Maskell, who was a teacher at Keough. Most of the reported abuse was by former Keough students.
Magnus	E. Neil	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 2016, a woman received “acknowledgment of crimes” and financial assistance for counseling from the Archdiocese of Baltimore due to her claims of rape by Magnus and another priest, Joseph Maskell. Both priests were counselors. The Archdiocese received a report in 1992 of sexual abuse by Magnus and Maskell over several years in the late 1960s, and the MD Attorney General’s Report details abuse of 7 girls by Magnus, one as young as age 11.
Maurer	Arthur R.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Maurer pleaded guilty to federal charges of fondling a 12-year-old boy in 1992 on a cruise ship based in Port Canaveral, FL. He was sent to Toronto for treatment, and died in 1993.
Mawn	Benedict	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Mawn worked in the Archdioceses of Baltimore, Boston, Hartford and Dioceses of Buffalo, Scranton, Worcester and Manchester. He was accused of abuse of a boy in the late 1940s or early 1950s and was named in a 2005 lawsuit.
McCrory	William T.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	McCrory was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. A woman said he sexually abused her at ages 7-9, and gave her gifts to keep her quiet about the abuse.
McCarthy	William F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Constantine McCarthy, a member of the Xaverians, was accused of abuse in the mid-1940s in Baltimore of a boy, age 8 or 9.
McGrath	M. Francis	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Sued	McGrath acknowledged he sexually abused “three or four victims” during his time in Trenton. He was on leave of absence from St. Luke Institute when the allegation was reported. McGrath was named in two lawsuits, one alleging abuse of a boy in 1983 and the other claiming abuse of a boy in 1978.
McGuire	Eugene Ambrose	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	McGuire was named publicly as credibly accused by the Baltimore archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019. He was accused of abuse of a girl and a boy, and died in 1984.
Meegan	Lawrence C.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Luanus Meegan, a Xaverian Brother, was accused of sexual abuse and rape beginning in 1945 of a boy, ages 13-16, at St. Mary’s Industrial School in Baltimore.
Messer	Joseph V.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Messer was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, and was later accused of sexually abusing a 16- or 17-year-old boy in 1975 or 1976. The Archdiocese deemed the allegation “not credible”.
Meogrossi	Romuald	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The archdiocese suspended Meogrossi from ministry due to an allegation of sexual abuse. He denied the allegation.
Michaud	Ronald N.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Michaud was placed on leave after a report of sexual abuse in 1989. A man sued the diocese for abuse after being abused as an altar boy.
Migliorini	William J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The archdiocese added Migliorini to its list of accused clergy on 11/4/2019, after a second accuser came forward in 2019 alleging abuse by the priest while he was assigned to Shrine of the Sacred Heart 1965-1973. Migliorini died in 1992.
Jr.	John Joseph Mike,	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Mike was criminally charged for abusing two boys, and admitted to abusing a boy at his previous parish. He was diagnosed with “sexual sadism” and sent to CT for treatment. Mike called the victim after his arrest and said not to tell anyone about the abuse. In 1987 Mike was allowed to serve in CT, but the Archdiocese tried to have him assigned in Erie, but Mike did not end up going there. At least seven victims had come forward, all boys ages 13-17 when abused. Mike did not return to active ministry.
Moody	Jerome A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Baltimore City Police informed the archdiocese in 2002 of allegations of abuse of several people. A second allegation was reported in 2005 of abuse of a boy, age 14, continuing for three years.
Mountain	John A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Mountain was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. He sexually abused a boy, ages 11-13, during 1941-1943 and again 1945-1949.
Morgan	William	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, Morgan was accused of sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl in 1986. He was sent to House of Affirmation in MA for assessment, but was not recommended for residential treatment.
Murphy	Timothy M.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 1999 a man alleged sexual abuse by Murphy at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in around 1970 when he was age 12. Murphy went on leave of absence for health reasons from 1972-1978 and was sent to Southdown Institute in Canada.
Nicholls	Ronald N.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Nicholls was accused publicly in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report of sexually assaulting a boy in the 1970s. He left the Marianists in 1980.
Nagle	Alan W.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Nagle was ordained for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, went on leave in 1978, worked as a priest at a Melkite-Greek Catholic Church in North Hollywood CA until terminated after 18 months in 1980, left the Catholic Church in 1981, and died in 1997.
Newman	Robert Victor	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Baltimore Archdiocese learned that Newman had admitted to sexually abusing minors in the 1970s-1980s, and removed him from his assignment. He was sent to Johns Hopkins and Hartford CT for treatment, and was allowed active ministry in Hartford beginning in 1990.
O’Toole	Henry J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The Archdiocese of Baltimore accused O’Toole of sexually abusing a girl in the early 1970s at Our Lady of Fatima in East Baltimore. O’Toole also spent time in Toledo OH and Richmond VA.
O’Brien	Joseph F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	O’Brien was accused publicly in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, name redacted, of sexually abusing a girl, age 15 or 16, in the mid-1970s. He requested laicization in 1977 and was laicized in 1978.
O’Bryan	William F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Br. Sidney was named publicly as accused by the Xaverian order of abusing at Camp Calvert in the early 1950s.
Olkowski	Brian Keith	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Guilty plea	Olkowski, a 22-year-old seminarian, was dismissed from seminary in 1995 after plying a 14-year-old boy with beer then molested him.
O’Meara	Joseph	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Parish priest, helped establish covenant community Lamb of God in the 1970s, which has been characterized as a cult. He was removed from active ministry in 12/2019 after three woman reported that he touched them inappropriately.
Poletti	Adrian	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A boy, about age 11 or 12, accused Poletti of sexual abuse at Camp Gabriel and at St. Joseph Passionist Monastery School. He received a $38K settlement.
Peacock	John B.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Monsignor Peacock was named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019. He was accused of abuse in the mid-1960s and again in the late 1950s.
Pecore	Dennis A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Worked in MD, AZ, WI, was convicted of sex assault in 1987, and settled with the victim for $595K in 1988. Pecore was convicted of molesting a second boy, 1989-1992, while working at a care center for elderly priests. He was sentenced to 12 years prison and probation.
Raum	Blair	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	The archdiocese named Raum publicly as accused in 2022, and in 2004 of abusing a minor in the 1960s. In 2022, a man said Raum fondled him as a boy in 1971 on multiple occasions, and died in 2003.
Rouse	Charles O.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In 1995, Rouse admitted sexually abusing two boys in 1981. In 2002, a man reported abuse by Rouse as a boy 1968-1972, and in 2014, a man reported abuse by Rouse as a boy 1985-1989.
Scriber	Michael V.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Attended seminary, left for academic reasons, stayed in church housing for many years, ran the Youth Program. In 2003, the Archdiocese received a report that Scriber sexually abused a boy scout. The religious order had stopped recruiting Scriber due to the report. Another man reported that Scriber sexually abused him on a scouting trip in the 1970s.
Rochacewicz	Thomas	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Rochacewicz professed final vows in 1968, and worked in CT, MD NY, NJ, FL, DC. At least 10 women have come forward, alleging sexual abuse as children by Rochacewicz from 1968 to the mid-1980s.
Rydzewski	Thomas A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Guilty plea	Arrested for possession of child pornography and internet child pornography, pleaded guilty, sentenced to 27 months in prison, released in 2004. Name appeared on Baltimore archdiocese’s 9/2002 list of priests accused of abuse.
Simms	William Q.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Charged	Simms was banned from St. Mark’s Summer Camp as a seminarian in the 1950s for “some form of sexual problem”, removed from parish work in 1985, and received treatment at St. Luke Institute. Three men reported abuse as children by Simms by 2021.
Smith	Richard E.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Monsignor Smith was removed from active ministry in 3/2007 after allegations by two women that he sexually abused them when they were teens. He confirmed some of the allegations and was sent to St. Luke Institute for evaluation and treatment.
Smith	David G.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Guilty plea	Smith was treated at St. Luke Institute for treatment in the 1990s and pleaded guilty to engaging in sex acts with a boy in 2002. He was included on the Baltimore archdiocese’s list of accused in 2002.
Smith	Thomas W.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Accused of sexual abuse in 1988, admitted to archdiocesan officials, sought counseling, kept in ministry, no report to law enforcement. Smith was accused of molesting an 8th grade boy in 1980, but denied the allegations. He killed himself with a shotgun the day before he was to leave his parish. Smith’s death led to 40 people coming forward to accuse him of abuse and rape. The victims were aged 6 to 16.
Stallings	Albert T.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	“Pete.” Monsignor. Accused in 5/2002 of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-10, between 1978-1980. The abuse allegedly occurred in the St. Clare rectory and church, and once near a bridge on Eastern Ave.
Sullivan	Cuthbert	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A boy, age 13, was sexually abused by Fr. Cuthbert Sullivan at St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish in Baltimore.
Spillane	Michael J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Accused of sexually abusing an altar boy, age 13, in 1975-1976, and six teenage boys in 1975-1983. Faculties removed, allowed to continue working for the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commission until forced to resign in 2002.
Hasson	Joan Agnes	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Catherine A. Hasson, who was a member of the Third Order of the Sisters of St. Francis, Philadelphia, allegedly orally raped a girl in first grade and physically abused other students.
Sweeney	Francis Michael	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Cardinal Keeler’s list stated that Francis M. Sweeney had abused two individuals during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Sweeney underwent evaluation and treatment in 1993, then was transferred to Boston, where he worked at the Paulist Center 1997-2002. In 1991, Sweeney anally raped a boy at age 6.
Stroup	Edmund F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Extradited	Two more men came forward with allegations of abuse by Stroup as a child, at Holy Family and St. Rita’s.
Flood	Theonilla	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	In 2006, a man reported that Mary Margaret Flood had sexually abused him at St. Joseph Passionist Monastery School. He received a settlement of $38K in 2012.
Tomasunas	Thomas	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	A Capuchin brother was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy in 1959 while assigned to St. Peter and St. Paul in Cumberland, MD.
Tasch	Alcuin W.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Tasch was accused of abuse in the late 1950s of an altar boy and student at Fourteen Holy Martyrs in Baltimore, and was included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report.
Trageser	Gerard	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Archbishop Keough promised Trageser would never return to MD in exchange for no jail time. Keough told the director of Via Coeli that a highly placed newspaper man prevented the scandal from becoming public knowledge. He was assigned to an Ogden UT parish in 1959 and was a rural dean and pastor in Price UT by 1969.
Toulas	James J.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Accused in 1993 of repeatedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in the 1960s-early 1970s, Toulas was removed from the rectory of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment. He died in 2000.
Toohey	Jerome	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Guilty plea	Jeff was accused of sexually abusing a male Calvert Hall High school student from 1985-1989, denied the allegations, and was sentenced to five years in prison, all but 18 months suspended, and 18 months of supervised probation.
Wagner	Francis P.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, Wagner was pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish School in Aberdeen, where a girl, age 11 or 12, was allegedly sexually abused.
Wehrle	William C.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Wehrle worked in Baltimore MD, Washington DC and Omaha NE, and the Diocese of Albany NY, Pittsburgh PA and Denver CO. He was accused of sexual abuse of young girls in the mid-1980s at his parish in Woodstock MD.
Velez-Lopez	Jorge Antonio	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Convicted	Tertiary Capuchin, Colombian, suspended from ministry in 2/2016 pending the investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct with a female minor. A man reported Velez to the police after seeing a teenage girl naked in bed. The investigation was reopened after the girl told her parish priest that Velez was her child’s father. Criminally charged. Convicted of sex abuse of a minor, sentenced to 25 years with all but 9 years suspended.
Wielebski	John T.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	After separate reports by three men that he sexually abused them as teenagers in the mid- to late- 1980s, Wielebski was removed from his assignment at Resurrection of Our Lord in Laurel and moved to Las Vegas.
Whelan	Thomas A.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Monsignor Whelan was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s report. He was sent to treatment a number of times for alcohol abuse and died in 1987.
Yeakle	Howard F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	In the 1960s, Yeakle sexually abused three brothers and another boy, after becoming a father figure to the family after their father died. He was named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese on its list 4/24/2019.
Wilson-Shine	John F.	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Marius Shine, a Xaverian, was accused of sexually abusing a boy at St. Mary’s Industrial School in Baltimore in the late 1940s. No action was taken, and the boy’s parents took him out of the school.
Yocum	Francis Marie	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report, Yocum was accused of sexually abusing a girl, age 16 or 17, in 1954.
Zerhusen	Henry Francis	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Settled	Zerhusen was named publicly as accused in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. In 2013 a boy, age 8 or 9, accused Zerhusen of sexually abusing him in 1982 or 1983 at St. Ambrose in Baltimore.
Ziemski	Raynor	Archdiocese of Baltimore MD	Accused	Two people accused Ziemski of sexual abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. He died in 1981.

About Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse is adult or child sexual abuse from church officials. Many of the cases we see coming out are about adults coming forward about the child sexual abuse they experienced while growing up in the church. Child abuse can have impacts on the child that will affect the rest of their life. The thing about clergy abuse is that many people don’t recognize that it’s happened to them until later.

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Even when they do, many don’t feel comfortable reporting or talking about the physical and sexual abuse they’ve experienced while being a part of the church. The legal process for clergy adult or child sexual abuse cases involves reporting the abuse, partnering with an attorney, filing the lawsuits, and then settling in or out of court. This is imperative to seeking justice and holding church officials accountable for their actions.

Legal Support for Survivors in Maryland

For those who have been emotionally, physically, or sexually abused by members of the Catholic Church, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping you get justice and the compensation you deserve. We have the experience and knowledge to fight for your rights while maintaining a high level of compassion for everything you’ve been through.

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Laws and Regulations in Maryland

Maryland is one of the states that’s done a good job of passing laws that benefit survivors of clergy and other types of sexual abuse. In 2023, Maryland passed a law called the Maryland Child Victims Act. This law abolishes the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits against clergy members. This means that even adults who suffered abuse decades ago can still seek justice in civil court when they’re ready to come forward. The law also repeals a 2017 law that grants immunity to defendants after a certain period of time. The goal of repealing that law is to stop enabling institutions that might have been accused of harboring sexual abusers.

The mandated reporters in Maryland are required to report suspected child abuse. They don’t have to have proof, just a valid reason to suspect abuse. Mandated reporters in Maryland are those in healthcare, educators, human service workers, and law enforcement.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Maryland

To file a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Maryland, knowing how the process works is key. After you give a report to law enforcement, the Baltimore City police, for example, here’s how the process works:

Initial Attorney Consultation: Meet with a law firm that specializes in clergy abuse or similar cases. They’ll review your case and proceed in the best way to get you the settlement you deserve.
Evidence Gathering: Collect evidence like witness testimonies, your testimony, and any documentation surrounding the abuse.
Filing the Complaint: Officially file the complaint with the appropriate authorities.
Discovery Process: Both parties will be able to go through all the evidence of the case and exchange information before beginning negotiations.
Settlement Negotiations or Trial: A settlement will try to be reached outside the courtroom, but if that doesn’t happen, the case will end up going to trial.

If you’re ready to hold those who abused you accountable, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to hear how we can fight for you.

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Support Resources for Survivors in Maryland

Seeking help after clergy abuse can feel daunting when one doesn’t know where to look. Maryland offers survivors resources like support groups, crisis hotlines, and specialized counseling services to help the survivors begin or continue to heal. Some support resources one can find in Maryland are:

Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)
The Center for Children Inc.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC)

Notable Cases and Outcomes in Maryland

There are many cases of clergy abuse throughout Maryland, many of the cases involving abusive priests or other members specifically sexually abusing numerous minors. There have been lists of priests accused of abuse that are coming to light. Some of the most notable cases in Maryland are:

Father Charles Coyle: Coyle was working at Newton South High School in Boston when the alleged abuse occurred. This happened in the 1970s, and he was working in New Orleans when the accusation came out. He was put on leave by the Diocese, and more reports came out about abuse, including one boy who passed from suicide while living with Coyle. Coyle passed away in 2015.
Father Joseph Gallagher: Gallagher worked at The Catholic Review before retiring in 1985. It was in 1986 that the Archdiocese of Baltimore put him on the list for allegedly abusing a 14 year old in 1980. Gallagher admitted inappropriate conduct but stated that it was “only a massage” and nothing more. He passed away in 2015 but is still included in a report from the Maryland Attorney General in 2023.
Bishop Walsh High School: This is a Catholic school in Maryland where several individuals alleged sexual abuse against different clergy members. Many of the claims haven’t been substantiated, but one against Catherine Czapski had the Archdiocese of Baltimore prohibiting her from working in any parish ministry or school in the Baltimore Archdiocese.

It’s important to note that the attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have reviewed both public and private settlement data related to Maryland clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might see a settlement between $400,000 and $950,000. In cases of extreme misconduct or if your case goes before a jury, the settlement could exceed $1 million.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

For clergy abuse cases in Maryland, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is your trusted law firm. Our legal team has ample experience working on these sensitive cases and will handle yours with the care it deserves.

$14 Million Priest grooming and handling	$4 Million Deacon assault and rape	$3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
$3 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse	$2 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse	$2 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest

The attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have an unwavering commitment to justice and will do everything in our power to get you the justice you seek while providing support along the way. We have a deep understanding of Maryland laws, specifically around sexual abuse, and will negotiate a settlement that can hopefully help you start your healing journey.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you or someone you love is a survivor of clergy abuse, hiring a lawyer who has compassion and experience with these cases can make all the difference. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here for you every step of the way. Contact us today by filling out the form on our website or giving us a call at (888) 424-5757 for your free, confidential consultation.

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.