List of Accused Priests in Mississippi
The issue of clergy sexual abuse in the Mississippi Catholic Diocese has existed since the 1600s and is still rampant today. Many people have reported being victims of this kind of exploitation, and many others often don’t come out with their stories. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the impact clergy sexual abuse can have on victims and are dedicated to helping them find justice.
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axton | Jerome J. | Diocese of Biloxi MS | Accused | The diocese named him publicly as accused in 1992, after receiving a report of abuse in 1989. |
| Nguyen | Vincent The Quang | Diocese of Biloxi MS | Accused | The Richmond diocese named an extern priest, along with two other priests, as accused of sexually abusing adolescent girls. |
| Vazquez | Jose Morales | Diocese of Biloxi MS | Indicted | From Mexico, Morales Vazquez attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and was a pastor of two churches before being arrested for sexual battery against a minor. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. |
| Scanlon | John M. | Diocese of Biloxi MS | Sued | Monsignor. Accused of molesting a 12-year-old boy in 1984-85 at Sacred Heart Church in Hattiesburg. |
| Bender | Cuthbert | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died in 1968. Alleged abuse in the late 1950s in the Aberdeen area reported to the diocese in 2008. |
| Boyce | Thomas | Diocese of Jackson MS | Sued | A woman filed a civil suit against Boyce in 2002, but it was dismissed by an appeals court. The diocese acknowledged abuse in 2003. |
| Balser | Edward | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Balser was removed from public ministry in 2003 due to a credible accusation of sexual abuse. |
| Broussard | George | Diocese of Jackson MS | Settled | Bernard Law was sued in 2002 for sexual abuse of 3 brothers over a 4-year period. He admitted failing to keep a seminary friend away from children after being warned that he was molesting them. |
| Caldwell | Richard | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Permanent Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Allegations of abuse in 1981 reported in 2018. Removed from ministry. |
| Downing | Nelius | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/2019. It notes report in 2002 of alleged abuse in 1939 in Meridian. Died in 1953, prior to accusation. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list 5/19/2021. |
| Crowley | Tim | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Jackson diocese on its list 3/19/19. Deceased. Diocese received a report in 2018 of alleged abuse in 1968 in Chatawa. |
| Canonici | Paul Victor | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Diocesan superintendent of education, assistant principal then principal of St. Joseph High School in Madison, parish priest, accused of sexual abuse. |
| Dullard | Thomas | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Alleged abuse in 1973 reported to the diocese in 1973. Removed from ministry in 1974. Deceased. |
| Guidry | Joseph Israel | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Accused of abuse in 1980 in Greenville, MS. Added to the Baton Rouge list in 7/2019, and to the IL Attorney General’s Report in 5/23/2023. |
| Irwin | Michael | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died 1993. Alleged abuse in 1975 in Vicksburg, reported to the diocese in 2005. |
| Leimbach | William | Diocese of Jackson MS | Sued | In 1983-84, Brother William Leimbach abused a 15-year-old boy at Saint Stanislaus College/Saint Stanislaus High School. He was removed from ministry with students in 1991. |
| Leonard | John | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died in 2003. Diocese received allegations in 2004 of abuse in Bay St. Louis 1952-56. |
| Lucas | Donald | Diocese of Jackson MS | Settled | Lucas was accused of abuse by Br. Paul West OFM, and the Franciscans settled with his accuser for $15K. He and his cousin filed a federal suit claiming the Order pressured them into a small settlement which required their silence. |
| MacDonald | Vincent | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Jackson diocese on its list 3/19/19. Alleged abuse in the early 1970s in Walls reported to the diocese in 2002. Removed from ministry 2002. Died 2017. |
| Haddican | Bernard | Diocese of Jackson MS | Settled | Two accusers came forward, one in 1998 and another in 2002, alleging abuse by Haddican and another priest. The diocese and Cardinal Law were sued for covering up the abuse and lying to the victims. |
| Kircher | James | Diocese of Jackson MS | Settled | Four men allege that Kircher abused them as boys beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing through 1984. Two of the plaintiffs had previously settled with the diocese in 1994, but two new plaintiffs’ case went forward. |
| Madden | Paul | Diocese of Jackson MS | Settled | A priest from Ireland was accused of raping a 13-year-old boy in 1973. He was dismissed from the Diocese of Jackson, MS in 2002 and was incardinated into the Chimbota diocese in Peru in 2003, despite warnings to the diocese by Diocese of Jackson officials. |
| Manning | Aeden | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | The Jackson diocese named him as accused in 1991 and added him to the Richmond diocese’s list in 2008. |
| Lee | Patrick | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | From Ireland, ordained in 1967, worked in England, then in the US Southern Province 1968-1988, and removed from ministry. Alleged abuse was reported in 1988. |
| O’Hanlon | Daniel | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Extern priest from the Diocese of Springfield, IL. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died in 1969. Allegations reported 1993 and 2002 of abuse 1966-67 in Biloxi. |
| Olivier | Robert | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | In the 1950s, Olivier had sexual contact with a female teen over four years. He admitted the relationship. |
| Reid | Kevin | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Left ministry in 1976. Deceased. Report to diocese in 2002 of abuse 1961-66 in Bay St. Louis. |
| Siekman | Ivan | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Left ministry in 1990. Diocese received report in 2003 of abuse in Bay St. Louis 1972-73. Faculties removed 2003. |
| Swift | Gerald | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Jackson diocese on its list 3/19/19. Report to the diocese in 2002 of alleged abuse in 1978 in Kosciusko. Died in 2007. |
| Smith | Jack | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Deceased prior to accusations, which were reported in 2003. Abuse allegedly occurred 1972-80. |
| Taylor | James | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died before accusations reported to diocese in 1998. Abuse allegedly occurred in 1962 in Woodville. |
| Reid | Francis | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. It notes he left ministry in the 1970s and died in 1993. In 2014 the diocese received a report of abuse by Reid in 1963-65 in Leland. |
| Williams | Thomas | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/19/19. Died in 1983. Diocese received accusations in 2002 and 2012 of abuse in 1958 in Gulfport. |
| West | Paul | Diocese of Jackson MS | Convicted | West is accused of abusing two brothers and their cousins starting when they were 9 and 10, and St. Francis students in the mid- to late- 1990s. He left the Order in 2002 and settled with two accusers for $15K. West was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The MS Supreme Court denied his appeal. |
| Richardson | Peter Raymond | Diocese of Jackson MS | Accused | Richardson was named publicly as accused by the Jackson diocese on 3/19/2019, removed from ministry in 2010, and died on 3/26/2014. He is also listed on the Glenmary and Lexington dioceses’ lists. |
About Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual assault occurs when a high authority religious figure uses their position to take advantage of people who trust them. This abuse can have severe impacts on the victim’s mental health and can lead to trauma and psychological scars. If you suspect someone in your Catholic church is being exploited, it is important to report it immediately to a law enforcement agency. Members of the clergy and other responsible adults are required to report when they reasonably suspect that a child has been abused or neglected. Mississippi state law penalizes any clergy member and other mandatory reporters who fail to report cases of clergy abuse.
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In Mississippi, the typical legal process for clergy sexual assault starts with the alleged abuse victim or their representative filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities. This complaint can lead to a criminal investigation and potential charges against the abuser. Victims can also pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, which involves gathering evidence, depositions, and potentially a trial to seek compensation for the harm suffered.
Legal Support for Survivors in Mississippi
Our firm is committed to helping survivors of clergy sexual crime get the legal aid they need. Our legal team of experts handles these cases with care and professionalism to protect the survivor’s privacy. We offer confidential consultations, assist in gathering evidence, provide legal representation, and offer other support services to sexually abused victims.
Laws and Regulations in Mississippi
Mississippi follows its laws and regulations for clergy abuse cases. The legal framework of these regulations is based on the following:
- Statute of Limitations: Mississippi doesn’t have a particular statute of limitations for clergy abuse of children. Instead, it follows the general three-year personal injury statute of limitations, which is paused until the victim is of age.
- Mandatory Reporting Laws: Under the law, clergy members and witnesses must report alleged abuse cases. Failure to report such allegations can result in criminal charges.
- Legislative Changes: Recent legislative changes in Mississippi have focused on extending the statutes of limitations for civil and criminal cases involving sexual abuse. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office often amends regulations to give survivors more protection and privacy and make getting help easier.
- Compensation: As per the law, victims are entitled to file for compensation for emotional damages and any medical expenses incurred due to the abuse.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Mississippi
Filing a lawsuit for these abuse cases involves various steps. Our team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you through this process and the various aspects of it:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll set up a confidential consultation to discuss the case with the victim and outline their options.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence such as medical records, and assemble necessary documentation.
- Filing the Complaint: We’ll file the official complaint to the court to start the legal process.
- Serving the Defendants: The complaint is then served to the defendants, typically the perpetrator and any liable institutions. They are given a set period to respond.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: We’ll work on strengthening the case before the trial with discovery, depositions, and court motions.
- Settlement Negotiations: Our team will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement outside of court before the actual trial based on the victim’s wishes.
- Trial: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial with our team representing the abuse victim. After both sides have presented their evidence and arguments, the judge or jury deliberates and delivers a verdict.
- Post-Trial Support: Regardless of the trial outcome, either party may file post-trial motions or appeal the decision. Our team will provide ongoing support and assistance.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a confidential consultation and expert legal guidance.
Support Resources for Survivors in Mississippi
Here are some legal and emotional resources available to help you if you’re an abuse victim in Mississippi:
- SAFE Incorporated: Offers comprehensive support services, including counseling and advocacy for survivors.
- The Guardian Sexual Assault Crisis Center: Provides crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups to help survivors heal.
- East Mississippi Sexual Assault Center, Inc.: Offers counseling, medical advocacy, and legal assistance for survivors of sexual assault.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Center: Provides a safe space for survivors, offering counseling and support services to aid in recovery.
- Jackson Rape Crisis Center: Focuses on crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups for those affected by sexual violence.
- Safe Haven, Inc.: Offers emergency shelter, counseling, and support services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Emergency Support Lines also provide resources, information, and support for survivors nationwide. You can reach them at:
- MSCASA: 888-987-9011
- 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hot-Line: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): 717-909-0710
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Mississippi
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Mississippi clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances of your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.
The Diocese of Jackson Cases: In a significant move towards justice and accountability, the Jackson diocese, with the members of an independent fitness review board and retired prior bishops, reviewed and settled lawsuits with 19 alleged abuse victims in 2006. These lawsuits amounted to $5 million, providing an average payout of over $250,000 per victim.
The Diocese of Biloxi Cases: Several diocesan priests in this catholic church have been credibly accused of sexual abuse involving minors. The cases of the Diocese of Biloxi date back to its founding in 1977, resulting in the accused paying settlements after being convicted, deported, and permanently removed from active ministry.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
If you’re a survivor of alleged abuse in Mississippi, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers means choosing a team that will stand by you, fight for you, and help you find the path to healing and justice. Here’s why we are the right choice for you:
Comprehensive Services: We handle all aspects of your case with professionalism and care.
Experienced Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience with clergy sexual abuse cases.
Proven Results: We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Commitment to Justice: We fight to hold accused abusers and liable institutions accountable.
Compassionate Approach: We approach each case compassionately, understanding its sensitive nature and prioritizing the survivor’s well-being.
| $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 |
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
If you’re an abuse survivor in Mississippi, you can reach out to us for a free consultation. We are here to help you get started with the legal process.
Contact us today to explore your legal options. Fill out our online form or call us at (888) 424-5757.
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.
