List of Accused Priests in Oklahoma
The cases of clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma have been a concerning aspect for many years. It has profoundly impacted the Roman Catholic Church, including the dioceses in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City Archdiocese and the Eastern Oklahoma Diocese have faced credible allegations, with numerous cases coming to light over the years.
Our firm, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, is dedicated to helping survivors get justice against these heinous acts and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Table of Contents
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowden | David | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the archdiocese on its list 10/3/19. Removed from ministry 10/31/06. Died 3/23/15. |
| Cude | Stephen D. | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Sued | A man claimed in a lawsuit that Cude sexually abused him as a boy. Cude left the priesthood in 1998 and was removed from the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused. |
| Foster | Robert L. | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Convicted | Foster, a deacon for 18 years and retired Judge, was charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl. He got 5 years deferred adjudication and was charged with stalking the girl. |
| Imming | David | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Sued | Imming was accused of abuse of a boy 20 years prior, and was forced to resign and remove his privileges because of a complaint of abuse of a different boy during the same time as the plaintiff’s abuse. |
| Keohane | Daniel C. | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Sued | A woman alleged that her father abused her and she acquired multiple personality disorder. She claimed repressed memory until 1987, but her diagnosis did not stop the SOL. |
| Leven | Marvin Francis | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Leven was named publicly as accused by the diocese in 1/20 after allegations in two cases were substantiated by the diocese’s review board. He retired in 1999 and worked in retirement as a hospital chaplain until 2013. |
| Mantica | Albert | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on its list 10/3/19. Noted to be a priest of the Diocese of Albany, assigned to Oklahoma City 1965-67. Died 2/16/97. |
| Prather | Edd | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the archdiocese on its list 10/3/19. It notes that Prather was without assignment in the Archdiocese after 5/88. He died 11/26/96. |
| Mickus | James J. | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Mickus was suspended in 2002 after an allegation of sexual abuse, but the allegation was dismissed in 2003. He returned to ministry, but was included on the archdiocese’s list of those with substantiated allegations. |
| Starr | Sid | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Arrested | Deacon. Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 10/2/19. Permanently removed from active ministry in 2009. Arrested in 2011 related to “misconduct” with a minor; charge dismissed 2012. |
| Pasala | Papa-Rao | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | Pasala was sent back to India after admitting to sexual abuse of a 17-year-old girl in 2001. He had returned to the U.S. and was working in parishes in the Diocese of Baker, OR. |
| Zoeller | Benjamin | Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK | Accused | A 16-year-old boy reported abuse in 1985 to the archdiocese, which initiated an investigation. Zoeller was discovered volunteering at a parish in 8/18, and was laicized in 2011. |
| Bartnik | Harry | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | Listed as credibly accused by the diocese on 10/2/19. Died 12/25/2000. |
| Courtright | Lawrence | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 10/2/19. Permanently removed from active ministry 7/4/02. |
| Daley | Timothy J. | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 10/2/19. Premanently removed from active ministry 4/28/99. Laicized 2/17/04. Died 8/2/04. |
| Eichhoff | Paul | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Sued | A man came forward in 2002 with allegations that Eichhoff sexually abused him and another boy when they were third- or fourth-graders at a parish school in the late 1970s. Eichhoff was cleared by the diocese’s review board in late 2002 and returned to ministry. |
| Jangam | John | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | A 13-year-old girl told her parents that a visiting priest from India hugged and kissed her while they were watching TV in the rectory. The Diocese sent Jangam back to India but did not report the abuse to the police. |
| Byrne | Edmund F. | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the Tulsa diocese on 10/2/2019. Died 5/29/1991. |
| Lewis | Kenneth | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Guilty plea | Accused of abusing several boys in the mid-1990s; sent to St. Luke Institute in MD for treatment in 1994, then reassigned by Bishop Slattery. Several alleged victims came forward; not removed until 2002; charged in Evanston with felony predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. |
| McGouldrick | Vincent C. | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 10/2/19. Died in Chaing Mai, Thailand, 1/19/94. |
| Vanderford | Morris Dale | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Convicted | Deacon killed in prison after sexually abusing two boys. Included on the diocese’s list in 2019. |
| Townsend | Joe C. | Diocese of Tulsa OK | Cleared | The diocese placed Townsend on leave in 7/19, but announced on 12/3/19 that the allegation was “unsubstantiated” and that Townsend could return to public ministry. |
About Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse refers to inappropriate behavior and illegal sexual misconduct by priests and other church members toward children or individuals. These actions are deeply condemnable as they cause long-term emotional and psychological harm to the sexually abused victims. Survivors often struggle with their spiritual well-being and may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Such incidents must be reported to the civil authorities, and legal proceedings should be initiated to prevent future abuse. Like other states, Oklahoma City follows a similar legal process encompassing thorough investigation and lawsuits against those accused of sexual abuse.
Legal Support for Survivors in Oklahoma
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a team of dedicated attorneys who excel in providing legal support to victim-survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma. We have the expertise to handle these sensitive cases and provide compassionate and professional assistance whenever required.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to guiding survivors through the legal process, from filing claims to pursuing justice in court. Our dedication to seeking justice for the affected ensures they receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma
Unlike other states, Oklahoma City has multiple laws addressing abuse cases.
Statutes of Limitations: Oklahoma has specific statutes of limitations for clergy sexual abuse cases, which outline the time frame within which victims can file lawsuits or criminal charges. Victims of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until they turn 45 years old or within two years of discovering the abuse. The law extends this period to allow survivors more time to come forward. For most felony sexual crimes against minors, Oklahoma does not have a statute of limitations.
Mandatory Reporting Laws: Clergy members are required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. This duty applies even if the information is received during confession, overriding confidentiality claims. Reports must be made immediately to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services or local law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal charges against the mandated reporter.
Recent Legislative Changes: Legislative changes, such as Senate Bill 962, have further strengthened protections for survivors by extending the statute of limitations for civil claims and reducing it for criminal prosecutions in certain severe cases.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Oklahoma
Initiating a lawsuit that involves sexual violence in Oklahoma City involves several steps. These include:
- Confidential Consultation: Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a private consultation to discuss your case and explore legal avenues.
- Evidence Collection: Collaborate with our legal team to gather all necessary evidence, including personal testimonies, medical records, and any relevant communications.
- Complaint Submission: Our experienced attorneys will draft a legal complaint outlining the allegations and file it with the relevant court. The complaint will also reflect the compensation sought.
- Discovery Process: Once the complaint is filed with the court, both parties will exchange evidence and information through depositions and document requests.
- Settlement Negotiations: Next are the settlement discussions to achieve a fair resolution. If an agreement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial.
- Trial Proceedings: After the negotiations have failed, the case is presented to a judge, who will determine the outcome.
If you or someone you love has experienced clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma City, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a confidential consultation. Our team is ready to fight for your rights.
Support Resources for Survivors in Oklahoma
Survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma City have access to various support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and crisis hotlines.
- Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Provides counseling services for survivors of sexual violence.
- Rape Crisis Centers: Offers confidential counseling and legal advocacy throughout Oklahoma City.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), connecting survivors with local resources and support services.
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): Offers peer support groups for survivors of clergy abuse. You can reach out to them on their network.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Provides support groups and online forums for survivors of sexual abuse. You can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Oklahoma Safeline: Provides a 24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Call 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) or text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support.
Seeking both legal and emotional support is vital for survivors of clergy sexual misconduct. Legal support can help in holding perpetrators accountable and securing justice, while emotional support is essential for healing and coping with the trauma.
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City has seen several notable clergy sexual abuse cases that have resulted in major legal precedents. For instance, the case involving a priest from Eastern Oklahoma who was credibly accused led to substantial compensation for the survivors, highlighting the importance of addressing abuse allegations promptly.
Rev. James Rapp: Rapp was accused of sexually abusing minors while serving at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Duncan, Oklahoma. In May 2002, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City agreed to pay $5 million to settle claims related to Rapp’s abuse. Rapp pleaded no contest to two counts of lewd molestation and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Deacon Morris Dale Vanderford: Deacon Vanderford was accused of sexually abusing two boys at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore. In August 2002, the Diocese of Tulsa approved nearly $800,000 in insurance settlements to resolve the lawsuits. Vanderford pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual abuse and was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Oklahoma City clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances pertaining to 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.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?
Survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma City often turn to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers due to the firm’s dedication to justice and significant experience in handling such cases. We have a strong history of securing favorable outcomes for survivors.
| $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 |
Each case is approached with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the profound impact of abuse. Our firm ensures clients receive appropriate compensation and comprehensive legal guidance throughout their legal journey.
Contact Us
Are you a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma City? Don’t worry, we can help. Reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a confidential consultation and expert legal support.
Phone: (888) 424-5757
Email: info@rosenfeldinjurylaw.com
Contact Form: Fill out our form here.
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.
