Sexually Abused by a Priest of Diocese of Scranton? Talk to a lawyer today

Our law firm is offering free confidential evaluation of clergy sexual abuse claims involving priests of the Diocese of Scranton.  We have been handling clergy abuse cases for many years.  Contact us today at 954-641-2100 or send an e-mail to [email protected] to find out if you are eligible for compensation.

The Diocese of Scranton has been home to some of the most notorious priests alleged to have committed child sexual abuse. Those facts are now coming to light and any victims of abuse by priests may now be able to receive financial compensation or file a lawsuit for what occurred.  Indeed, the Pennsylvania bishops publicly announced that they support an independent compensation fund to support sexual abuse victims.

The Pennsylvania Grand Jury uncovered evidence of sexual abuse of minors committed by dozens of priests in the Diocese of Scranton.  This sexual abuse included grooming and fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts, as well as penetration of the vagina, mouth, or anus.

The civil lawsuits that have been filed against the Diocese of Scranton and the extensive Grand Jury Report into the practices of the Diocese of Scranton have exposed a culture of sexual abuse, cover-up, and efforts by church to protect the reputation of the Diocese of Scranton even if it meant putting children in harms way. Despite the Grand Jury Report’s findings at to the Diocese of Scranton which found 41 clergy accused of sex abuse in the Diocese of Scranton, Bishop Joseph Bambera has refused to release the names of the clergy and laypeople accused of sexual abuse and other misconduct in the Diocese. This is sharp contrast to the Diocese of Harrisburg and Diocese of Erie who have publicly released the names of their abusive clerics.

Quite disturbingly, it has been revealed the former Diocese of Scranton Bishops J. Carroll McCormick, Jerome Hannan, and James Timlin  failed to stop multiple instances of clergy child abuse when the priests’ misconduct was credibly reported to the Diocese of Scranton.  As a result, the president of the University of Scranton announced Monday that buildings named for three former bishops of the Diocese of Scranton will be renamed.  This follows the decision of Bishop Bambera to remove the names of the former Bishops of the Diocese from all church buildings.  The Diocese of Scranton also announced that Bishop Emeritus James Timlin will no longer represent the diocese at public events.

The below list of priests includes some habitual re-offenders and other priests who allegedly committed abuse.  In some case, priests were alleged to abuse at multiple parishes and were transferred from place to place where  they continued to abuse children:

Priest Phillip Altavilla

Where served:

• July 1992 – June 1995: St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Dunmore
• June 1996 – July 1996: Holy Trinity, Nanticoke
• July 1996 – March 2000 – St. Patrick, St. John the Baptist, Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Holy Cross, Scranton
• March 2000 – July 2000: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Taylor, Pa.
• July 2000 – November 2004: Immaculate Conception, St. John the Baptist, Taylor, Pa.
• November 2004 – February 2008: St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel, Pa.
• February 2008 – July 2009: Nativity of Our Lord Church, Scranton
• July 2009- September 2009: Holy Cross High School, Dunmore
• Sept. 2009 – July 2010: Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, St. John the Evangelist, Scranton
• July 2010 – November 2010: Immaculate Conception, Scranton
• November 2010 – April 2014: St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton

In April 2014, the pastor of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton was arrested and arraigned for molesting a 13 year old altar girl in 1998 after a midnight mass at St. Patrick’s parish. The woman told police 4/2/14 that Altavilla gave her alcohol in the rectory and then gave her a ride home. During the trip, he pulled into a parking lot and touched her inappropriately. Police had her call him and he reportedly admitted to giving her alcohol, touching her feet, and inappropriately touching her leg. Has admitted to pantyhose, feet, strangulation and chloroform fetish. Diocese has removed him and suspended his faculties. Served as Vicar General and moderator of the curia from 9/11 to 10/12. After accuser testified at preliminary hearing 5/27/14, magistrate ruled that matter will go forward to trial. On 8/1/14 criminal charges were dropped due to SOL.

• April 4, 2014: Removed from assignment
• April 17, 2014: Resigned

Summary: On April 3, 2014, Father Philip A. Altavilla was arrested for indecent assault, criminal attempt of indecent assault and corruption of minors in connection with a sexual assault of a female in December 1998.

The victim reported that she was an altar server assisting with midnight mass. After, Altavilla gave her alcohol and a ride home. During the ride, he pulled into a parking lot and parked. He swung her legs across his lap and worked his hands up her thigh. The victim told him to stop and he did, the report states.

Prior to trial, it was determined the statute of limitations had expired for the charges. A civil lawsuit against Altavilla and the Diocese was settled in 2014.

Girard F. Angelo

Where served:

• June 1955 – October 1955: St. Matthew’s, East Stroudsburg
• October 1955 – Sept. 1959: St. Thomas, Archbald, Pa.
• Sept. 1959 – Sept. 1962: St. Lucy, Scranton
• Sept. 1962 – July 1963: St. Francis, Scranton
• July 1963 – Sept. 1967: Mater Delorosa, Williamsport
• Sept. 1967 – March 1972: Our Lady of Grace, Hazleton
• March 1972 – Sept. 1973: St. Raphael, Harleigh, Pa.
• Sept. 1973 – July 2003, St. Raphael, Harleigh, Pa.
• July 2003: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Harleigh, Pa.

Summary: In September 2002, Bishop James C. Timlin received a letter from a man who reported he had been sexually abused bi Angelo when he was 14 and while Angelo was at Mater Delorosa in the early 1960s. Timlin brought the issue to the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, even though statute of limitations appeared to expired.

Mark Balzeniuk

Where served:

• November 1983 – Sept. 1984: St. Thomas, Archbald
• Sept. 1984 – Sept. 1985: Sts. Peter and Paul, Plains
• Sept. 1985 – July 1990: Holy Trinity, Swoyersville
• July 1990 – Sept. 1997: Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Wilkes-Barre
• Sept. 1997 – July 2006: Our Lady Help of Christians, Dorrance
• July 2006 – July 2009: Sts. Peter and Paul, Hazelton; Transfiguration, West Hazelton
• July 2009 – March 2010: Episcopal Vicar of the Eastern Pastoral Region of the Diocese of Scranton
• March 2010: Leave of Absense
• October 7, 2011: Dispensation from the clerical state

Summary: In March 2010, Balczeniuk said he spent the night at the home of a family he had a close relationship with. While at the home, he admitted that he kissed and hugged the family’s son, whom he estimated was in his 20s. Balczeniuk described the boy as having mental difficulties and being a little slow.” Balczeniuk also made statements to a reverend in 2010 that while he was a seminarian in Wyoming County he “touched the genitals of some of the young boys who attended the camp” in the mid-1970s.

Joseph P. Bonner

Where served:

• 6/1953 – 9/1954: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann’s, Freeland, PA
• 9/1954 – 3/1964 Asst. Pastor, St. Nicholas, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 3/1964 – 6/1964: Asst. Pastor, Ascension, Williamsport, PA
• 6/1964 – 1/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Francis, Nanticoke, PA
• 1/1970 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Cecilia, Wyoming, PA
• 9/1970 – 1/1972: Asst. Pastor, St. Juliana, Rock Lake, PA
• 1/1972 – 6/1981: Pastor, Resurrection, Muncy, PA
• 6/1981 – 6/1982: Pastor, St. Patrick’s, Milford, PA
• 6/1982 – 9/1982: Pastor, St. Paul’s, Scranton, PA
• 9/1982 – 9/1985: Pastor, St. James’, Pleasant Mount, PA
• 9/1985 – 7/1998: Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Weston, PA
• 7/1998 – 6/2002: Retired, Pastor Emeritus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Weston, PA
• 6/2002: Removed from ministry

Summary: In 2002, the Diocese of Scranton was notified that that a victim was sexually molested by Bonner in 1975. The victim’s family was visiting from Arizona, and were invited to visit with Bonner and spent the night there. The victim was given a pull-out bed across from Bonner’s bedroom. After the victim fell asleep, he awoke to discover Bonner lying in bed with him, stroking the victim’s penis. When the victim asked Bonner what he was doing, Bonner replied “I am sorry… I shouldn’t have done that; Go back to bed.” Bonner was also accused by a 47-year-old man that Bonner sexually abused him when he was 14-to-16 years old.

Martin Boylan

• 8/1980 – 6/1982: Asst. Pastor, St. Jude, Mountaintop, PA
• 6/1982 – 9/1983: Asst. Pastor, St. Gabriel, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1983 – 9/1985: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Scranton, PA
• 9/1985 – 2/1986: Asst. Pastor, St. Peter, Scranton, PA
• 2/1986 – 9/1986: Administrator, Blessed Sacrament, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1986 – 9/1987: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1987 – 9/1988: Chaplain and Procurator, Bishop Hannan High School, Scranton, PA
• 9/1988 – 9/1989: Confessor, Spiritual Director, St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton, PA
• 9/1989 – 4/1993: Chaplain, College, Scranton, PA
• 6/1993 – 1/1994: Sabbatical leave
• 7/1994 – 6/1997: Administrator, St. Rita, Gouldsboro, PA
• 7/1997 – 7/2001: Pastor, St. Rita, Gouldsboro, PA
• 7/2001 – 7/2007: Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Honesdale, PA
• 7/2007 – 7/2009: Pastor, St. Joseph, White Mills, PA
• 7/2009 – 7/2011: Pastor, St’s. Peter and Paul, Towanda, PA, St. Michael, Canton, PA, St. John Nepomucene, Troy, PA and St. Aloysius, Ralston, PA
  • 7/2011 – 4/2016: Pastor, St. Patrick, Scranton, PA
  • Pastor of St. Patrick’s in Scranton when suspended 4/1/16 after a man reported to the diocese that Boylan sexually abused him as a child. DA received report, state police investigating. Time period of alleged abuse not clear, but reportedly still within statute of limitations. Abuse said to have taken place in Wayne Co. Police closed case in 8/17 because the man refused to testify. Church investigation continued.
• 4/05/2016: Leave of Absence

Summary: Boylan was serving as chaplain at Marywood College when a male graduate student alleged Boylan sexually harassed him and propositioned him for sex. Boylan was given a psychological evaluation and, after a leave of absence, returned to the ministry.

In 2016, an 18-year-old man reported that he was touched inappropriately by Boylan in 2006. The victim said he was at a summer event at St. Vincent’s Camp in Honesdale. The victim reported Boylan anally raped him. Boylan denied the allegation.

Robert Brague

• 5/1970 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Tobyhanna, PA
• 9/1970 – 4/1972: Asst. Pastor, St. Peter, Wellsboro, PA
• 4/1972 – 9/1979: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 9/1979 – 6/1980: Leave of absence
• 6/1980 – 9/1980: Asst. Pastor, St. Maria Goretti, Laflin, PA
• 9/1980 – 9/1982: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Tobyhanna, PA
• 9/1982 – 9/1984: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Williamsport, PA
• 9/1984 – 9/1988: Pastor, SS Peter & Paul, Towanda, PA
• 9/01/1988: Leave of Absence
• 1/19/1990: Appointed Parochial Vicar, St. Ann, Naples, FL

Summary: In 1988, Bishop James C. Timlin received two anonymous letters from a parishioner about rumors involving Braque and a high school female student. Five months later in August, Timlin received a letter from the sister of the high school female, who said Braque had sexual relations with her 17-year-old sister, who became Pregnant. She further wrote that Braque had at least two other affairs. A month later in September, Timlin responded to that letter by stating Braque was removed from office as soon as the situation was brought to his attention. He wrote, “Father Braque and your sister have a long, difficult road ahead … What has happened is their responsibility and certainly Father Braque will take care of his obligations.” In April of 1989, the victim gave birth to a baby boy.

Francis Brennan (deceased)

• 6/1954 – 10/1957: Asst. Pastor, St. Therese, Shavetown, PA
• 10/1957 – 6/1965: Vicar Econome, St. Therese, Shavertown, PA
• 6/1965 – 9/1970: Chaplain, Marian Convent, Marywood, PA
• 9/1970 – 7/1974: Pastor, St. Maria Goretti, Laflin, PA

Summary:

Two men claim Brennan molested them when he was assistant pastor at St. Therese’s Church in Kingston Township in the 1960s. One sued the diocese, which successfully moved to have the case dismissed by a Lackawanna County judge. The dismissal has been appealed in state Superior Court. Brennan died in 1974.

In 2010, the Diocese received a telephone call from a 65-year-old male who reported he was abused by Brennan when he was 15 or 16-year-old. He reported Brennan took him to a drive-in movie and put his hands inside the victim’s pants. The Diocese offered to arrange for counseling for the victim. That same day, Chancellor James Earley sent an email to Bishop Joseph Bambera advising that in 2005, the Diocese had been sued by someone who stated that he had been abused by Brennan in 1966 when he was an altar boy. The court rejected the case, concluding the victim has waited too long to sue.

Joseph Bucolo

Summary: In 1971, Bishop J. Carroll McCormick was notified that the parents of a 10-year-old boy reported Bucolo took their son on a two-day vacation to the New jersey shore the previous summer. They said that during the trip, Bucolo committed acts with their son, “unbecoming of a priest.” McCormick wrote on the memorandum that Bucolo “readily admitted the charge, insisting that once and only once did he commit an immoral act with the individual … and said he was very sorry. He claimed that it was in a moment of weakness it had occurred.” Bucolo agreed to see a psychiatrist and was placed under Charter restrictions in 2002 due to his admissions.

In 2010, a 64-year-old male reported to the diocese that he was abused by Bucolo when he was an 8-year-old altar boy. The victim and Bucolo entered into a settlement and release of all claims for the agreed amount of $20,000.

Gerald J. Burns (deceased)

• 6/1950 – 9/1950: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Shohola, PA
• 9/1950 – 9/1950: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1950 – 6/1952: Asst. Pastor, St. John, Honesdale, PA
• 6/1952 – 6/1953: Asst. Pastor, St. Peter, Wellsboro, PA
• 6/1953 – 9/1962: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1962 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Dominic, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1968 – 9/1970: Chaplain, Mercy Heights Hospital, Scranton, PA
• 9/1970 – 6/1982: Pastor, Blessed Sacraments, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 6/1982 – 9/1984: Pastor, St. Gabriel, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1984 – 1/1994: Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 1/24/1994: Retired
• 1/1994: Pastor Emeritus, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA

Summary: In 1994, Bishop James C. Timlin received a letter from a woman who wrote her husband was sexually molested by Burns for years when he was an altar server at St. John’s in the 1950s. Burns denied any wrongdoing but agreed to retire. Timlin notified the victim that the diocese would cover the cost of his counseling, with the responsibility being shared by Burns. In 1999, Burns died.

Robert Caparelli (deceased)

Pleaded guilty to molesting two altar boys at a parish in Pike County. Died in prison in 1994, reportedly from AIDS. Caparelli abused four other boys, and maybe more in his 30 years as a priest, according to lawsuits and documents in his diocesan file. The diocese has settled two lawsuits filed by Caparelli’s victims for a total of about $225,000. It is defending a third.

Assignments:

Queen of Peace
Hawley

St. Francis
Nanticoke

Most Precious Blood
Hazleton

St. Mary’s
Old Forge

Scranton Central Catholic High School
[Scranton]

Bishop O’Reilly High School
Kingston

Mercy Center
Dallas

St. Vincent de Paul
Milford

Christopher Clay  (Society of St. John)

Removed as chaplain and theology instructor at Bishop Hafey High School in Hazle Township after the victim in the Society of St. John case alleged Clay had molested him after a dinner in Monroe County. Clay, 42, was investigated by Monroe County authorities but has never been charged or named as a defendant in a lawsuit. In 2004, diocesan officials in Texas acknowledged Clay had been saying Mass as a visiting priest in an Arlington church for about a year. He was ordered to stop after the diocese was alerted about Clay’s background by a victims group. At that time, the Scranton diocese said it was still investigating the allegations against Clay. The diocese did not respond when asked if the investigation is ongoing.

• 7/1998 – 7/2000: Catechist, Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg, PA
• 7/2000 – 5/2002: Chaplain, Bishop Hafey High School, Hazleton, PA
• 5/2002 – 2/2003: Administrative Leave, Removed from active ministry
• 2/2003 – 2/2003: Asst. Pastor, St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel. PA
• 2/2003: Leave of Absence

Anthony  P. Conmy

• 6/1953 – 9/1953: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Milford, PA, St. Ann’s, Tobyhanna, PA
• 9/1953 – 10/1955: Asst. Pastor, St. Francis, West Hazleton, PA
• 10/1955 – Unknown: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Scranton, PA

Summary: In 2008, a 49-year-old female reported to the Diocese of Scranton that she was sexually assaulted by Conmey when she was 10. She said she and a friend stopped by the rectory to talk to Conmy, and got into a car with him. He dropped off her friend, then drove to a wooded area and molested her. He grabbed her wrist tightly, put her hand over her mouth and put her knee in her stomach to hold her down as she struggled. She begged him not to kill her, and he said he wouldn’t if she would lie quietly. He eventually performed oral sex on her. The victim requested the diocese not report the abuse to the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office and the diocese agreed.

J. Peter Crynes

• 6/1967 – 9/1967: Asst. Director, Camp St. Andrew, Tunkhannock, PA
• 9/1967 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, White Haven, PA
• 9/1968 – 9/1972: Asst. Pastor, Holy Rosary, Scranton, PA
• 9/1972 – 9/1975: Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Children’s and Maternity Hospital,
• Scranton, PA
• 9/1975 – 6/1988: Director, Our Lady of Fatima Center, Elmhurst, PA
• 6/1988 – 7/1994: Pastor, Church of Corpus Christi, Montdale, PA
• 7/1994 – 5/2006: Pastor, St. Therese, Shavertown, PA
• 5/2006 Removed from active ministry
• 5/19/2006: Resigned

Summary: In 2006, the diocese received a letter from a law firm stating it represented a female sexually abused by Crynes from 1974 to 1977, starting when she was 17. The abuse included fondling, fellatio and intercourse. When she confronted Crynes during her sophomore year of college, he laughed at her and said he wanted to continue when she was married.

In 2006, another female alleged abuse against Crynes. After being counseled by him for two years starting when she was 15, the victim went with Crymes to the Fatima Center for evaluation and counseling. The first night there, he came into her room, lifted her nightgown and rubbed her thigh. He kissed her later that month.

Later in 2006, two more females met with the diocese and alleged that they were abused by Crynes.

Raymond Deviney

• 6/1959 – 10/1959: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary of the Mount, Mt. Pocono, PA
• 10/1959 – 10/1960: Asst. Pastor, St. John Evangelist, Susquehanna, PA
• 10/1960 – 3/1964: Asst. Pastor, St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel, PA
• 3/1964 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Gabriel’s, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1968 – 9/1969: Asst. Pastor, St. John Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 9/1969 – 9/1976: Asst. Pastor, St. John Evangelist, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1976 – 7/2007: Pastor, Christ the King, Blakeslee, PA
• 7/2007: Pastor Emeritus, Christ the King, Blakeslee, PA

Summary: In 1994, an adult female informed Bishop James C. Timlin that she was sexually abused by Deviney when she was in high school. She said he would place his hand on her thigh and move his hand up her leg, asking if she trusted him. When she confided in Deviney that she lost a baby and her husband, he took advantage of and violated her. Timlin sent her a letter apologizing for Deviney’s actions.

Donald Dorsey

• 6/1955 – 10/1955: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Shohola, PA
• 10/1955 – 2/1959: Asst. Pastor, St. Leo, Ashley, PA,
• 2/1959 – 10/1959: Faculties withdrawn, Sent to Hospice
• 10/1959 – 12/1960: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Shohola, PA, Faculties reinstated
• 12/1960: Sent to Hospice
• 6/29/1964: Faculties revoked

Summary: In 1959 the Diocese of Scranton received two complaints about Dorsey. One indicated he was with a high school girl. The other that he was being too close with females in the town. Bishop Hannon directed Dorsey to report to hospice and for his faculties to be withdrawn. He was forbidden to meet with any person of the female sex who lived within the territory of Ashley, PA. Dorsey was reinstated later in 1959 but was forbid to visit homes in Ashley or Wilkes-Barre.

John Duggan

• 5/1988: Asst. Pastor, St. Paul, Scranton, PA, Summa

Summary: In 1993, Duggan was sent for a psychological evaluation and admitted to sexually abusing young children during the early days of his priesthood. He denied that any abuse occurred within the diocese.

In 1996, an adult male reported that he was sexually abused by Duggan in the 1970s. Bishop Timlin restricted Duggan’s work to convent and prison ministry.

John J. Dzurko

• 6/1932 – 9/1932: Asst. Pastor, St. Joseph’s, Matamoras, PA
• 9/1932 – 10/1932: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary’s, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 10/1932 – 6/1934: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick’s, White Haven, PA
• 6/1934 – 9/1934: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary’s, Lackawaxen, PA
• 9/1934 – 2/1938: Asst. Pastor, Holy Trinity, Hazleton, PA
• 2/1938 – 6/1943: Pastor, St. Michael’s, Forest City, PA
• 6/1943 – 9/1959: Pastor, Holy Trinity, Simpson, PA
• 9/1959 – 1/1970: Pastor, St. Joseph’s, Nanticoke, PA
• 1/1970 – 9/1979: Pastor, St. Joseph’s, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1979 – 8/1991: Pastor Emeritus, St. Joseph’s, Wilkes -Bane, PA

Summary: In 1957, the Diocese of Scranton received a complaint from a 48-year-old woman who said she was sexually molested by Dzurko at age 11 in 1957. The Diocese believed the victim to be credible and subsequently paid the cost of art therapy for her.

Eric Ensey  (Society of St. John)

• 11/1997 – 4/200: Incardinated, Diocese of Scranton
• 4/2001 – 4/2002: Administrator Pro Tempore, St. Patrick, Milford, PA
• 4/2002: Removed From Active Ministry
• 11/2011: Tribunal – Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa: Removed From the Clerical State

Eric Ensey and Carlos Urrutigoity helped found the Society of St. John, a traditionalist religious community in Shohola Township, Pike County, in 1998. Both were accused of fondling a minor boy. Neither was criminally charged. A civil case filed by the alleged victim against the diocese, the society, Ensey and Urrutigoity was settled for $454,550 in 2005. The society, suppressed in the Scranton Diocese by Bishop Joseph Martino, has moved to Paraguay.

James F. Farry

• 7/1946 – 6/1948: Asst. Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Carbondale, PA
• 6/1948 – 1/1953: Asst. Pastor, St. Francis, Scranton, PA
• 1/1953: Suffered aneurysm, Confined to hospital
• 1/1954 – 5/1960: Resident, St. Michael’s School for Boys, Hoban Heights, PA
• 6/1960: Cure of Ars Hospice
• 9/1966 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Old Forge, PA
• 9/1968 – 11/1976: Chaplain, St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst, PA
• 11/1976 – 6/1990: In Residence, St. Boniface, Williamsport, PA

Summary: In 1954, Farry was assigned to St. Michael’s School for Boys. In 1960, he was notified by Bishop Hannan that his relations with guests made it intolerable for him to live there. He was invited to take up residence at the Cure of Ars Hospice.

In 2006, the diocese received a report that a resident at St. Michael’s from 1953 to 1954 said he was abused by a Father Collins. The victim later revealed it was Farry.

James F. Fedor

• 5/1973 – 9/1977: Asst. Pastor, Holy Trinity, Swoyersville, PA
• 9/1977 – 9/1979: Asst. Pastor, St. Peter’s, Scranton, PA
• 9/1979 – 9/1980: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Scranton, PA
• 9/1980 – 6/1982: Asst. Pastor, St. Rose of Lima, Carbondale, PA
• 6/1982 – 7/1983: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick’s, Scranton, PA
• 7/1983 – 9/1983: Administrator, St. Mary’s, Avoca, PA
• 9/1983 – 9/1984: Chaplain, Holy Family Residence, Scranton, PA
• 9/1984 – 8/1985: Pastor, St. Joseph, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 8/1985 – 7/1986: Pastor, Holy Ghost, Olyphant, PA
• 7/1986 – 1/1987: Administrator, Christ the King, Dunmore, PA
• 9/1987 – 7/1991: Chaplain, Holy Family Residence, Scranton, PA
• 7/08/1991: Indefinite leave of Absence
• 5/03/1994: Laicized

Summary: From 1981 to 1986, Fedor sought counseling for issues and concerns about his desires to have contact with young girls. He received psychological treatment from 1986 to 1987.

In 2002, the Diocese of Scranton received an anonymous letter from an adult female who claimed Fedor abused her in 1978 when she was 10. She said he engaged in grooming behavior which led to two years of sexual abuse. In 2012, a letter about the allegation was sent to the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.

Ralph Ferraldo

• 5/1970 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Jessup, PA
• 9/1970 – 9/1976: Asst. Pastor, St. Francis, Nanticoke, PA
• 9/1976 – 9/1979: Catechist, Bishop O’Reilly High School, Kingston, PA In Residence, Maternity BVM, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1979 – 9/1980: Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carbondale, PA.
• 9/1980 – 9/1984: Our Lady of Grace, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1984 – 2/1986: Chaplain, GWV Medical Center
• 2/1986 – 11/1986: Leave of Absence
• 11/1986 – 11/1988: In Residence, St. Boniface, Williamsport, PA
• 11/22/1988: Leave of Absence
• 11/30/1988: Indefinite Leave of Absence, removed from active ministry

Summary: In 1974, Chancellor James Timlin received a call from a woman who said her 16-year-old son had been touched by Ferraldo. She said Ferraldo had done this to other altar boys and an orderly at a local hospital. When questioned, Ferraldo denied the allegations. He was asked not to have older boys visit his room in the rectory anymore.

In 1986, two staff members at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center called Timlin to report Ferraldo made improper sexual advantages against a 23-year-old male patient. Ferraldo admitted to that allegation. He agreed not to return to the hospital and was directed to report for counseling.

In 2002, the Archdiocese of New York notified the Diocese of Scranton that a male reported being sexually abused by Ferraldo with he was 16 0r 17 in 1983-1983. The victim did not want to bring a suit against the church. He wanted to reveal the abuse for the sake of reconciliation.

Angelus Ferrara

Summary: In 2011, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities received a report from the mother of a 14-year-old boy who said he was sexually abused by Ferrara at a retreat house. He said Ferrara had him massage his male parts. Ferrara admitted the conduct occurred and was terminated. He was later criminally charged, pled guilty and sentenced to state prison.

Austin Flanagan

• 6/1966 – 9/1966: Parochial Vicar, Queen of Peace, Hawley, PA
• 9/1966 – 9/1969: Parochial Vicar, Nativity of BVM, Tunkhannock, PA
• 9/1969 – 9/1971: Parochial Vicar, St. Mary’s, Avoca, PA
• 9/1971 – 9/1973: Parochial Vicar, St. Ignatius, Kingston, PA
• 9/1973 – 9/1975: Parochial Vicar, St. Mary, Avoca, PA
• 9/1975 – 9/1979: Chaplain, Little Flower Manor, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1979 – 9/1980: Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle, Elkland, PA
• 9/1980 – 6/1982: Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, Mildred, PA
• 6/1982 – 9/1985: Pastor, St. Mark, Inkerman, PA
• 9/1985 – 9/1986: Pastor, St. Agnes, Forest City, PA
• 9/1986 – 4/1990: Pastor, Blessed Sacrament & St. John the Baptist,
• Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 4/1990 – 6/1990: Sick Leave
• 6/1990 – 6/1993: Residence, St. Thomas Aquinas, Archbald, PA
• 6/1993 – 7/1994: Residence, St. Lucy, Scranton, PA
• 7/1994 – 7/1998: Residence, Most Precious Blood, Hazleton, PA Chaplain, St. Joseph Medical Center, Hazleton, PA
• 71998 – 9/1999: Residence, St. Francis of Assisi, West Hazleton, PA Chaplain, St. Joseph Medical Center, Hazleton, PA
• 7/2002: Removed from active ministry

Summary: In 1980, McCormick received a letter from a parishioner who advised that Flanagan was sleeping in sleeping bags with young boys.

Flanagan related that one month prior to his admission to St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York in 1990, he had been questioned about fondling two boys at a summer camp two years earlier. He did not deny that it happened.

In 2005, the Diocese of Scranton was contacted by a 34-year-old who claimed he was sodomized by Flanagan in the rectory at St. Mary’s in 1973. Flanagan denied any wrongdoing. The allegation was reported to the Luzerne County District Attorney’s office.

Joseph Flannery

• 6/1953 – 6/1959: Asst. Pastor, St. John, Honesdale, PA
• 6/1959 – 4/1963: Asst. Pastor, St. John, Pittston, PA
• 4/1963 – 6/1963: Asst. Pastor, Holy Savior, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 6/1963 – 9/1966: Asst. Pastor, Ascension, Williamsport, PA
• 9/1966 – 9/1967: Asst. Pastor, Sacred Heart, Jermyn, PA
• 9/1967 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Jude, Mountain Top, PA
• 9/1970 – 9/1980: Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, Mildred, PA
• 9/1980 – 9/1985: Pastor, St. Patrick, Nicholson, PA
• 9/1985 – 3/2000: Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taylor, PA
• 3/2000: Pastor Emeritus, Immaculate Conception, Taylor, PA

Summary: In 1964, 1965, and 1966, the diocese received letters about Flannery’s affairs with women, his dating a young girl and getting her pregnant, and being seen on vacation in Atlantic City with the woman.

Martin Fleming

• 9/1898 – 11/1898: Cathedral, Scranton, PA
• 11/1898 – 3/1899: Wellsboro, PA
• 3/1899 – 4/1899: Plymouth, PA
• 4/1899 – 1901: Sugar Notch, PA, St. John’s, Scranton, PA
• 1901 – 1902: Hazleton, PA
• 1902 – 1907: Freeland, PA
• 1907 – 1919: Moscow, PA
• 1919 – Unknown

Summary: In 2006, a female victim reported that she was sexually abused by Fleming in 1940 when she was six years old.

Robert Gibson

• 6/1958 – 10/1958: Camp St. Andrew, Tunkhannock, PA
• 10/1958 – 9/1965: Asst. Pastor, St. Paul, Scranton, PA
• 9/1965 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Matthew, Stroudsburg, PA
• 9/1968 – 1/1974: Asst. Pastor, St. Luke, Stroudsburg, PA
• 1/1974 – 9/1982: Administrator, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Broadheadsville, PA
• 9/1982 – 1/1983: Pastor, St. John Bosco, Conyngham, PA
• 1/1983 – 1/1995: Pastor, St. Bernadette, Canadensis, PA
• 1995: Resigns as Pastor, St. Bernadette
• 1/1995 – 8/1995: Leave of Absence
• 8/1995 – 1997: Residence, St. Ignatius Rectory, Kingston, PA
• 2/01/1998: Faculties removed

Summary: Gibson sexually abused a 14-year-old boy in 1975. The diocese settled a civil action with a $30,000 settlement. In 1998, Gibson was involved with sexual misconduct with his nephew, who was a minor at the time. In 2002, A man said Gibson provided pornographic material to him when he was a minor. In 2005, a man said Gibson sexually assaulted him when he was a minor.

Joseph Gilgallon

• 6/1959 – 6/1966: Asst. Pastor, St. Basil, Dushore, PA
• 6/1966 – 9/1966: Asst. Pastor, St. Francis, Eagles Mere, PA
• 9/1966 – 9/1972: Pastor, St. Ignatius, Kingston, PA
• 9/1972 – 9/1985: Pastor, St. Peter, Scranton, PA
• 9/1985 – 9/1987: Pastor, St. Therese, Shavertown, PA
• 9/1987 – 2/1991: Pastor, St. Francis, West Hazleton, PA

Summary: In 2006, a 40-year-old man alleged he was sexually abused by Gilgallon in 1986 in the rectory.

Joseph Griffin

• 6/1927 – 9/1927: Asst. Pastor, St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg, PA
• 9/1927 – 2/1928: Asst. Pastor, St. Andrew, Blossburg, PA
• 2/1928 – 9/1929: Asst. Pastor, Annunciation, Williamsport, PA
• 9/1929 – 1/1932: Studies – Catholic University
• 1/1932 – 9/1938: Chaplain, & Teacher, Marywood College, Scranton, PA
• 9/1938 – 6/1944: Chaplain, St. Joseph Children and Maternity Hospital, Scranton, PA
• 6/1944 – 9/1951: Pastor, St. Catherine, Moscow, PA
• 9/1951 – 9/1952: Administrator, St. Basil, Dushore, PA
• 9/1952 – 1/1967: Pastor, St’s Peter & Paul, Towanda, PA
• 1/1967 – 9/1974: Pastor, St. Mary, Avoca, PA
• 9/1974 – 9/1976: Chaplain, Marian Convent, Scranton, PA
• 9/1976: Retired
• 5/1980 – 7/1980: Part-time Administrator, St. Catherine, Moscow, PA
• 7/1980: Part-time Administrator, Blessed Sacrament, Hughestown, PA

Summary: In 2009, a 42-year-old man said Griffin abused him when he was nine years old. Griffin touched him, rubbed his backside and slept with his arm around him.

Alex Hazzouri  (Society of St. John)

P. Lawrence Homer

• 8/1959 – 10/1961: Asst. Pastor, Vicar, Holy Rosary, Scranton, PA
• 10/1961 – 6/1964: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Baptist, Scranton, PA
• 3/1965 – 9/1965: Asst. Pastor, Gate of Heaven, Dallas, PA
• 9/1965 – 9/1966: Asst. Pastor, Holy Trinity, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1966 – 2/1967: Asst. Pastor, St. Boniface, Williamsport, PA
• 2/1967 – 1/1970: Asst. Pastor, Queen of Peace, Hawley, PA
• 1/1970 – 1/1977: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Baptist, Pittston, PA
• 1/1977 – 10/1993: Pastor, Holy Trinity, Hazleton, PA
• 9/1987 – 10/1993: Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Hazleton, PA
• 10/1993: Resignation Effective October 03, 1993
• 10/1993 – 7/1994: Residence, Marian Convent, Marywood College, Scranton, PA
• 7/1994 – 6/2002: Residence, Our Lady Queen of Peace Rectory, Brodheadsville, PA
• 7/03/2002: Removed from ministry

Summary: In 1967, Homer had a 14 year old female locked in his office during an entire class period. He told the girl she had “sex hair” and while she was only 14, he told her she had the body of an 17 year old. A second victim reported that he would have her come to his office and he would undress her, French-kissed her and stated she “would be nice to marry even though it meant leaving the priesthood.”

Mark Honart

• 2/1980 – 8/1981: Asst. Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kansas City, MO
• 8/1981 – 7/1986: Asst. Pastor, Holy Cross, Kansas City, MO
• 7/1986 – 10/1990: Pastor, St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph, MO
• 10/1990 – 1/1991: Sabbatical Leave
• 1/1991 – 6/1991: Asst. Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, MO
• 6/1991 – 8/2000: Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Richmond, MO
• 8/2000 – 1/2001: Pastor, St. Rose of Lima, Savannah, MO
• 1/2001 – 1/2004: On loan to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM
• 6/2004 – 6/2009: On loan to the Diocese of Scranton
• 6/2004 – 6/2005: Asst. Pastor, St. Rose of Lima, Carbondale, MO
• 6/2005 – 7/2007: Administrator, St. Anthony, St. Bridget, St. John the Baptist, Throop, PA
• 7/2007 – 7/2010: Administrator, Our Lady Help of Christians, Dorrance, P
• 6/12/2009: Excardinated to the Diocese of Kansas City
• 6/13/2009: Incardinated to the Diocese of Scranton
• 7/2010 – 2/2011: Asst. Pastor, Ascension, Forest City, PA; St. Katherine Drexel, Pleasant Mount, PA
• 2/03/2011: Faculties removed

Summary: An allegation was made that from 1985-1986, Honart sexually abused a bou when he was in the fourth grade at Holy Cross.

Joseph Houston

• 3/1964 – 9/1966: Asst. Pastor, St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel, PA
• 9/1966 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Peter, Wellsboro, PA
• 9/1970 – 6/1977: Asst. Pastor, St. Paul, Scranton, PA
• 9/1977 – 9/1980: Pastor, Holy Child, Mansfield, PA
• 9/1980 – 9/1982: Pastor, St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel, PA
• 9/1982: Resigned
• 11/1982 – 6/2002: Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul, Plymouth, PA
• 6/2002: Removal from ministry

Summary: In 1971, a priest reported that Houston and a minor female were observed going into a motel room late at night on multiple occasions. In 2002, the victim said the priest had taken advantage of her from the age of 14 to 17.

Francis Kulig

• 6/1974 – 9/1974: Asst. Pastor, St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg, PA
• 9/1974 – 9/1979: Asst. Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Scranton, PA
• 9/1979 – 10/1985: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 10/1985 – 9/1986: Asst. Nativity BVM, Tunkhannock, PA
• 9/1986 – 8/1987: Pastor, St. Mary of the Lake, Lake Winola, PA
• 8/01/1987: Resigned from St. Mary of the Lake
• 9/1987 – 1/2001: Chaplain, Mercy Center Convent, Dallas, PA
• 1/2001 – 6/2002: Chaplain, Holy Family Residence, Scranton, PA,
• 7/03/2002: Removed from ministry

Summary: A father wrote in 1986 that his son was sexually molested by Kulig beginning in 1979 when the boy was 12. The abuse continued until Kulig was transferred in October 1985. The abuse included mutual masturbation, oral sex and anal sex.

Albert Liberatore, Jr.

• 8/1989 – 6/1990: Student, Louvain, Belgium
• 7/1990 – 2/1991: Parochial Vicar, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 2/1991 – 6/1993: Parochial Vicar, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, PA
• 7/1993 – 6/1995: Student, Louvain, Belgium
• 7/1995 – 6/1997: Director of Vocations, Scranton, PA
• 7/1995 – 4/1997: St. Pius X Seminary, Faculty, Dalton, PA
• 4/1997 – 6/1997: Resident, St. Clare, Scranton, PA
• 7/1997 – 1/2004: Administrator, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Duryea, PA
• 5/2004: Faculties removed
• 5/26/2006: Removed from the clerical state

Summary: 20 young men from a high school observed Liberatore lying on the bed being given a back rub by a seminarian. In 2002, it was reported that Liberatore took a young man in his teens or early twenties into his bedroom. In 2004, the diocese received a complaint that he sexually abused two young men. He pled guilty to indecent assault, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and furnishing alcohol to a minor in separate cases.  Pleaded guilty in 2005 to molesting an altar boy in Duryea and New York City from 1999 through 2004, beginning when the boy was 13. Liberatore, 42, was sentenced to 10 years probation. The diocese is defending itself against a federal lawsuit filed by the victim that claims Bishop James C. Timlin, now bishop emeritus, was aware of abuse allegations against Liberatore in 2000.

John A. Madaj

• 6/1939 – 9/1944: Asst. Pastor, Nativity, Plymouth, PA
• 9/1944 – 1/1946: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 1/1946 – 9/1946: Asst. Pastor, St. Hedwig, Kingston, PA
• 9/1946 – 5/1950: Asst. Pastor, St. Adalbert, Glen Lyon, PA
• 5/1950 – 10/1955: Pastor, St. Joseph, Morrris Run, PA
• 10/1955 – 1/1970: Pastor, Sacred Heart, Forest City, PA
• 1/1970 – 9/1984: Pastor, Transfiguration, West Hazleton, PA
• 9/1984 – 1/1985: Pastor, St. Mary of Czestochowa, Eynon, PA
• 1/1985 – 9/1989: Pastor, SS Peter and Paul, Scranton, PA
• 9/1989 – 11/1998: Pastor Emeritus, St. Peter and Paul, Scranton, PA

Summary: In 1952, Madaj was alleged to be having an affair with his housekeeper. In 1990, two parents alleged that Madaj sexually molested their son when he was nine or 10.

James McAuliffe

• 6/1942 – 9/1942: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Tobyhanna, PA
• 9/1942 – 3/1945: Asst. Pastor, St. Thomas, Archbald, PA
• 3/1945 – 6/1945: Asst. Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit, PA
• 6/1945 – 4/1947: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary’s, Pittston, PA
• 4/1947 – 6/1953: Asst. Pastor, St. Paul, Scranton, PA
• 6/1953 – 6/1954: Asst. Pastor, St. Therese, Shavertown, PA
• 6/1954 – 9/1954: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Tobyhanna, PA
• 9/1954 – 2/1966: Asst. Pastor, Holy Saviour, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 2/1966 – 9/1969: Asst. Pastor, St. Thomas, Dickson City, PA
• 9/1969 – 9/1973: Pastor, St. James, Pleasant Mount, PA
• 9/1973 – 9/1989: Pastor, St. David, Scranton, PA
• 9/1989: Pastor Emeritus, St. David, Scranton, PA

Summary: In March 1963, McAuliffe sexually abused and sodomized a victim. He was sent to Kentucky to spend time in a rehab facility. McAuliffe returned to the ministry and re-offended other young boys.

Neil McLaughlin (Jesuit)

• 1961 – 1983: Taught at Scranton Preparatory School
• 1971 – 1995: Celebrated weekend masses at St. John Bosco, Conyngham, PA
• 1985 – 1986: Served as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministries, University of Scranton
• 1985 – 2006: Administrative jobs with the Alumni Association at the University of Scranton
• 1990s: Celebrated weekend masses at St. Mary of the Assumption,
• Scranton, PA
• 1996 – 2006: Ministered part-time at St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel, PA

Summary: McLaughlin’s niece made an allegation that in 1959, McLaughlin hugged her in a sexual manner. In 2008, an adult female reported that McLaughlin touched her in a sexual manner in 1963 when she was 10 years old.

Joseph Meighan

• 6/1968 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Shohola, PA
• 9/1968 – 5/1970: Asst. Pastor, St. Boniface, Williamsport, PA
• 5/18/1970: Removed from St. Boniface and ordered to report for psychological evaluation and treatment
• 5/1970 – 6/1975: Asst. Pastor, St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg, PA
• 6/1975 – 5/1976: St. Meinrad, IN for further studies
• 5/1976 – 12/1981: Asst. Pastor, St. Nicholas, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 12/1981 – 9/1984: Pastor, St. Martin of Tours, Jackson, PA
• 9/1984 – 9/1987: Pastor, St. Boniface, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1987 – 7/1990: Pastor, St. Therese, Shavertown, PA, Resigned as pastor, St. Therese
• 8/1991 – 1/2001: Chaplain, Holy Family Residence, Scranton, PA
• 1/2001 – 2/2001: Chaplain, Mercy Center Convent, Dallas, PA
• 2/2001 – 6/2002: St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home, Elmhurst, PA
• 7/03/2002: Removed from ministry

Summary: In 1970, at least four boys were interviewed and reported that Meighan had disrobed and fondled them. In 1990, a mother observed Meighan in the process of disrobing her 17-year-old son in the parlor of the rectory.

Russell Motsay

• 5/1972 – 3/1973: Asst. Pastor, Most Precious Blood, Hazleton, PA
• 3/1973 – 9/1974: St. Aloysius, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1974 – 1/1975: St. Lawrence, Williamsport, PA
• 1/1975 – 9/1977: Sacred Heart, Peckville, PA
• 9/1977 – 8/1978: Asst. Pastor, Our Lady of Grace, Hazleton, PA
• 8/1978 – 6/1982: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 6/1982 – 9/1985: Asst. Pastor, Holy Name of Jesus, Swoyersville, PA
• 9/1985 – 7/1989: Pastor, St. James, Pleasant Mount, PA,
• 7/1989 – 7/1996: Pastor, St. Juliana, Rock Lake, PA
• 7/1996 – 4/2012: Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Carbondale, PA
• 4/13/2012: Resigned
• 9/15/2015: Removed from priestly ministry

Summary: A victim reported that he would stay overnight at the rectory and would sleep in the same bed as Motsay. They would only be dressed in their underwear and Motsay would massage the victim, rubbing his inner thighs and fondling him. Motsay was interviewed and admitted to the allegations.

James F. Nolan

• 6/1929 – 9/1929: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Lackawaxen, PA
• 9/1929 – 1/1931: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 1/1931 – 9/1939: Asst. Pastor, SS. Peter and Paul, Towanda, PA
• 9/1939 – 6/1944: Asst. Pastor, St. Vincent, Scranton, PA
• 6/1944 – 6/1950: Pastor, St. James, Pleasant Mount, PA
• 6/1950 – 6/1956: Pastor, St. Charles, Sugar Notch, PA
• 6/25/1956: Resigned

Summary: A 75-year-old man reported that he was groped by Nolan when he was 15-years-old as an altar boy.

William Jeffrey Paulish

• 9/1988 – 6/1991: Asst. Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit, PA
• 6/1991 – 1/1992: Asst. Pastor, Annunciation, Williamsport, PA
• 1/1992 – 6/1992: Asst. Pastor, St. Cecilia, Exeter, PA
• 6/1992 – 7/1993: Asst. Pastor, Most Precious Blood, Hazleton, PA
• 7/1993 – 1/1994: Asst. Pastor, Sacred Heart, Peckville, PA
• 1/1994 – 7/2000: Chaplain, Little Flower Manor, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 7/2000 – 7/2004: Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Friendsville, PA St. Patrick, Middletown, PA and
• St. Thomas the Apostle, Little Meadows, PA
• 7/2004 – 11/2004: Leave of Absence
• 11/2004 – 6/2005: Asst. Pastor, St. Joseph’s, Minooka, PA, Immaculate Conception and St. John the Baptist, Taylor, PA
• 6/2005 – 9/2005: Chaplain, St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst, PA
• 9/2005 – 11/2005: Asst. Pastor, St. Patrick, Scranton, PA
• 11/2005 – 3/2006: Leave of Absence
• 3/2006 – 10/2006: Residence, St. Cecilia, Exeter, PA
• 10/2006 – 7/2008: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Old Forge, PA
• 7/2008 – 7/2011: Administrator, St. Elizabeth, Bear Creek, PA
• 7/2011 – 8/2012: Leave of Absence
• 8/2012 – 11/2012: Asst. Pastor, Holy Cross, Olyphant, PA
• 11/2012 – 7/2013: Leave of Absence
• 7/2013 – 11/2013: Asst. Pastor, Prince of Peace, Old Forge, PA
• 9/20/2013: Leave of Absence

Summary: Campus security officers at the University of Scranton caught Paulish having sex with a 15-year-old boy. He pled guilty to corruption of a minor and was sentenced to 8 to 23 months in prison.

John Pender

• 6/1962 – 9/1962: Asst. Pastor, Queen of Peace, Hawley, PA
• 9/1962 – 2/1966: Asst. Pastor, Sacred Heart, Peckville, PA
• 2/1966 – 6/1967: Asst. Pastor, St. Leo, Ashley, PA
• 6/1967 – 10/1968: St. John, Susquehanna, PA
• 10/15/1968: Left the Diocese of Scranton without permission

Summary: An allegation from a “John Doe” was made in 2014 for sexual abuse of children.

Mark Plaushin   (Oblates of St. Francis de Sales)

Michael J. Pulicare

Saint Ann, Shohola, 5/14/1971

Most Precious Blood, Hazelton, 9/7/1971

Saint Anthony of Padua, Dunmore and Instructor at Bishop O’Hara High School, Dunmore 9/3/1974

Saint Matthew, East Stroudsburg, 5/27/1975

Saint Joseph, Scranton, 9/2/1975  (abuse claims in the Minooka section of Scranton while Father Leo Burns was Pastor)

Chaplain of the Forest Lakes Council of Boy Scouts, 10/20/1975

Saint Mary Czestochowa, Eynon, 1/24/1985

Saint Mary’s Assumption, Jessup, 9/4/1985

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Carbondale, 9/5/1989

Saint John the Evangelist, Susquehanna, 7/8/1996

Leave for reasons of health, 2/15/1999

Mark Rossetti  (Deceased)

• 9/1985 – 1/1987: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 1/1987 – 9/1987: Asst. Pastor, SS Peter and Paul, Plains, PA
• 9/1987 – 7/1990: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 7/1990 – 1991: Asst. Pastor, Holy Name, Swoyersville, PA
• 1991: Asst. Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Pittston, PA
• 1994: Administrator, St. John the Baptist, Pittston, PA
• 7/1994 – 11/1995: Pastor, St. Joseph, St. Joseph, PA
• 11/29/1995: Resigned

Summary: In 1995, the diocese was informed of an incident where Rosetti hugged, French-kissed and inappropriate conversations about how far they should go.

Edward Shoback

• 6/1967 – 9/1967: Asst. Pastor, St. Ann, Shohola, PA
• 9/1967 – 9/1968: Asst. Pastor, St. Stephen, Plymouth, PA
• 9/1968 – 9/1970: Asst. Pastor, Holy Rosary, Ashley, PA
• 9/1970 – 9/1974: In residence, St. Therese, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1974 – 12/1980: Asst. Pastor, St. Aloysius, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 12/1980 – 9/1987: Pastor, St. John Nepomucene, Luzerne, PA
• 9/1987 – 9/1989: Pastor, Transfiguration, West Hazleton, PA
• 9/1989 – 7/2004: Pastor, St.’ s Peter and Paul, Scranton, PA
• 7/20/2004: Removed from active ministry
• 5/22/2009: Dismissed from the clerical state

Summary: In 2004, a man contacted the diocese to report he was sexually abused by Shoback in 1981 at the age of 12. During a movie, Shoback removed the victim’s clothing and performed oral sex on him. Two other male victims reported similar incidents.  Relieved of ministerial duties in 2004 after admitting to sexual misconduct with a minor that occurred more than 20 years ago, according to the diocese, which did not provide further details.

Thomas Shoback

• 5/1977 – 8/1977: Asst. Pastor, St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg, PA
• 9/1977 – 1/1984: Asst. Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Mary, Plymouth, PA
• 1/1984 – 8/1984: Asst. Pastor, St. Joseph, Hazleton, PA
• 8/1984 – 2/1989: In residence, Sacred Heart, Plains, PA
• 2/1989 – 6/1997: Pastor, St. Andrew and St. Mary, Blossburg, PA
• 7/1997 – 7/2002: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Montoursville, PA
• 7/2002 – 7/2004: Pastor, Holy Redeemer, Harding -Falls, PA
• 7/2004 – 7/2006: Pastor, St. Joseph, Hudson, PA, Sacred Heart, Plains, PA
• 7/2006 – 11/2011: Pastor, Sacred Heart of Mary, Jermyn, PA
• 11/15/2011: Leave of Absence
• 5/01/2013: Resignation
• 11/14/2014: Removed from ministry

Summary: The diocese received a report that an 11-year-old boy was sexually assaulted by Shoback in 2006 while the boy was an altar server. Shoback denied the allegations, but the victim provided the name of another former altar boy who was also a victim.

Thomas Skotek

Relieved of ministerial duties in April 2002 after the diocese announced he had admitted to “some improper conduct” that occurred more than 30 years ago. Then-Bishop Timlin said Skotek had come under scrutiny several years before when a different misconduct complaint was made. But he was returned to duty after an evaluation. The ages of those involved in the two cases have never been revealed.

Assignments:

Bishop O’Reilly High School
Kingston

St. Aloysius
Wilkes-Barre

Ascension Church
Conyngham Township

St. Mary’s
Conyngham Township

John Tamalis

• 5/1971 – 9/1971: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary of the Mount, Mount Pocono, PA
• 9/1971 – 9/1976: Asst. Pastor, Queen of Peace, Hawley, PA
• 9/1976 – 8/1985: St. Boniface, Williamsport, PA
• 9/1985 – 7/1990: Campus Ministry, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA
• 7/1990 – 7/1996: Pastor, Holy Child, Mansfield, PA
• 7/1996 – 3/1997: Pastor, St. Lawrence, South Williamsport, PA
• 4/03/1997: Leave of Absence
• 2/02/1998: Removed from ministry
• 12/21/2007: Dispensation from clerical state

Summary: In 1997, a 33-year-old male reported to the diocese that he was sexually abused by Tamalis in 1976 when he was 13. Tamalis furnished alcohol to him and performed oral sex. Tamaris admitted that he probably abused nine boys and young men.

Virgil Bradley Tetherow

• 1/23/2015: Dispensation from clerical state

Summary: Thetherow admitted to downloading child pornography on a computer at the rectory of a church. He plead guilty to criminal charges and received a probationaly sentence.

Robert Timchak

• 7/1992 – 7/1994: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 7/1994 – 7/1996: Director of Religious Formation, Seton Catholic High School, Pittston, PA
• 7/1996 – 7/1998: Director of Religious Formation, Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 7/1998 – 7/2006: Holy Savior, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 6/2000 – 7/2006: Asst. Pastor, Annunciation, Williamsport, PA
• 7/2006 – 7/2007: Transfiguration, West Hazleton, PA St’s. Peter & Paul, Hazleton, PA
• 7/2007 – 4/2009: Leave of Absence
• 4/04/2009 Asst. Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul, Milford, PA
• 1/24/2014: Dispensation from clerical state

Summary: Timchak pled guilty to possessing and downloading child pornography in 2008.

Carlos Urrutigoity  (Society of St. John)

• 5/24/1998: Decree issued by Bishop James C Timlin establishing the Society of St John; Urrutigoity not issued a religious assignment
• 4/2002: Removed from active ministry

Summary: The Society of St. Pius X was founded in 1970 by a retired missionary bishop. In 1988, the founder sought an agreement with the Holy See for lawful continuation and an agreement was reached.

In an effort to return disaffected members of the St. Pius X to membership in the Catholic Church, Bishop James C. Timlin interviewed a group of men – the Society of St. John including Carlos Urrutigoity, Eric Ensey, Daniel Fullerton and Marshal Roberts. No background checks or reviews were taken.

On Sept. 15, 2001, Timlin was informed that Urrutigoity made it a practice to sleep in the same bed with boys and young men. Urrutigoity was questioned and denied any immoral behavior, although admitted that there may have been occasions when overcrowding prompted shared sleeping arrangement.

In January 2002, Timlin received correspondence from the Pope, who send a letter written by the victim’s father accusing Urrutigoity and Ensey of sexual misconduct. Clay, who was staying at a St. John property, was also accused. No charges were filed after the statute of limitations had expired. Urrutigoity, Ensey and Clay were sent for clinical assessments and removed from active ministry.

Ensey, it was determined, did commit sexual abuse of a minor. Urrutigoity and Ensey were told not to engage in active ministry involving children.

Clay was reinstated, but ultimately declined the appointment and was granted a leave of absence.

Lawrence Weniger

• 6/1934 – 9/1940: Asst. Pastor, St. Boniface, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 9/1940 – 6/1941: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary Magdolen, Honesdale, PA
• 6/1941 – 6/1949: Asst. Pastor, St. Mary, Scranton, PA
• 6/1949 – 9/1951: Pastor, St. Thomas, Little Meadows, PA
• 9/1951 – 9/1960: Pastor, St. John, Troy, PA
• 9/1960 – 5/1961: Pastor, St. Mary’s Assumption, Pittston, PA
• 5/1961 – 5/1968: Pastor, Sacred Heart, Luzerne, PA
• 5/19/1968: Prelate of Honor
• 3/08/1971: Diocesan Consultor

Summary: In 2002, an adult male said that he was sexually assaulted while serving as an altar boy in the 1960s.  A Kingston man says Weniger fondled him at least twice at Sacred Heart Church and School in Luzerne more than 40 years ago. Bishop Emeritus Timlin has acknowledged several allegations were made against Weniger after his death in 1972.

Joseph Wilson

• 12/1994 – 7/1996: Asst. Pastor, St. Ignatius, Kingston, PA
• 7/1996 – 1/1998: Administrator, Ascension, Williamsport, PA
• 2/1998 – 7/1999: Chaplain, Marian Convent, Scranton, PA
• 7/1999 – 1/2000: Asst. Pastor, St. Nicholas, Wilkes -Bane, PA
• 1/2000 – 7/2002: Chaplain, Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, PA
• 7/03/2002:
• 8/19/2002: Removed from ministry

Summary: While at Holy Cross, allegations were made that he had sexually abused two boys. Wilson admitted to abusing one of the boys and was sent for evaluation.

Steven Wolpertion (Redemptorist)

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing sexual abuse victims of Catholic priests and other clergy of the Diocese of Scranton.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abuse by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office.  Although many years have passed, people who have been sexually abused by priests of the Diocese of Scranton can submit a claim for compensation.  Contact attorney Adam Horowitz at 954-641-2100 or [email protected] to find out how to submit your claim today.