Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. Richard D. Lynch – Diocese of Erie

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Richard D. Lynch – Diocese of Erie

January 27, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Richard D. Lynch – Diocese of Erie

Father Richard Lynch

Diocese of Erie

Ordination: 1963

Death: 2000

Assigned as follows:

  • 1963 - 1983: Bradford Central Christian High School (Bradford, PA)
  • 1983 - 1999: Holy Rosary (Erie, PA)
  • 1984 - 1994: Dean, East Erie Deanery (Erie, PA)
  • 1999 - 2000: St. Mark's The Evangelist (Erie, PA)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. Richard Lynch:

Fr. Richard Lynch was ordained a priest in 1963, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Erie. According to media reports, in a 2004 memorandum from the office of Bishop Donald Trautman, the Diocese of Erie reported that an individual attempted to contact the Chancery regarding matters of "sexual involvement years ago." The alleged victim claimed that in 1978, while a senior at Bradford Central Christian High School, the headmaster, Father Richard D. Lynch, sexually abused him.

According to the victim, while the student cleaned the school locked room, Lynch sexually accosted the victim and forced him into a wall resulting in the victim needing back surgery as an adult. In 2004, the victim contacted the Diocese twice within a month after being told a representative would be in contact. No contact was ever made by the Diocese of Erie. However, the victim did not give up and eventually Bishop Trautman agreed to meet with him. He continued to be in contact with the Chancery for more than a decade about various matters, and each time he referenced his sexual abuse.

In 2016, the victim renewed prior requests for financial assistance from the Diocese of Erie.  Persico wrote back to him and claimed that that this was the first the man had ever mentioned of being sexually abused, even though that was blatantly false according to its own files.  Persico told the man that the Diocese of Erie had received no other allegations about Lynch. According to the letter, Erie has a policy not to make monetary settlements, adding that they would only consider paying for counseling and therapy. The man accepted the offer of counseling and asked that, in lieu of a monetary settlement, the Diocese of Erie donate to the fund to repair St. Bernard's parish on his behalf.

Lynch was named publicly as accused in the 2018 PA Grand Jury report, which noted the Diocese of Erie has not documented any other allegations about Lynch.

Lynch died in 2000 as a priest in good standing.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.


Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap