Mr. Charles “Rick” Cooper (Teacher)
Diocese of Erie
Assigned as follows:
- Unknown
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Mr. Charles “Rick” Cooper:
Mr. Charles “Rick” Cooper was a former lay teacher in the Diocese of Erie. According to media reports, he was named in the Diocese of Erie updated 2019 list of both priests and lay people associated with the church that have been credibly accused of actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify that person from working with children.
According to the Diocese’s statement accompanying the list, “[e]very person named on this list was credibly accused of actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify that person from working with children. Such actions could include the use of child pornography, furnishing pornography to minors, corruption of minors, violating a child-protection policy, failure to prevent abuse that they knew to be happening, and — in some cases — direct physical sexual abuse or sexual assault of minors. Allegations were corroborated by secular legal proceedings, canon law proceedings, self-admission by the individual, or threshold evidence.”
The Diocese of Erie has not released any information about the allegation(s) against Cooper, including the age/gender of his victim(s) or the number of allegation(s) made against him.
Cooper is alive and believed to be living in Lenexa, Virginia, according to the Diocese of Erie.
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 [email protected] to discuss your options today.