Mr. Randolph Byrd
Diocese of Erie (Teacher)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Mr. Randolph Byrd:
Mr. Randolph Byrd was a former lay teacher who worked Mercyhurst Preparatory High School in the Diocese of Erie. According to media reports, a woman alleged he sexually abused her while a junior at the school from 1981 to 1982. Byrd reportedly groomed the victim for abuse by singling her out over her grades or comparing her to a “favorite student” at a previous school.
As the abuse escalated to physical encounters, he became more possessive. He would sit near the victim’s mother at parent-teacher conferences and show up unannounced, just to remind her that he always had access to her world, she said. As a result, her grades suffered and she felt afraid and ashamed.
Byrd’s name was included on Diocese of Erie 2018 list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse. Every person named on this list was credibly accused of actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify that person from working with children.
Byrd currently lives in Crozet, Virginia.
Accused priest Fr. Dennis Chludzinski was principal of Mercyhurst Prep at the time of the alleged abuse.
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.