Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • Our Team
    • 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 Practice
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Retired Diocese of Trenton Priest Arrested By Clergy Sex Abuse Task Force

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Retired Diocese of Trenton Priest Arrested By Clergy Sex Abuse Task Force

September 21, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Retired Diocese of Trenton Priest Arrested By Clergy Sex Abuse Task Force
Howell Priest

Retired Howell Priest Arrested By Clergy Sex Abuse Task Force

Father H. Brendan Williams, a retired priest of the Diocese of Trenton, was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault of a young girl in the late 1990s while he was Pastor at St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church in Howell, New Jersey.  In a press release, authorities made the announcement late Friday afternoon, September 20th, crediting the arrest from a tip received through the recently formed state clergy abuse hotline.

Williams is now the second priest to be charged by the New Jersey Clergy Abuse Task Force formed by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal in 2018. He is accused of touching the private parts of a girl, younger than 13 years old, with his hand at least three times from 1997 to 1999, authorities said. Williams was arrested by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office who are assigned to the task force.

"Once again a call to our hotline has led to a thorough investigation by members of our Clergy Abuse Task Force and charges against a priest who allegedly assaulted a young girl many years ago," Grewal said. "No person is above the law and we want survivors to know that, despite the passage of time, justice may still be within reach. We will do everything in our power to hold their abusers accountable."

Williams was one of the 188 priests named on New Jersey's five dioceses list of clergy credibly accused of sexually abusing a child over multiple decades.  Horowitz law has assembled an even more extensive database.  Ordained in 1965, Williams faced multiple credible allegations of child sex abuse throughout his career.  His assignments prior to his retirement in 2012 included the following:

  • St. Joan of Arc (Marlton, New Jersey)
  • Holy Angels (Hamilton, New Jersey)
  • St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Chaplain (Edison, New Jersey)
  • St. Veronica, Pastor (Howell, New Jersey)
  • Retirement, Villa Vianney (Lawrenceville, New Jersey)

Quite disturbingly, the following six Catholic priests who served at St. Veronica's in Howell face one or more sexual misconduct complaints:  Richard R. Milewski, Liam A. Minogue, Robert J. Parenti, H. Brendan Williams, Frank J. Iazzetta and Joseph F. McHugh.

The role of Catholic priests is to support the spiritual needs of their parishioners, to educate them on religious practices and meanings, and offer counseling in times of need. Someone who sexually violates young children has no place working in the Church. Any diocese in which such a crime is committed must take responsibility for failing to properly screen potential priests and protect their parishioners.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the Diocese of Trenton. If you or a loved one was sexually abused, raped or sexually molested by a priest or other clergy, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.



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

  • What Kind of Attorney Handles Sexual Abuse Cases?
  • 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

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