Father Donald Scales, OSB
Diocese of Richmond/Diocese of Charlotte/Diocese of Raleigh/Benedictines
Ordained: 1955
Removed: 2006
Died: 2008
Assigned as follows:
- St. Michael Catholic Church (Gastonia, N.C.)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Donald Scales (Benedictine):
Father Donald Scales was ordained as a Benedictine priest. According to media reports, in February 2019, his name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Richmond's list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors after receiving information from the Diocese of Charlotte. Charlotte's Review Board found an allegation of child sexual abuse against Father Scales credible. He had assignments in both dioceses.
In 2006, he was accused of sexually abusing a minor at St. Michael's in Gastonia, NC from 1977 to 1978. He denied the allegation. No charges were filed. He was removed from ministry, and died in 2008.
In October 2019, Father Scales' name was included in the Diocese of Raleigh's updated list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors, noting that the abuse allegation related to misconduct occurring in approximately 1966.
In 2019, Scales' name was included on bot the Diocese of Charlotte's list of accused priests, as well as the Diocese of Richmond's list.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Richmond. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Richmond, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Richmond now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.