Father Eugene J. Teslovic
Diocese of Richmond
Ordained: 1977
Removed: 2002
Assigned as follows:
- St. Luke (Virginia Beach, VA)
- St. Catherine of Siena (Clarksville, VA)
- St. Paschal (Baylon South Boston, VA)
- Holy Name of Mary (Bedford, VA)
- St. Jude (Franklin, VA)
- Church of the Resurrection (Portsmouth, VA)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Eugene J. Teslovic:
According to media reports, in September 2002, Father Eugene J. Teslovic was removed from active ministry in response to several alleged incidents of sexual abuse with minors. In August 2002, Father Teslovic asked a priest to inform Bishop Sullivan that he had been approached about a “sexual impropriety” between him and a man in his early 20s at Church of the Resurrection in Portsmouth in 1977 when he was a deacon.
After a month long investigation, Bishop Sullivan learned of several incidents of sexual misconduct with minors during the late-1970s and mid-1980s. About 10 years earlier, he made inquiries after hearing rumors of Father Teslovic’s alleged sexual improprieties. At that time, the bishop found nothing to substantiate them. As a result, there may have been complaints in the 70s and 80s that were overlooked during the review of priest files in mid-2002.
“The diocese deeply regrets any lack of vigilance that failed to remove this priest from pastoral ministry before now,” said a spokesman for the diocese.
In February 2019, Father Teslovic’s name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Richmond’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.
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 [email protected] to discuss your options today.