Father Joseph L. Theisen
Archdiocese of New York
Ordained: 1959
Laicized: 1994
Died: 2013
Assigned as follows:
- 1959-1960: St. Agnes (New York, NY)
- 1960-1970: Immaculate Conception (Staten Island, NY)
- 1970-1981: St. Gregory Barbarigo (Garnerville, NY)
- 1981-1983: St. Raymond’s (Bronx, NY)
- 1983-1984: Unknown
- 1984-1987: St. Raymond’s (Bronx, NY)
- 1987-1994: Absent on Sick Leave
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Joseph L Theisen:
In 1987, the archdiocese began to receive allegations of child sexual abuse against Fr. Joseph L Theisen. He was sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in New Mexico for treatment. In 1994, three men reported that he had sexually abused them when they were teenagers in the early 1980s. According to media reports, each of the three received a settlement of $20,00 and was required to sign confidentiality agreements.
Theisen was voluntarily laicized in 1994. He is believed to have been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico until his death in 2013.
In April 2019, Theisen’s name appeared on the Archdiocese of New York’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors. Claims against him are eligible to be settled through the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). In October 2019, his name appeared on the Diocese of Dodge City list of priests who served in the Dodge City Diocese with allegations arising outside the Dodge City Diocese.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of New York. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in New York State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of New York now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New York and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.