Brother Gerald Heather (Franciscan Friars)
Ordained: N/A
Assigned as follows:
- N/A
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Brother Gerald Heather:
Brother Gerald Heather was a member of the Franciscan Friars who served in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. According to media reports, in 2004, he was accused in a civil lawsuit with Father Robert Van Handel, OFM of repeatedly sexually abusing at least two choir boys from 1989 to 1994, while he served at St. Anthony's Seminary in Santa Barbara. The alleged victims were brothers.
According to the suit, the older brother was recruited to join the choir in the third grade at San Roque Catholic School. He was molested numerous times between the ages of 9 and 12 while at St. Anthony's and on choir trips, the suit alleged. The younger brother was allegedly assaulted when he was 7 to 10.
As of 2004, Father Heather reportedly was living overseas.
In May 2019, his name appeared on the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans' list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors. It noted there was, "No record of this individual being a Friar. No files or complaint information available."
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