Father James Downs
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Ordained: 1970
Suspended: 2018
Retired: 2018
Assignments include:
- Youth Development Center (New Castle, PA)
- Christ the King Parish (Bessemer/Hillsville, PA)
- Saint James the Apostle (Pulaski, PA)
- St. Anthony (Bessemer, PA)
- St. Lawrence (Hillsville, PA)
- St. Joseph the Worker (New Castle, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father James Downs:
Father James Downs was ordained a priest in 1970, who served in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. According to media reports, in late December 2018, he was suspended from public ministry due to an allegation that he sexually abuse a minor child as a priest in the early 1990s. The allegation dates to a time when Father Downs served as the chaplain to the former Youth Development Center in New Castle. No additional details about the allegation were provided by the Diocese. Father Downs denied the allegation.
Father Downs served as pastor of Christ the King Parish in Bessemer/Hillsville and Saint James the Apostle Parish in Pulaski until he retired in July 2018.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Pittsburgh may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.