Father William Cramer
Diocese of Paterson
Ordained: 1977
Removed: 2002
Assigned as follows:
- Our Lady of the Lake (Sparta, NJ)
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Boonton, NJ)
- Chaplain, St. Joseph Hospital (Paterson, NJ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father William Cramer:
According to media reports, in 1984, Fr. William Cramer was first accused of abusing two young brothers, ages 11 and 14. Their mother told the Diocese of Paterson, who then transferred him to a new parish with no repercussions. In 1985, Cramer was reported to the police.
He was eventually criminally charged with sexually abusing two brothers. He pleaded guilty to criminal child endangerment charges, was convicted, and received three years probation. The Diocese of Paterson was also sued by the boys' family.
Despite the guilty plea and eventual settlement of the civil lawsuit, Bp. Rodimer returned Cramer to active ministry in 1991.
In 2002, Cramer was placed on leave, at which time he hired a canon lawyer to fight his suspension.
Cramer's name is included on the Diocese of Paterson's February 2019 list of credibly accused priests. The Diocese of Paterson released no information about the multiple allegations against him (and whether they are the same allegations to which he pled guilty), including Cramer's assignments at the time of the abuse.
Cramer's name is also included on the "Perversion Files," a national list of Boy Scout Leaders accused of being molesters.
Cramer is still living and believed to be residing in New Jersey.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Paterson. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Paterson, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Paterson 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.