Database of Publicly Accused Priests in the United States
     
Viewed by Diocese:   Cincinnati, OH  

Total Individuals: 30         

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The Database of Publicly Accused Priests does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.
Last First Ord T Status D/O Notes Diocese Source/Assignments
Albrecht
G.R. Keith 1977 P Accused Diocesan Removed from duty 1993. Accused of abuse. He was kicked out of Franciscan Order in early 1970s prior to taking vows but ordained in Cincinnati in 1977. Civil suit filed 2004. Laicized by Vatican as of 10/05. 2004 suit alleging abuse from 1977-1981 dismissed after Ohio Supreme Court. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 3.5.04; Dayton Daily News 6.27.02; Dayton Daily News 5.5.02; Dayton Daily News 6.23.06; Dayton Daily News 10.13.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Press Release 10.12.05
Berning John B. 1934 P Accused Diocesan Several suits filed in 2003 by at least 7 plaintiffs. Berning admitted in 2002 letters to abuse of one youth. May also have admitted abuse of others. One accuser said he told an archdiocesan employee in 1963 but nothing done. He retired in 1970 and moved to Florida. Privileges removed in 2003. Died at age 97 in 2004. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 9.18.03; Dayton Daily News 9.23.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.29.03; St. Petersburg Times 11,20,04; Dayton Daily News 3.12.04; WCPO 10.18.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.8.03; Beacon Journal (AP) 6.29.05
Brunner
Thomas J. 1974 P Accused Diocesan Removed 2003. Accused of abuse of two girls at Mount Notre Dame High School in 1980s. Sent for counseling and reassigned to parish. Another woman complained in 1989 that he had romanced her in 1970s when she was in high school. Restrictions place on him in 1993. Never publicly identified until 2003 when he was placed on admin. leave. Accusations deemed credible. Laicized by Vatican 3/06. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 3.30.06; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Archdiocese of Cinicnnati Statement 2.7.06; Cincinnati Post 3.30.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 9.18.03; Dayton Daily News 9.18.03; Dayton Daily News 9.18.03; Associated Press 2.17.05; Dayton Daily News 10.23.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.3.03; Cincinnati Post 10.3.03; Dayton Daily News 9.23.03; Dayton Daily News 3.12.04; Dayton Daily News 11.20.03
Cooley
George 1976 P Convicted Diocesan Archdiocese knew of complaints as early as 1971 when Cooley in Seminary and again in 1978. Numerous male victims. Convicted 1991 & sent to prison for 18 months. Prison again 1994 for violation of probation. At least 9 civil suits. Permanently removed 1984 and laicized in 1998 after church trial. Still had teacher's license as of 10/06. License finally revoked 12/06. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Enquirer 4.14.02 (2nd); Cincinnati Enquirer 4.14.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.16.02; Toledo Blade 12.13.06; Archdiocesan Status Report (cached by Google 2.7.06); Cincinnati Enquirer 10.3.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.22.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 4.14.02 (3rd); Toledo Blade 10.7.06; Toledo Blade 10.6.06
Cooper
Ronald C. 1983 P Accused Diocesan Placed on leave 1/04 after a man came forward to allege that Cooper had touched him inappropriately several times in Bridgetown in 1983-1984 during Cooper's first assignment after ordination. Cooper admits contact with the youth but claims no sexual intent was involved. Referred to Review Board for further action. Archdiocese says this is first allegation against Cooper. Still on leave in 2007. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Archdiocese of Cincinnati Status Report 2.7.06; Dayton Daily News 1.14.04; Cincinnati Enquirer 1.14.04; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07
Doerger
Stanley D. 1958 P Accused Diocesan In March 2003, he was accused of abuse of one girl at St. Rita School for the Deaf in 1970s. By 2005, former students have alleged that he molested as many as 275 girls at the school. One woman said that Doerger also abused her deceased brother fromlate 1960s to 1980. Placed on leave March 2005 and died in Sept. 2005 before accusations were resolved. Investigation was discontinued. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 3.10.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.09.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Press Release 3.09.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.13.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 9.13.05; Catholic Telegraph 3.16.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.10.05
Feldhaus
Thomas F. 1976 P Sued Diocesan Removed 2003. Accused of abuse of youth in 1979. Civil suit filed 3/04 by a different man alleging abuse from 1986-1991 at Our Lady of Victory. Still on administrative leave as of 2/07/07. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Enquirer 3.16.04; Dayton Daily News 3.12.04; Cincinnati Post 12.5.03; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Status Report 2.7.06
Harsham
Ellis N. 1968 P Settled Diocesan One 1993 article says that Harsham reportedly had oral sex with two high school students in the 1970s. Accused of abuse of several boys. Civil suit named Harsham and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin as abusers. Case withdraw but Plaintiff settled claims re Harsham in 1994. Placed on administrative leave in 1994 and still on leave as of Feb. 2006. Laicized at some point in 2006. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 6.29.94; Dayton Daily News 4.19.94; Dayton Daily News 6.27.94; Chicago Sun Times 4.19.94; Reuters 4.18.94; Chicago Sun Times 11.17.93; Chicago Sun Times 11.15.93; Chicago Tribune 11.13.93; Legal Intelligencer 3.16.94; Associated Press 12.18.93; Chicago Sun Times 11.21.93; Chicago Sun Times 11.21.93; Chicago Tribune 11.20.93; Dayton Daily News 3.1.94; Chicago Tribune 1.16.94
Assignments:
Dayton Daily News 10.14.94 (add'l article); Cincinnati Enquirer 3.16.02 (add'l article); Dayton Daily News 3.12.04 (add'l article); Archdiocese of Cincinnati Status Report 2.7.06 (add'l article); Dayton Daily News 4.22.07 (add'l article); National Catholic Reporter 5.18.11 (add'l article)
Hartman
Bernard   B Accused Marianist Member of Marianist order in Australia for many years. One woman accused him of sexually abusing her when she was 8 in Australia. She went to the church in 1999. He apologized to her by letter. He was living in U.S then. Still active in order in US in2008 when he celebrated his 50th anniversary. At some point, Order sent him for treatment and he is "under restriction" and cannot be alone with children. As of 12/09 he was living in Dayton OH area. Other accusers have come forward in Australia. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 12.5.11; The Age 12.2.11; Dayton Daily News 12.17.09; Statement by Archdiocese of Melbourne 12.6.11; SNAP Wisconsin Statement 12.6.11; The Age 12.6.11; Cathnews 12.6.11; Berger's Beat 10.9.12
Heil Norman   P Sued Diocesan Sued 2004. Accused of abuse of girl, age 16, in 1965. The girl became pregnant and alleged in lawsuit that Heil and a nun pressured her to give up the baby. Heil left priesthood in 1968 and died 1988. Lawsuit dismissed on SOL by Ohio Supreme Court 1/08. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Inquirer 5.06.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 12.02.04; WCPO.com 12.01.04; Cincinnati Enquirer 1.17.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.05.07
Hopp
Thomas R. 1966 P Sued Diocesan Removed in 2002. Accused of abuse. Permanently removed from ministry by Vatican 10/05 but not laicized. Civil suit filed 2004. Suit dismissed by Ohio Supreme Court on statute of limitations 6/06. Another suit alleging abuse of 13-14 yr old boy in 1980swas withdrawn after Ohio Supreme Court ruling. Still on Archdiocese payroll because of ill health. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Enquirer 5.1.02; Dayton Daily News 4.30.02; Dayton Daily News 4.29.02; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Dayton Daily News 10.13.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Press Release 10.12.05; Dayton Daily News 1.28.04; Dayton Daily News 5.3.02; Dayton Daily News 6.23.06; Cincinnati Post 6.2.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 4.29.07
Katarskis Walter (Vaclovas) 1942 P Accused Diocesan Woman filed police report 6/10 accusing Katarskis of abusing her on several occasions in 1960-1961 when she was 10 and 11 yrs old and he was assigned to St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering. She had reported the abuse to the Archdiocese in 2002. Katarskis died in 1993. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 6.26.10; WDTN 6.25.10
Kelley
David J. 1974 P Sued Diocesan At least 38 men have filed suit alleging forced oral sex, rape, and other abuse by Kelley when they were minors. At least 4 complaints in 1983 prompted transfer to new parish. After complaints in 1986, Pilarczyk sent him to Paracletes, then assigned himto hospital chaplaincy with parish residence and ministry. Allegations 1993-94. Removed 2002. Allowed to be counselor until 2003 suits were reported. Suit withdrawn after 5/31/06 ruling by Ohio Supreme Court. Kelley died 6/09. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Toledo Blade 10.06.06; Toledo Blade 10.07.06; Dayton Daily News 6.23.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 9.16.06; Archdiocesan Statement Fall 2003; WCPO 8.22.03; WCPO 2.3.05 [with documents]; Pilarczyk Letter 12.18.86; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.12.04; Dayton Daily News 10.22.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.3.03; Bolte Letter 10.03; ChannelCincinnati.com 1.20.05; Leaf Chronicle 10.17.04
Assignments:
WLWT 6.25.09 (add'l article); Dayton Daily News 6.25.09 (add'l article); Cincinnati Enquirer 6.25.09 (add'l article); Detailed BA.org Assignment Record; Archdiocesan Statement Fall 2003
Kiffmeyer
James G. 1985 P Accused Diocesan In 2002 Man accused Kiffmeyer of abusing him when he was senior in high school and later. County prosecutors said SOL had expired. Church said man was over 18 at time. After this allegation was made, it was revealed that Kiffmeyer had been accused in 1997 of similar offense, again by male who was at least 18. Archdiocese paid to settle the claim. Vatican ordered him returned to duty as of 12/06. Appointed as pastoral administrator of Holy Family Parish 4/30/08. Still active priest 12/11. Cincinnati, OH Source:
WCPO 2.02.07; CBS 5 12.31.06; Catholic Online 1.08.07; Dayton Daily News 12.30.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 12.30.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 5.04.02; Cox News Service 5.02.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 5.01.02; Kentucky Post 12.30.06; Toledo Blade 10.06.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 5.24.03; Dayton Daily News 6.27.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.12.02; WCPO 12.29.06; Toledo Blade 10.07.06
Assignments:
Cincinnati Enquirer 3.31.08 (add'l article); Local 12 5.01.08 (add'l article); Cincinnati Enquirer 5.02.08 (add'l article); Cincinnati Enquirer 12.5.11 (add'l article)
Kuhn
Thomas A. 1967 P Convicted Diocesan Placed on leave in 2002 after deputies confiscated several parish computers to look for inappropriate material. Indicted on 11 courts of public indecency and providing alcohol to minors betweem 11/01 and 1/02. Claims involved 4 boys and 1 girl. Convicted 2004 and sentenced to 5 yrs probation. Violated probation 1/05. Spent 30 days in jail. Still on Archdiocesan payroll as of 4/07. Still on administrative leave in 2009 per archdiocesan website 11/1/09. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Dayton Daily News 3.9.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Report 2.7.06; Dayton Daily News 9.15.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 9.10.02; Dayton Daily News 2.11.05; Dayton Daily News 5.25.02; Dayton Daily News 1.1.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 7.22.04; Dayton Daily News 6.24.04; Daytona Daily News 10.16.03; Catholic Telegraph 1.20.05; Statement by Bishop Pilarczyk 1.13.05
Larger
Raymond E. 1977 P Acquitted Diocesan Civil suit filed alleging abuse of youth 1995-1997. Criminal charges also filed in 2005 but then dismissed by Judge during trial 11/05. Two other accusations but no criminal charges. Larger previously pled guilty to soliciting sex from undercover police. Vatican reinstated him 2/08 after ruling there was no merit in accusations. Will work at Chancery. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Status Report (cached by Google 2.7.06); Cincinnati Enquirer 11.1.05; Cincinnati Post 7.19.05; Catholic Telegraph 2.22.08; Beacon Journal 2.14.08; Daytona Daily News 2.14.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 2.14.08; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Press Release 2.14.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 2.16.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 2.15.08
Massarella
Francis 1941 P Accused Diocesan Removed 2003. Accused of abuse of girls more than 50 yrs previously. Archdiocese has admitted it knew of his history back in 1950s. Permanently removed from church ministry by the Vatican 10/05 but not laicized. Still under care of Archdiocese as of 4/07 because of ill health. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 8.11.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.11.03; Archbishop's Statement in Cincinnati Enquirer 8.11.03; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Dayton Daily News 10.13.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati press release 10.12.05
Montgomery Michael   B Accused Franciscan Two incidents of "improper contact" with male students were known to Franciscan authorities in the 1980s but Montgomery was allowed to continue working as an athletic trainer at Roger Bacon High School. He said that the touches were accidental. Finallyremoved from active mininstry in 2002. Another man made similar allegations in 2003 or early 2004 re abuse when he was 15. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Enquirer 3.20.04
Paraniuk
Michael 1981 P Accused Diocesan Man complained to Archdiocese that Paranuik had abused him in 1983. Archdiocese investigated then and decided allegations were unsubstantiated. Man complained again in 2004 with new facts. Placed on leave March 2005 and payment made to accuser. Paraniuk denied all allegations and said he had been fondled by two Franciscan priests when he was in his 20s in 1970s. Returned to active duty 10/05 after archdiocese investigation. Cincinnati, OH Source:
ChannelCincinnati.com 3.10.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.10.05; Cincinnati.com 3.09.05; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Press Release 10.12.05; Beacon Journal (AP) 3.19.05; Catholic Telegraph 3.16.05; WCPO 3.10.05; Dayton Daily News 10.13.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.13.05
Pater
Daniel 1979 P Settled Diocesan In 1993 civil suit which settled in 1995. Pater was accused of abuse of girl, age 14, in 1980s. He went on to work for Vatican and was temporarily running the papal embassy in India until he was placed on leave 9/03. 2004 civil suit says he abused 2 girls in 1980s. Suit withdrawn after 6/06 ruling by Ohio Supreme Court. Still on leave in 2006. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 6.23.06; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Dallas Morning News 9.12.04; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Status Report 2.7.06; Dallas Morning News 8.31.03; Dayton Daily News 7.14.94; Dayton Daily News 7.11.95; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.24.04; Dayton Daily News 9.23.03; Dayton Daily News 9.18.03; Chicago Sun Times 9.1.03; Dayton Daily News 9.1.03; Dayton Daily News 3.24.04; Dallas Morning News 11.21.03
Reilly
David F. 1975 P Accused Diocesan Placed on administrative leave 8/06 after man made allegations that Reilly had improper contact with him in 1970s when he was 13 or 14 yrs old. Reilly admits contact but says it was not what it was alleged to be. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 8.19.06; Hamilton Journal News 8.19.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.19.06; Middeltown Journal 8.20.06
Assignments:
Cincinnati Post 8.19.06
Schetter
Albert E. 1955 P Sued Diocesan Sued 2003 by two men. Accused of abuse. He admitted to past child abuse and had been warned (in 1992 or 1993) to stay away from children. Schetter had been sent on a "spiritual retreat" in the early 1960s to deal with his "odd behavior" with children. Retired 1990. Died 2002. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Catholic Telegraph (Cincinnati, OH) 11.14.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 11.06.03; Associated Press 11.05.03
Assignments:
Middletown Journal 5.07.02
Schoettmer
Kenneth J. 1968 P Convicted Diocesan Placed on leave after he admitted in 2001 that he had sexual encounters with boys between 1984 and 1999. Also downloaded porn and trolled Internet for boys. Pleaded guilty 2003 to one count of gross sexual imposition in exchange for the dismissal of additional charges of rape and sexual battery re 17 yr old boy. 5 years probation. Civil suit also filed 2004. Still on payroll of Archdiocese as of 4/07. Laicization announced 5/11/07. On Sex Offender Register 1/21/12. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 5.12.07; WLWT 5.11.07; Cincinnati Post 5.12.07; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.30.01; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.24.01; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.23.01; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.22.03; Dayton Daily News 6.27.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 9.27.01; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.5.01; Archdiocese of Cincinnati Statement 2.7.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.12.03
Schutte
Robert W. 1943 P Accused Diocesan Schutte's privileges were removed in late 2003 after allegations arose that he sexually abused a minor several decades before. Schutte retired in 1984 and died a little over a month later in Jan. 2004 at age 89. At some point, he served in St. Augustine in Florida and was also an auxiliary military chaplain at Air Force bases in Florida Cincinnati, OH Source:
San Antiono Express-News 10.08.04; Pathways Spring 2004; Catholic Telegraph (OH) 1.9.04
Shelander
Donald E. 1970 P Accused Diocesan In 2006, Archdiocese removed privileges of Shelander (who retired in 2002) after man came forward to allege he had been abused between ages of 14 and 18 years old in late 1970s-early 1980s. Shelander was pastor at St. Mary Parish in Urbana at the time.Archdiocese said it found "the semblance of truth" in the allegations. He was returned to active status 2/09 after church tribunal (affirmed by Vatican) found him not guilty. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Springfield News-Sun 3.16.06; Dayton Daily News 3.16.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.15.06; Cincinnati Enquirer 2.2.09; WTTE 2.2.09; Dayton Daily News 2.2.09; Dayton Daily News 4.22.07
Assignments:
The Beacon Journal 3.15.06; Columbus Dispatch 3.17.06
Stephney Charles F.   ? P Accused Society of the Precious Blood In 1981 Stephney was chaplain at Cincinnati jail. Several boys accused him of making sexual advances and jail officials asked him to leave. His order sent him for treatment and later assigned him to job w/ no contact w/ children. Instead, he left for Baltimore and went to work for George Stallings (another abuser) in 1989. Stephney was expelled from his order when he went to work for Stallings. Apparently all records of Cincinnati incident were destroyed. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Washington Post 4.30.90
Stricker Robert A. 1948 P Accused Diocese Stricker, 84 and retired, was placed on leave by the Archdiocese as of 5/01/08 pending an investigation of claims that he sexually abused a boy in the 1950s at St. William Parish, Price Hill. Archdiocese investigated same man's allegations in 1993 but nothing conclusive found. New info provided by the Plaintiff in 2008 and Archdiocese decided there was a "semblance of truth" this time. Restored to ministry 7/08--not sufficient substantiation. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Beacon Journal 5.1.08; Local 12 5.1.08; Dayton Daily News 5.1.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 7.18.08; Dayton Daily News 7.17.08; Cincinnati Enquirer 5.2.08; WLWT 5.1.08
Strittmatter
Lawrence 1957 P Sued Diocesan Former Elder High School principal. Sent for treatment in 1988 after allegations of child abuse in 1983. Placed on leave 2002 after allegations he abuse 2-3 youths in 1970s. Named in numerous 2003 civil suits. May have abused as many as 28 youths. Mostsuits dropped because of Statute of Limitations. Laicized 3/06. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Dayton Daily News 3.9.06; Cincinnati Post 11.21.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.9.06; WCPO 9.16.03; Dayton Daily News 9.18.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.12.02; Dayton Daily News 6.10.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 6.10.02; Dayton Daily News 9.9.05; Cincinnati Post 5.22.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 4.24.03; Dayton Daily News 6.18.02; Dayton Daily News 6.13.02; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.12.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.11.03
Assignments:
Cincinnati City Beat 7.13.10 (add'l article); WCPO 3.14.13 (add'l article)
Unwin
Richard M. 1979 P Accused Diocesan Unwin placed on leave in 2004 after recent allegations that he was involved in sexual misconduct more than 15 yrs ago. Unwin was former principal at Catholic Central High and department chair at Lehman High School. Exact details of abuse allegation not released by Diocese to protect victim. Unwin has admitted the abuse. Teaching certificate revoked by state 11/06. Laicization announced 5/11/07. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Cincinnati Post 5.12.07; WCPO 5.11.07; Dayton Daily News 5.12.07; Dayton Daily News 8.11.03; Cincinnati Enquirer 8.11.03; WLWT 5.11.07; Diocesan Press Release 8.11.03; Toledo Blade 10.7.06; Toledo Blade 10.6.06; Archdiocesan Status Report cached 2.07.06; Dayton Daily News 9.23.03; Toledo Blade 11.15.06; Toledo Blade 11.10.06
Vincent
David P. 1964 P Accused Diocesan In 2004, one man alleged abuse in 1980s but he refused to cooperate with the Archdiocese and nothing done. Vincent finally placed on leave in 3/05 after he was accused of abuse of one student at Elder High in 1970. Vincent denied all allegations.Returned to duty 10/12/05 after archdiocese investigation. Cincinnati, OH Source:
Catholic Telegraph 3.16.05; Dayton Daily News 3.10.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 3.10.05; Cincinnati Enquirer 10.13.05; Dayton Daily News 10.13.05; Cincinnati Archdiocese Press Release 10.12.05; Beacon Journal 3.19.05


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