Report Lists Local Catholic Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct

BAY AREA — A law firm has released a report listing the names of more than 200 Catholic priests who are accused of sexual misconduct. Included is Fr. Vincent Ignatius Breen, who served at Holy Ghost in Fremont from 1953 to 1982. The report states, "It is believed that he may have sexually abused as many as 100 young children. Msgr. Breen has been named in at least two civil lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse." He is now deceased.

Jeff Anderson & Associates says, "This report is intended to raise awareness about the important issue of clerical sexual abuse, provide the public with vital information including assignment histories, and provide awareness to survivors. Assignment histories are approximations and were compiled from The Official Catholic Directory, bishopaccountability.org and media reports."

The law firm emphasizes that "the allegations should be considered just allegations and should not be considered proved or substantiated in a court of law."

The list includes 263 names, although some are duplicates -

• 135 are from the Archdiocese of San Francisco
• 95 from the Diocese of Oakland
• 33 from the Diocese of San Jose

Here are the accused clergy who served in Union City:

• Fr. George E. Crespin, Our Lady of the Rosary, 1972-1979
• Fr. Philip Steigerwald, Our Lady of the Rosary, 19823
• Fr. Robert E. Freitas, Our Lady of the Rosary, 1982 -1985
• Fr. Antonio Camacho, Our Lady of the Rosary, years unknown

View the full report here

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