Dozens Of CO Catholic Priests Named In Report On Sexual Abuse

The names of 43 Catholic priests have been released in a long-awaited report on sexual abuse allegations in Colorado. The priests are accused of sexually abusing at least 166 children in our state over the past 70 years, according to the report, which was released Wednesday by the Colorado Attorney General's Office.

The abuse cases were reported in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Five priests are accused of sexually abusing 102 of the children, according to the report, which was authored by former Colorado U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer.

The majority of the cases stem from the 1960s and 1970s, and the most recent case in the report occurred in 1998; however, in recent years more people have been coming forward to report past abuse, the 263-page document shows.

It took an average of just under two decades to remove a priest who was accused of abuse.

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The report criticizes the Catholic Church for keeping a poor record of sexual abuse allegations and engaging in practices that likely harmed those who reported abuse.

The attorney general's office called one of the priests, Father Harold Robert White, "the most prolific known clergy child sex abuser in Colorado history."

"His sexual abuse of children began before he was ordained in 1960, and it continued for at least 21 years in at least 6 parishes from Denver to Colorado Springs to Sterling to Loveland to Minturn to Aspen," the report read. "During that time, it is more likely than not he sexually abused at least 63 children."

The Denver Archdiocese knew about the sexual abuses allegations against White, according to the report.

"When he had sexually abused enough children at a parish that scandal threatened to erupt, the Denver Archdiocese moved him to a new one geographically distant enough that White was not known there," the report read. "The Denver Archdiocese repeated this cycle at least 6 times and never once restricted his ministry, or removed him from ministry, or sent him off for genuine psychiatric evaluation and care."

The Archdiocese of Denver has launched two reparations programs over the past 13 years to support sexual abuse survivors. The programs offer victims counseling and assistance.

“The damage inflicted upon young people and their families by sexual abuse, especially when it’s committed by a trusted person like a priest, is profound," Archbishop of Denver Samuel J. Aquila said in a statement. "And while money can’t heal wounds, it can acknowledge the evil that was done and help restore peace and dignity to the survivors."

Aquila is encouraging any victims to report abuse.

"No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, we hope anyone who is still suffering in silence will be encouraged to come forward," his statement read, in part. "If any survivor also wishes to meet personally with me, my door will be open."

Catholic leaders who face some of the most scathing accusations include Father Robert Banigan, Father Joseph Bosetti, Father Timothy Evans and Father Neil Hewitt.

Read the full report from the Colorado Attorney General's Office.