List Of 18 Fort Wayne-South Bend Priests Accused Of Sex Abuse

FORT WAYNE, IN — The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has released the names of the priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. In a statement, the diocese announced Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades released the names Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 18, which are listed on the diocesan website.

According to the statement, Bishop Rhoades recently stated the importance for victims to see their abusers' names in the public eye “for all to see. For everyone to know the pain caused by these priests.” Bishop Rhoades added, “It is my hope that by releasing these names, the innocent victims of these horrific and heartbreaking crimes can finally begin the process of healing.”

According to the diocese, the list of the names of priests and deacons who have served in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and have been credibly accused of at least one act of sexual abuse of a minor consists of:

• James Blume
• Michael Buescher
• Brian Carsten
• William Ehrman
• William Gieranowski
• John Gillig
• Gabriel Hernandez
• Edward Krason
• Paul LeBrun, CSC
• Thomas Lombardi
• Robert Mahoney
• Eldon Miller
• Edward O. Paquette
• Cornelius Ryan, CSC
• James Seculoff
• Richard Stieglitz
• Richard Thompson
• James Trepanier, CSC.

The list of those credibly accused was put together with the help of the Diocesan Review Board, who Bishop Rhoades followed the recommendations of in order to determine the list's credibility and purpose, the statement said.

A full list of Diocesan Review Board members and their biographies can be found on the diocesan website.

Last week, the diocese said Bishop Rhoades was exonerated by prosecutors after being accused of inappropriate conduct from his time as a pastor at a Pennsylvania parish during the nineties.

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According to the diocese, Bishop Rhoades has reiterated the diocese commitment to protect children and young people, saying, “We must be vigilant in our efforts to protect our youth. With the Lord’s guidance and love, we will do so.”

More information on what constitutes as a "credible accusation" or what went into the list, visit todayscatholic.org.

For support, contact Mary Glowaski, victim’s assistance coordinator, at mglowaski@diocesefwsb.org or 260-399-1458; or Father Mark Gurtner, JCL, vicar general, at 260-399-1422.

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