Youngstown Clergy Accused Of Sexual Misconduct With Minors: List

YOUNGSTOWN, OH — The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has released the names of clergy that have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The list includes names and accusations dating back to 1943, the diocese said.

“I am very sorry that the Church has failed to act aggressively to eliminate this evil. I humbly ask forgiveness from the victims and their families for the grave mistakes the Church has made," said Bishop George V. Murry, in a press release.

The diocese said it defined a "credible accusation" as an accusation that was thoroughly investigated and included a review of available information, and appears more likely to be true than not true, in the eyes of the Diocesan Review Board. Bishop Murry also had to accept the accusations as credible.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, the diocese is urging you to make direct contact with law enforcement. Victims can also contact retired Detective Sergeant Delphine Baldwin-Casey, the victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Youngstown at 330-718-1388.

The diocese broke the accused into several categories. The list will be supplemented if further accusations emerge, the diocese promised.

First, the clergy against whom credible and substantiated accusations were made while they were alive.

• Robert Burns
• Thomas Crum
• Anthony Esposito
• Richard Evritt
• James Fondriest (deceased)
• Ernest Formichelli (permanent deacon)
• Paul Gubser (deceased)
• John Hammer
• Robert Hill (deceased)
• Thomas Kelly (deceased)
• Donald Oser (deceased)
• Robert Reidy
• John Ryan (deceased)
• Robert Sabatino (deceased)
• Louis Santucci
• John Schmidt (deceased)
• William Smaltz
• John Warner
• Francis Zapitelli (deceased)

Clergy who were deceased when they were accused credibly of sexual misconduct with a minor:

• Joseph Bennett
• John P. Cunningham
• Gerald Curran
• Joseph Galganski
• Henry Gallagher
• John Gallagher
• James Hennessey
• John Lyons
• John Parillo

Clergy from Religious Orders against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made while serving in the Diocese of Youngstown:

• Bernard Dupont, OP
• Donald Marrokal, CR (deceased)
• Giles Nealen, OSB (deceased)

Clergy from other Dioceses against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made and who have subsequently resided in the territory of the Diocese of Youngstown.

• Robert Castelucci (Diocese of Pittsburgh)
• Anthony Cipola (Diocese of Pittsburgh, deceased)

Non-Clergy from Religious Orders against whom credible, substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made while employed in the Diocese of Youngstown:

• Stephen Baker, TOR (deceased)

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland maintains an ongoing list of clergy that are under investigation.

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Photo from Renee Schiavone, Patch