Arizona Catholic Church Priest & Clergy Sex Abuse List

Arizona Priest Sex Abuse List: A list of Roman Catholic Priests & Clergy members of the Arizona Diocese accused of sex abuse and/or sexual assault of minors.

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Merson Law has compiled a list of Roman Catholic Priests and Clergy members (the Arizona priest sex abuse list) accused of sexual abuse and/or sexual assault of minors. The Sexual Assault team at Merson Law specializes in Catholic Clergy and Priest Sex Abuse and Sexual Assault cases.

This information found in this list is compiled from the Database of Publicly Accused Priests and 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.

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Arizona Priest Sex Abuse List

Merson Law’s Arizona Priest Sex Abuse List was compiled from accounts of sexual abuse by a member of the Arizona Catholic Church network. The names in this list are only those that have been found to be credible, however it is likely that there are names missing, due to the sheer number of accounts and the historical aversion to transparency by the Catholic Church.

This list is not endorsed by the Archdiocese, which has yet to release the names of priests found guilty through its own internal investigations.

Last Name First Name Diocese Notes
Bandiho Solomon Phoenix, AZ Priest of the Bukoba diocese in Tanzania. Administrator of Holy Cross parish in Mesa AZ 7/14-12/14. Caught in sting seeking to pay for sex with 16-yr-old girl. Arrested 12/12/14 on suspicion of child prostitution. Also assisted at St. Helen in Glendale. Removed from ministry. Doctoral student at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara Univ. in Berkeley CA; AZ assignment was part of work-study.
Bredemann George V. Phoenix, AZ Attended 3 seminaries; one said he should never be a priest. Former executive for Boy Scouts. Abused 15 boys before becoming a priest and at least 8 after. Arrested 1988. Sentenced 1 yr jail in 1989 and lifetime probation (after intervention by Bp O’Brien). Victims were 8, 10 and 14 yrs old. Arrested in Miami trying to flee to Brazil. Sentenced to 45 years. Civil suits filed in 1990 and 1992; settled 1991 & 1994. ishop knew of past allegations prior to ordination. Laicized 2003. Died in prison 4/12.
Briceno (Brecino) Joseph Cervantez Phoenix, AZ Placed on leave in 1992 after accusations he abused a young brother and sister in early 1980s. Privileges not permanently removed until 2002. Indicted 2003. Left for Mexico in 1992 and was an active priest there. Diocese asked him to return but he refused. Finally waived extradition and was returned to Phoenix in Jan. 2006. Trial started 10/11/06. Pleaded guilty 10/16/06. Sentenced to 2 yrs prison and 3 yrs probation and to register as sex offender.
Colleary Patrick J. Phoenix, AZ Accused in 2002 of abusing an 11-yr-old boy in 1979. Arrested 12/02 but released on technicality because incident had been reported to police more than 7 yrs previously. Fled to Ireland. Woman says he seduced her in mid 1970s when she was 17. Accused of abuse of another boy in 1970s and indicted 2003. Extradition denied. Civil suit filed and settled.
Florez (Flores) Laurence (Lawrence) Phoenix, AZ Ordained for Gallup NM diocese. Became priest of Phoenix diocese when it was when established in 1969. Two men (one was his nephew) claimed abuse over a period of several years by Florez, J. Giandelone, and Henry Perez. Abuse of both boys allegedly occurred while Florez was under treatment at St. Joseph’s Center. Civil suit filed 6/30/93. On 5/16/96 the AZ Supreme Court at 1996 Ariz. Lexis 59 ruled that 1 plaintiff’s case barred by SOL. No mention of 2nd plaintiff in ruling. Florez left priesthood before the suit was filed. He is deceased. On Gallup diocese’s list 12/10/18.
Fushek Dale J. Phoenix, AZ Vicar General 200-2004. Named Monsignor 2/02. Civil suit settled 2002. Accused of sexual harassment. by a Life Teen staff member. Criminal charges filed 11/05 re abuse of five youths 1985-1994. Another civil suit filed in 2005 alleged that he gave a youth alcohol and masturbated while the youth was molested by Mark Lehman. This suit settled in 12/06 for $100K. In 2007 established the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, AZ. Executive Director. Excommunicated by Bishop 12/08 for offering his own non-denominational services. Laicization announced 2/16/10. Pleaded guilty to 1 count 4/10. Sentenced to 364 days probation.
Giandelone John Maurice Phoenix, AZ Arrested in 1984 and confessed that he had molested youth for several yrs.. Civil suit filed 3/04. Pled guilty in 1985 to attempted sexual misconduct with minor; sentenced to 1 yr jail on work furlough and 5 yr probation. Named in other civil suit in1993 & 2003. Convicted again in 2003 and sentenced to 1 yr 10 mo in prison & 3 yrs probation for abuse in 1979. Lives in Ft. Myers, FL as of 2/10. On national Sex Offender Registry. Reportedly voluntarily left the priesthood.
Gielow Charles Phoenix, AZ Phoenix Diocese announced 3/14 that Order had recently revealed a credible allegation against Gielow involving sexual abuse of a minor in late 1970s. Served at Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott from 1960 to 1966. Also spent time at Calif State at Los Angeles and East Los Angeles Colleges before becoming Chaplain of Newman Club at Southwest Texas State Univ (San Marcos) from 1969-1975. Also worked at Cursillo Center, now known as the Mount Claret Retreat Center, from January 1976 to June 1980. Died 06/29/80
Graf Harold P. Phoenix, AZ Suspended in 6/02 for sexual misconduct with a child. Article says diocese learned of abuse in 1994; another says 1974. On-line petition in support of Graf said the matter occurred 28 years prior and was handled then. Per a 5/03 article, Graf had been assigned to nine parishes and the Newman Center at Northern AZ University prior to his suspension. Permanently barred from ministry by Bishop O’Brien. No criminal or civil charges filed.
Henn Joseph John Phoenix, AZ Civil suit filed 6/03 by one accuser. Indicted by grand jury 7/03 on 13 counts of child molestation of 3 boys between 1979-1981. Found working in Rome and arrested 7/05. Officials refused to make him return to states. He fought extradition while living under house arrest in Rome. Official extradition ordered 7/06 but Henn fled just prior to announcement and current whereabouts unknown. 1 civil suit settled for $50,000 in 2006.
Hurtado Jose Phoenix, AZ Per 10/06 article, there is one outstanding civil suit naming Hurtado as an abuser. Hurtado died in 1981. No further information known.
Lam Sung Phoenix, AZ Lam, a priest from Cambodia, was acused in 1993 of lewd and lascivious acts, a misdemeanor, but was not prosecuted. No further information found. Not in 1993 or 2002 Catholic Directory.
LeClaire Karl Phoenix, AZ Placed on leave 2001. Man filed suit 8/02 alleging that LeClaire abused him for 7 yrs beginning when he was 13. LeClaire was parish priest and princial of parish grade school. LeClaire would take boy with him on trips and cruises to Alaska and Mediterranean. Indicted 5/03 and pled guilty 10/04. Sentenced 1/05 to 1 yr jail and 3 yrs probation. One claim re abuse in 1993 settled for $40K in 2006.
Lehman Mark Allen Phoenix, AZ Placed on leave 1990. Sentenced in 1992 to 10 yrs prison without parole for fondling one young girl and sentenced to life time parole for abuse of 3 additional girls and one boy. Released from prison 2002. Diocese provided financial support while in prison and gave him $1000 and other benefits when released. 1/05 civil suit alleging abuse of 1 youth in 1985 was settled 12/06 for $100K. Laicized 4/12/06. Listed on AZ sex offender registry.
Lessard Joseph Marcel Phoenix, AZ Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. Two felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors in a plea bargain after Bishop O’Brien wrote to the judge requesting leniency because Lessard was remorseful. Sentence was three years probation and $100 fine. Continued to work as priest, including time as a hospital chaplain in the Rockford IL diocese. Removed from ministry by hospital and Rockford diocese in 2/01. Removed from ministry by Phoenix diocese 2002. Phoenix diocese settled the civil case in 2006 for $50K. Living in Thailand per 11/06 article. On Rockford diocese’s list 11/14/18.
Lopez Jorge Ortiz Phoenix, AZ Man filed suit in 1994 alleging that he was altar boy at Sacred Heart in Prescott in 1975 and that Lopez molested him in the rectory. Police report at the time indicated that the victim was intoxicated when he entered Lopez’s room but Lopez admitted full responsibility and punishment for the abuse. He promised to pay for victim’s counseling but did not. Suit settled 1996. Also served in Oakland diocese.
Madrid Saul Phoenix, AZ Man had filed suit 6/03 alleging that Madrid, a native of Mexico, had drugged and sexually assaulted him in 1987 when he was a minor. Suit says officials of the Archdiocese used spiritual arguments and victim’s devout faith to keep him from filing lawsuit or reporting the abuse when it occurred. Madrid was sent for treatment to Paraclete center in 1988 and then was reassigned. Resigned 2002. Civil suit settled 2005.
Minogue Michael Phoenix, AZ Accused of sexual harassment of a young man. Resigned in 2005. First reports said he resigned for health reasons. Later clarified. Reinstated in Jan. 2007. Shown as “retired” per the Diocesan website accessed on 6/4/08.
Morgan Harry R. Phoenix, AZ Ordained for Gallup diocese. Became a priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was created in 1969. Arrested 2/17/75 on charges he abused a 9-year-old boy at Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills AZ. Pled no contest 8/75. Sentenced to 10 years probation 10/75. Died in 1995. Newly named on Phoenix diocese’s list released 10/15/12. Added to Gallup diocese’s list 12/10/18.
O’Brien Thomas J. (Bishop) Phoenix, AZ Phoenix bishop 1982-2003. In 6/03, to avoid indictment on a charge of obstructing justice, admitted to covering up child sex abuse by priests, a felony. Arrested days later, charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident. Resigned. Convicted in 2/04, received probation and community service. Accused in 1/17 lawsuit of repeated sexual abuse of a boy when he was a 2nd to 5th grader at St. Aquinas in Litchfield and St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, 1977-1982. Abuse allegedly including oral sex. O’Brien denied the allegations. Diocese notified in 9/16. Died 8/26/18.
Pelton Maxwell “Ron” Phoenix, AZ Ordained deacon from Nov 1991 until October 2000 at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood. He retired in 2000. Pelton was arrested 10/09 and charged with molesting a 10 yr old boy for several months. Faculties revoked by Bishop. Named in civl suitfiled 5/10 which is set for trial 3/14. Died 11/11/10 before final charges filed.
Perez Henry Phoenix, AZ Incardinated in Phoenix as Marist. Sued twice in Phoenix 1993. Accused of abuse. Incardinated in Orange 1989. Leave in 1991. Appears on both LA archdiocese report errata and on Orange report of abusive priests. 2 civil suits 2003. Left priesthood to marry .Indicted in Phoenix 2003 for abuse of 2 in 1970s-early 1980s. Died early 2003.
Rausch (Bp) James S. Phoenix, AZ Former Sec. General of the NCCB, Rausch was bishop of Phoenix Diocese from 1977 until his death in 1981. In 11/01 man gave a deposition in a case involving the Tucson Diocese and Msgr. Robert Trupia in which he stated that he was 17 when he began a sexual relationship with Rausch and over 18 when he was involved with Trupia. and William T. Byrne. Trupia attempted to blackmail Tucson Diocese in 1992 by saying that he would release info on Bishop Rausch and the young man.
Salinas Marcel Phoenix, AZ In 1976, Salinas was the Phoenix Diocese director of Cursillos. As of Oct. 2006, one outstanding lawsuit names Salinas as an abuser while he served at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mesa. Died 3/26/97. Lived in Mesa AZ No further information found.
Sherwood Wilputte Alanson ‘Lan’ Phoenix, AZ Arrested 1984 and 1986 for public indecency. Arrested and convicted 1993 of sexual contact and attempted sexual contact with a 14 yr old boy in 1987 at St. Benedict Church in Chandler. Sentenced to 10 yrs in prison. Wrote in diary of over 1800 male partners,of whom 22 were minors. Released from jail 11/03 and placed at Arizona State Hospital for evaluation as sex offender. On lifetime probation. Disappeared 2005 until 11/08 arrest. On AZ sex offender registry 2/4/12.
Spaulding John D. “Jack” Phoenix, AZ Removed without faculties 6/11 when accused of sexual misconduct with minor in mid-1980s at St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale. Review board found allegation credible. County Atty did not investigate since no complaint received (because alleged victim was dead). 2nd man filed complaint 8/11 but SOL prevented prosecution. Two more accusers came forward. Father of original victim filed suit 6/12. Special Tribunal in Rome 1/14 recommended laicization. Must be approved by Vatican.
Suttle Richard Allen Phoenix, AZ Accused 2008 of sexual abuse 1982-83 at Sacred Heart grammar school in Prescott AZ as teacher and coach. Phoenix diocese investigated; referred case to Claretians whose review board found allegation credible, i.e. possible. Suttle denies. Bourgade Catholic HS in Phoenix 1988-98; Vietnam missionary 2002; principal of Sacred Heart 2006-2008. In residence IHM parish in San Antonio TX Summer 2008. Assigned in 2010 to direct HS in East Nigeria. As of 6/13 in Buenos Aires Argentina with Claretian UN team.
Van de Ven Kenneth A. Phoenix, AZ Accused of sexual harassment of a young male and placed on leave in 6/05. Congregation initially told he left for health reasons. Later statment clarified situation. In 1/07, Diocese would have reinstated him but he declined.
Vovko John Willliam Phoenix, AZ Ordained in Cleveland Diocese. Came to Arizona in approx. 1986. Served as teacher at Mesa High School. Convicted 1990 and sentenced to 1 yr in jail for trying to molest a boy, age 2. Lifetime probation. His teaching certificate was to have been revoked. He is shown as “absent on leave” from Cleveland per the 1988 Catholic Directory. Not in 1989, 1990 or 1993 editions.
Butler Richard Edmund Tucson, AZ Butler was a Dominican priest and served in Tucson at St. Thomas More Newman Center from 1968 to 1974. While in Tucson, Butler was chaplain-director of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, a Mexican mariachi band of young men between the ages of 13-17, and travelled with them on tour throughout the United States and Mexico. He died in 1988. In 3/03 Diocese reviewed personnel files and announced Butler and others had been subject of credible allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.
Byrne William T. Tucson, AZ Byrne accused of molesting a youth in 1970s. Suit filed 4/99. At least one other suit filed against Byrne. In 2/02 Diocese announced it had settled 11 civil suits involving 10 plaintiffs for $14M. Unknown number of these cases alleged abuse by Byrne.Two sisters filed suit 8/02 alleging that Byrne abused their brothers during the 1960s and that the brothers then abused the two sisters. At least one of the brothers had participated in the Feb. 2002 settlement. Byrne died 1991.
Callanan Patrick J. Tucson, AZ Callanan, who died in 1975, is included on 6/02 list of 15 priests with ties to Tucson Diocese who are alleged to have abused minors. Article says allegation was received in 6/02. No other information known.
Cocio Carlos Tucson, AZ Per 6/02 statement from Diocese, Cocio was suspended form ministry in 1993 after allegations of sexual misconduct with an adult. Also in 1993, a parent made allegation to Diocese concerning child sexual abuse that had been reported to sheriff in 1989. Sheriff decided not to prosecute but a report was given to diocese at that time. Still on leave per 2002 Catholic Directory and still being supported by church per 2007 article.
Cordova Hernandez Jorge Washington Tucson, AZ Home diocese is Quito, Ecuador. Accused in 2005 of abusing two teenage girls during his assignment to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma from 1988 to 1991. He was indicted but fled to Ecuador before he could be arrested. He was arrested by police in Spain in 6/07 and was expected to be extradited to the US. Indicted in 2 counties. Unable to locate further information.
DeChant Ron Tucson, AZ DeChant worked as a deacon at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson from 1981 to 1984. Diocese announced in 2004 that it had learned from police that DeChant had been arrested in 1984 after an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with minors. DeChant died in 1984.
Doran John P. Tucson, AZ Per 9/02 article, Doran was accused of abuse in 1963. Per a church spokesman, the diocese was also aware of another potential allegation from the same time period. Abuse may have actually occurred in Phoenix which was part of Tucson diocese at the time. Doran retired in 1990 and died in 1997.
Dyke George M Tucson, AZ Dyke, who died in 1971, was placed on leave in 1965 and was laicized in 1968 at his own request. Trained at Catholic University in Washington DC 1949-1951. Dean 1953-1960. His name was released in 2003 by the Tucson diocese as having been named in credible accusations of child molestation. No information on victims or time of abuse.
Gluch Robert A. Tucson, AZ Multiple allegations. Per a 2002 lawsuit, abused a boy beginning at age 13 in 1965. Sued at least twice in 2003 in Arizona. Also sued in California. Died 1993. At least two claims included in Tucson settlement as part of bankruptcy.
Guillen Juan Tucson, AZ Pled guilty in 2003 to abuse of three boys. Received 10-year sentence & lifetime probation. Seven plaintiffs filed four civil suits by 2004. Some abuse alleged to have occurred in Monterey CA diocese. Some claims included in 2005/2006 settlement in AZ. Trial of one suit filed in CA was set for 6/09. Suit alleged abuse of one youth for years by Guillen and Velez, beginning in 1988 when boy was age eight. Settled 5/09 for $1.2M. Removed from priesthood 2005. Released from prison 10/11 and broke probation. On Monterey diocese’s list 1/2/19. It notes report to diocese in 2003 of abuse in 1992.
Judd Richard Tucson, AZ In 3/03 Diocese released names of Judd and four other priests and a deacon who had been accused of abuse. News release said Judd was living in Tucson in early 1970s and had an employment relationship with Salpointe Catholic High School and two churches. Deceased (possibly in 1988). No specific information on victims. Might be the same priest as Rev Richard P Judd of Buffalo; see that entry in this database.
Manzo Fernando L. Tucson, AZ Civil suit filed 1/04 by Manzo’s nephew alleging abuse by his uncle for 4 years, beginning when Plaintiff was 8. Some of the abuse is alleged to have occurred at San Felipe De Jesus Parish in Nogales so Diocese is named as a Defendant. Police investigating. Bishop placed Manzo on leave in 12/03 and Manzo fled. Diocese reports he was “removed from priesthood” in 2010.
Meunier Lucien J Tucson, AZ AKA Pedro Luke, Luke Munier, Lucien Muernier, Pedro Luc de la Pierre, etc. Native of Canada. Bishops there allegedly knew of his abuse of at least 1 child as early as 1966. ‘Pilgrim priest’ went from diocese to diocese. Accused of molesting 10-year-old CO boy in 1972. Pueblo bishop arranged for treatment at Servants of Paraclete in NM; Meunier didn’t show up. USCCB president Cardinal Bernardin said to have been warned. Meunier granted faculties in Tucson AZ 1974. Convicted 1976 of abusing two boys there. Spent 2 years at AZ mental health facility, released; apparently charges dropped, guilty charge vacated. Charged 10/89 with abuse of 6 boys in British Columbia in 1950s and 1960s. Also accused of abuse of girl. Died 1/20/90 days before scheduled extradition to Canada. Named in many law suits filed 1998-2004. Name included on Gallup diocese’s 12/14 list of credibly accused clerics.
Miller Francis Tucson, AZ Miller was ordained for the Order of Discalced Carmelites in 1949 and apparently worked at St. Margaret Mary parish in the Tucson diocese between 1955 and 1963. He left the diocese in 1963. As of 2005 he was living in a retirement facility run by the Order. 3/03 article reports credible accusations of child molestation against him. He has been placed on leave.
Miranda Ray Tucson, AZ In 3/03. the names of Miranda, a deacon for the diocese from 1982-1983, and five priests were identified by the Diocese as child abusers. Miranda served at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista for the year that he served as a deacon. He wassuspended from all ministry in 1983 and has not functioned as a deacon since that time. No indication of age or sex of victim or Miranda’s current status in 2007.
Oliver John A. Tucson, AZ Per 2002 article, in 1967 Oliver was alleged to have picked up a 14-year-old boy who was hitchhiking home. Instead of taking him home, boy says Oliver drove him to a house, gave him alcohol and molested him. Diocese said Oliver pleaded guilty but it is unclear what plea involved. He was sentenced to 6 or 7 yrs probation. Sheriff’s report from case included a comment suggesting prior cover-ups by the diocese. Retired in 2000; placed on leave 5/02. Supervised R. Trupia. Deceased prior to 8/11.
Pirrung George Tucson, AZ Man came forward in 2003 to say that Pirrung molested him in mid 1950s. Tucson Diocese then searched archives and found 2 more allegations dating to 1966. Archives revealed no action on the part of Diocese. Diocese now says all allegations are credible.Reports referred to police; no action expected due to statute of limitations. Became part of the Phoenix Diocese when it was created in 1969; retired from there in 1997. Phoenix diocese removed his priestly faculties after learning of the allegations.
Purcell Thomas Patrick Tucson, AZ Name appeared in 6/02 article listing 15 priests with ties to Tucson diocese who had been accused of child sexual abuse. Purcell worked in the Tucson diocese from 1982-1984 as a visiting priest. Came from St. Louis area. Convicted 2003 of abuse of 13 yr old in 1982-1983. Received 9.5-year sentence. In 8/11, Tucson refers to him as a Diocese of Fresno priest who has been suspended from ministry.
Ranft Paul J. Tucson, AZ One woman filed suit 6/04 alleging abuse by Ranft and six other priests while she was a student at Immaculate Heart Academy from 1962-1965. Ranft is the main abuser listed in the petition and other priests are mostly identified only by last names. Ranft, who died in 2001 at age of 86, moved to Tucson from Kentucky in 1953 because of health problems, including severe asthma.
Riol Claudio Tucson, AZ Riol, a native of Peru, was added 12/04 to the Diocese’s list of priests with “credible allegations.” He worked in the Diocese between 1960 and 1966. Also named in 4/05 civil suit re abuse at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent in Tucson. Deceased.
Riter Rosaria Tucson, AZ In 11/03 Diocese of Tucson announced credible sexual abuse allegations against Sr. Riter dating back to 1949-1953 when she served on faculty of Sacred heart School. Riter died in 1996. Allegations were reported to police. Complainant was a boy at the time of the abuse but no other specific information as to age.
Rosensweig Walter F. Tucson, AZ In 3/96, man sued Rosensweig and Diocese alleging abuse on at least two occasions in 1981. Suit settled out of court 8/97 with no amount disclosed. Rosensweig was former chancellor of diocese. He was placed on leave in 1996. He retired in 2001. In 6/02 the diocese ordered him not to perform any public ministry because of the past allegations. Named in second lawsuit filed 11/03.
Rourke Charles Tucson, AZ Rourke was suspended from ministry in 1984 for alcohol related medical reasons. Committed suicide in 1993. Diocese became aware of allegations of child abuse against him. On leave of absence 1969-1973 and assigned to Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Returned to duty with Tucson diocese in 1973-1975 and 1981-1984, with another leave of absence 1975-1981 between those assignments. Died by suicide 4/14/93 while under investigation for alleged abuse of children in Albuquerque. Named in civil suit which settled in 2006 as part of Tucson bankruptcy. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused on 9/12/17. On Diocese of San Bernardino list 10/9/18. Diocese aware in 1979 of alleged abuse in 1979.
Sanz Julian Tucson, AZ Sanz, a native of Spain, came to diocese in 1980. Became diocesan priest in 1994. Placed on leave 10/02 after youth said he had been molested in Aug. Another victim came forward later to say he was molested at age 11 during confession in 1982. Arrested in 2/03 on 2 counts of sexual abuse of a child and pleaded no contest to allegations Sentenced to prison for 5 yrs in 10/03. Civil suit filed 1/04 by the same man in criminal charges. “Removed from priesthood 2010.”
Schlueter/Schleuter Clemens M. Tucson, AZ Ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville. Moved to Diocese of Tucson in 1961. Name spelled variously as “Schleuter” and “Schlueter, ” consistently “Schlueter” after 1965. Incardinated into Tucson diocese in 1978. Retired in 1990. Announcement in 6/02 that Schlueter had been suspended from ministry in 1997 after the diocese learned of an allegation of child abuse dating to the 1960s. Died 9/09.
Schoolcraft Byron Wayne Tucson, AZ Per Diocese of Tucson list accessed 8/5/11, Schoolcraft has been suspended from ministry as deacon. He served at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson from 1981-1984. No further information found.
Speers Phillip G. Tucson, AZ Speers, a former seminary student and teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma, was accused of abusing at least 5 girls in 2nd grade class in 1999-2000 as well as possession of child pornography. $1.8M settlement in 2003 with 5 girls andtheir families. Convicted in 2002 and 2003 but decisions reversed by AZ court of appeals. Retried 8/07 and found guilty. Sentenced to 34 yrs in prison. Possession of child porn charges dropped.
Stencil Steven G. Tucson, AZ Vocations director. In 2000 a youth complained to Church officials that Stencil had groped him at a pool party in 1999 when he was 17. The matter was turned over to police. Church investigation said it was accidental. Same youth complained again in 2002. Placed on leave in 2001 after violating diocesan policy forbidding priests from being in the company of minors overnight. He had taken a trip to Mexico with one parent and several teenage boys. Diocese said he was “removed from priesthood” in 2011.
Stromberg Floyd G. Tucson, AZ Stromberg named in 9/02 article about sexual misconduct with minors. He retired 3/02 but was placed on leave 7/02 after confirming a 1966 allegation that surfaced 6/02. Named in 4/05 civil suit as one of several abusers of girl at Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent between 1954-1938. Also named in 3/06 suit by one man claiming abuse at same convent. Died 12/2007.
Teta Michael J. Tucson, AZ Came to Tucson from Trenton Diocese in 1978 and became member of Tucson Diocese in 1982. Abuse alleged to have occurred during his first assignment in Tucson from 1978-1980. Placed on leave in 1991. Accused of child abuse in several of the 11 lawsuits filed between 1999 and 2002 which were settled by Tucson Diocese 1/02. Named in another suit filed 9/04. Laicization announced 8/5/04. Often associated with R. Trupia, another abuser. Diocese paid him $900 mo from 1991-2004.
Thompson James Tucson, AZ Thompson’s name appears for the first time in 2/04 articles reflecting information released by Diocese on 26 priests with credible accusations of child sexual abuse. . Article says that he served at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix in 1964-65 when the parish was in the Diocese of Tucson. Thompson died in 1982. No information on victim or age at time of alleged abuse.
Trupia Robert C. Tucson, AZ Served as Judicial Vicar. Accusations date back to seminary. Suspended in 1992. Named in several suits from 1994 – 2002. Claims included in 11 lawsuits which were settled by Tucson Diocese 1/02. Arrested and charged 2001. 7 criminal charges dismissed on SOL 2001. One suit set for trial 6/04. Bp Moreno and other diocese staff did affidavits re Trupia refusal of treatment in 1992 and his blackmail and allegations about another Bishop in Diocese. Laicized 2004. Living in MD in 2010.
Underwood Gary E. Tucson, AZ Arraigned 11/06 on 8 counts of molesting two boys under the age of 15 in 1983 and 1984 at St. Odilia’s Catholic Church. He was at the church from 1982-1988. He was working as Air Force chaplain in Louisiana when the diocese placed him on leave. Indicted again 5/07 on charges of abusing another youth in 1985-1986. Pleaded guilty 5/08 to abuse of 3. Sentenced to 10 yrs prison & lifetime probation 8/08. In 7/09 Court had to reduce probation to 3 yrs.
Zamorano Richard Tucson, AZ It was learned in 6/06 that Zamorano had been removed by Tucson diocese in 2012 after he took a mentally disabled adult parishioner to a motel, gave him alcohol and sexually assaulted him. Zamorano was also a teacher at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson at the time of his removal. District Attorney’s office investigated but no charges were filed. Civil suit filed 6/14 naming Zamorano, Diocese of Tucson and Diocese of El Paso where Zamorano worked at San Elizario Parish before coming to Tucson in 2002. He took a leave of absence from El Paso to care for his mother in Tucson. The 2010 Catholic Directory says he was still part of El Paso on duty outside the diocese.

Please note that this Arizona priest sex abuse list is not an exhaustive and complete list because new information of sexual abuses and sexual assaults by priests and clergy of the Roman Catholic Church becomes available daily.

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