North Carolina Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List

List of Accused Priests in North Carolina

The issue of clergy and child sexual abuse within the North Carolina Catholic Diocese has a profound historical context. Over the years, numerous allegations have surfaced, revealing widespread abuse and the deep scars left on survivors.

Injury Lawyer Team is dedicated to seeking justice for these brave individuals, ensuring their voices are heard. We strive to hold the Catholic Church accountable and provide a path toward healing for all those affected by this injustice.

Diocese of Charlotte NC

Donald Philip Baker

• Accused
  

Public disclosure occurred on December 29, 2019, when the Diocese of Charlotte identified Baker on its list of clergy accused of sexual abuse of minors. The allegation involved sexual abuse of a teenage boy over a period spanning 1986 to 1989. The disclosure formed part of the diocese’s review and release of historical abuse allegations.

Charles Jeffries Burton

• Accused
  

In 1982, allegations surfaced that Burton engaged in inappropriate touching of a minor. He was placed on leave and acknowledged the misconduct to church authorities. Following that acknowledgment, Burton was reassigned to ministry within the Diocese of Camden, where he continued clerical service after the initial intervention.

Aloysius Joseph D’Silva

• Accused
  

A report received by the diocese in 1998 alleged that D’Silva touched and kissed a teenage girl. A subsequent review of diocesan files determined that the allegation was considered credible. The matter was handled internally within diocesan processes addressing misconduct involving minors.

Eugene D. Corbesero

• Convicted
  

His clerical work included assignments across five states before he left his religious order in either 1979 or 1981 and was laicized in 1983. Corbesero later pled guilty to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in New Jersey. He received a prison sentence of five years following the conviction.

John Gallagher

• Accused
  

A teenage girl accused Gallagher of inappropriate touching while he was temporarily filling in at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe. The family involved chose not to pursue criminal charges. The allegation nonetheless entered the diocesan record as part of its handling of complaints involving minors.

Richard B. Farwell

• Convicted
  

Placed on leave in 1985, he was sent to the House of Affirmation in Massachusetts for treatment and returned to the Diocese of Charlotte in 1988. In 1999, allegations arose involving abuse of a boy aged 10 to 12. Farwell was indicted in 2002, leading to criminal proceedings.

P. Patrick Gavigan

• Accused
  

He was publicly identified as accused of sexually abusing a girl in 1973 at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro. The allegation became public through diocesan disclosure of historical abuse claims. Gavigan denied the allegation, and no criminal conviction was reported in connection with the matter.

Patrick T. Hoare

• Accused
  

Serving as pastor of St. Matthew’s Parish in Charlotte, Hoare was placed on leave in December 2019 following allegations of sexual abuse of a minor dating back approximately 25 years. He appealed the decision to the Vatican. Despite the appeal, he has remained on leave from ministry.

Francis P. Gillespie

• Sued
  

The Jesuits removed Gillespie from ministry pending investigation of allegations that he sexually abused a boy beginning at age eight between 1994 and 1999. Gillespie later filed a civil lawsuit on November 18, 2021, placing the dispute into formal litigation.

Adelbert Holmes

• Accused
  

Holmes was publicly identified as credibly accused in April 2019 by the Diocese of Owensboro. His clerical work included assignments in North Carolina, Ohio, Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and Georgia. He was also identified in connection with abuse allegations originating in Franklin, Kentucky.

Donald J. Joyce

• Settled
  

He was accused of sexually abusing two boys at Bishop Fallon High School in Buffalo, New York, during the 1960s. One allegation involved abuse from ages 11 to 13 between 1964 and 1966, and another from ages 15 to 18 between 1962 and 1965. Joyce was barred from priestly work by at least 2002 and formally restricted by 2011.

John Brian Kaup

• Sued
  

A civil lawsuit was filed by a 17-year-old girl alleging sexual abuse and assault while Kaup served as a seminarian and youth minister. Kaup filed a countersuit asserting the relationship was consensual and known to the girl’s parents. The dispute proceeded through civil litigation.

Michael Joseph Kelleher

• Sued
  

Originally from Ireland, Kelleher was a Trappist monk who served in Ireland and New Zealand before leaving the order. He was removed from his assignment as chaplain at Bishop McGuinness High School after an accusation of sexual misconduct involving a 14-year-old boy in 1977. The allegation later entered civil proceedings.

Peter Tan Van Le

• Accused
  

He was publicly named by the Diocese of Charlotte in 2019 as accused of sexually abusing multiple minors. The disclosure occurred as part of the diocese’s release of clergy names connected to substantiated or credible allegations of abuse involving children.

William J. Kuder

• Accused
  

Allegations stated that Kuder sexually abused a boy between the ages of nine and thirteen beginning in 1952 at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Asheville. Two brothers of the alleged victim later stated that Kuder similarly abused them at comparable ages, expanding the scope of the accusations.

Patrick F. Leonard

• Accused
  

Leonard was removed from his parish assignment in Charlotte after allegations of sexual abuse were deemed credible. The removal occurred through diocesan action addressing complaints involving minors. No further public details regarding dates or specific assignments were disclosed.

Damion Jacques Lynch

• Settled
  

A civil lawsuit filed in 1998 alleged that Lynch sexually abused twin brothers during the 1990s. He was sent to residential treatment and later reassigned to a Charlotte parish in 1997. Lynch requested leave in 1998 and was laicized in 2009 following resolution of the claims.

Donald F. Scales

• Accused
  

Scales was publicly identified as accused on February 14, 2019, by the Diocese of Richmond after it received information from the Diocese of Charlotte. He denied the allegation during his lifetime. Scales died in 2008, prior to the public disclosure.

Edward William Smith

• Accused
  

Smith was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Glenmary Home Missioners on October 11, 2019. He also appeared on disclosure lists issued by the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, as well as the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Richmond, reflecting allegations across multiple jurisdictions.

Robert Yurgel

• Convicted
  

Arrested in 2008, Yurgel was charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in 1999. He was transferred out of the Diocese of Charlotte in October 1999. Following conviction, he received a prison sentence ranging from seven years and eight months to ten years and was defrocked in 2010. A civil lawsuit was filed by the victim in December 2020.

Diocese of Raleigh NC

Peter Martin Denges

• Accused
  

Public identification occurred in October 2018 when the Diocese of Raleigh listed him among clergy accused with a determination described as having a semblance of truth. He served as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and also held the role of Dean of the Eastern Deanery. The disclosure acknowledged allegations connected to his period of parish leadership.

Hugh A. Dolan

• Accused
  

He was publicly named in October 2018 by the Diocese of Raleigh among clergy accused with a semblance of truth. Dolan served as pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, from 1960 through 1975. The diocesan disclosure identified allegations connected to his time in parish ministry during that period.

Stephen M. Garrity

• Accused
  

In the early 1980s, Garrity engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with five young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 while serving in Baltimore and Philadelphia. The Jesuits removed him from Holy Cross Parish in 2007 after he admitted the conduct. He received therapy following removal and died in 2014.

Andre Anthony Corbin

• Convicted
  

In 1988, Corbin was criminally charged in connection with sexual abuse of a boy that occurred in 1966. His clerical service included periods of sick leave from 1962 to 1964 and extended leave from 1970 to 1993. He was later named in a civil lawsuit filed in Springfield, Massachusetts, in December 2003.

Louis Hanneman

• Accused
  

Public disclosure occurred in October 2018 when the Diocese of Raleigh named him as accused. The listing referenced an allegation reported in 2002 involving abuse that allegedly occurred in 1972. No additional public details were provided regarding assignments or actions taken at the time of the alleged misconduct.

Giacomo Ghisalberti

• Accused
  

Originally from Italy, he was publicly named by the Diocese of Raleigh in October 2018 as accused and was suspended from ministry. At the time of the disclosure, a Vatican petition regarding his clerical status was underway. Ghisalberti died on October 19, 2020, while the ecclesiastical process remained unresolved.

Albert J. Gondek

• Sued
  

A member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Gondek was accused of sexually molesting a 30-year-old man during confession in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1993. His religious order reported that he underwent counseling following the allegation. He nonetheless remained in ministry, and the matter later entered civil litigation.

Jaime Guzman

• Accused
  

He was publicly named by the Diocese of Raleigh in October 2018 and subsequently appeared on the Jesuits’ Maryland Province list in December 2018. Guzman spent periods in the Jesuit Community in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, during 2004 to 2005 and again from 2006 to 2008. The disclosures reflected allegations involving sexual abuse.

John J. Hyland

• Accused
  

Public identification occurred in October 2018 when the Diocese of Raleigh included him on its list of accused clergy. Hyland was working at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro at the time the abuse was reported to have occurred. He later retired from ministry and died on November 23, 1975.

Kenneth R. Parker

• Accused
  

Following an internal investigation, the Diocese of Raleigh removed Parker’s priestly faculties. He was subsequently included on the Diocese of Charlotte’s list of accused clergy released on December 29, 2019. The action reflected the outcome of diocesan review of allegations connected to his clerical service.

John Aquinas Powers

• Accused
  

He was publicly named as accused by the Dominican Order’s St. Joseph Province in late 2018. Powers had appeared on disclosure lists of multiple dioceses dating back to 2002. He died on October 19, 2010, prior to the most recent public release of allegations connected to his ministry.

Francis Andrew Perry III

• Accused
  

Allegations included sexual abuse of a four-year-old female relative in 1961 and taking indecent liberties with a teenage boy approximately fifteen years later. Perry admitted abusing the young girl and denied the additional allegation. The accusations entered the public record through later disclosures addressing historical misconduct.

James E. McSweeney

• Settled
  

A former chancellor and vicar general, McSweeney was accused of molesting a boy over a three-year period. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at nearly one million dollars. The claim was resolved through a settlement totaling $120,000 in 2004, concluding the civil matter.

John Richardson

• Accused
  

He was publicly named by the Diocese of Raleigh in October 2018. The disclosure referenced a report made in 1988 concerning abuse that allegedly occurred in 1967. Richardson was removed from ministry following the allegation, ending his clerical service.

Edgar Sepulveda

• Acquitted
  

Sepulveda, formerly pastor of Maria Reina Parish in Mount Olive and missions in Beulaville and Magnolia, was accused of sexual abuse and removed from ministry. In 2009, he was removed from the Diocese of Raleigh’s list of accused clergy. The action followed review of the allegations, and charges associated with the claims were later dropped.

Raymond Francisco Schulte

• Sued
  

An alleged victim stated in September 2002 that Schulte sexually molested him in October 1988. Schulte was also accused of having knowledge of abuse committed by Dunstan Moorse and John Kelly. He was later named in a civil lawsuit filed by two brothers alleging abuse occurring between 1984 and 1986.

Thomas F. Watkins

• Accused
  

In April 2002, Watkins was placed on leave after the diocese received an allegation that he had proposed sex to an 18-year-old seminary student approximately 26 years earlier. He denied the allegation and refused counseling, after which he was granted indefinite medical leave in June 2002. Ordained as a Marianist, he became a diocesan priest in 1996 and had previously undergone psychological treatment following earlier misconduct allegations, including one involving an adult in 1995.

About Clergy Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse refers to the exploitation and sexual misconduct by clergy members, often involving minors. Sadly, the impact on victims is profound and often results in long-term psychological and spiritual pain. This impact is why reporting and seeking legal action against accused clergy is necessary to hold them accountable for their misdeeds and prevent further abuse.

In North Carolina, survivors typically report abuse to law enforcement or priestly faculties of the Catholic Diocese, followed by a civil lawsuit or criminal charges. The legal process encompasses gathering evidence, filing claims, and potentially pursuing damages through the court system, all while ensuring the survivor’s support.

Legal Support for Survivors in North Carolina

Injury Lawyer Team offer specialized legal services for survivors who report sexual abuse in North Carolina. Our experienced team provides compassionate support throughout the legal process, from filing claims to seeking damages. With a deep understanding of these sensitive cases, we are committed to securing justice and advocating for the rights and well-being of survivors.

Laws and Regulations in North Carolina

In North Carolina, clergy abuse allegations cases are governed by several key laws and regulations. Know that the statute of limitations for civil claims involving alleged abuse by clergy members has been extended to allow survivors more time to seek justice.

Statute of Limitations: Survivors can now file civil lawsuits until their 28th birthday after the alleged abuse occurred. Meanwhile, criminal charges for sexually abusing individuals must generally be brought within three years of the offense if the victim is aged over 18.

Mandatory reporting Laws: Catholic clergy in North Carolina must report any suspected child sexual abuse to authorities, including the Department of Social Services, though exceptions exist for confessional communications. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties.

Recent Legislative Changes: Recent changes have strengthened survivors’ rights. The Safe Child Act, enacted in 2019, extended the statute of limitations for civil suits, increased penalties for offenders, and improved reporting and tracking mechanisms for child abuse cases.

These changes reflect a growing recognition of the need for greater accountability and support for sexually assaulted victims.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in North Carolina

Filing a lawsuit against clergy sexual abuse in North Carolina involves several critical steps. Understanding this process helps victims seek justice effectively.

• Initial Consultation: Contact Injury Lawyer Team for a confidential consultation. Our team will discuss your case and determine the best legal strategy.
• Gathering Evidence: Collect and document all relevant information, including personal accounts, medical records, and any communications related to the abuse.
• Filing the Complaint: We will draft and file a legal complaint with the court, outlining your credible allegations and seeking damages.
• Discovery: Both parties will exchange evidence and witness information during this phase, which may involve interrogatories.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Attorneys may file motions to resolve certain issues before trial, such as motions to dismiss or for summary judgment.
• Negotiation: Settlement discussions may occur to resolve the case outside of court. If a fair agreement is reached, the case may be settled.
• Trial: If a settlement isn’t possible, your case will proceed to trial, where both sides present their arguments before a judge.
• Post-Trial: Depending on the outcome, there may be appeals or enforcement of the judgment.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse committed explicitly by clergy members of the Catholic Church, contact Injury Lawyer Team today for expert legal support.

Support Resources for Survivors in North Carolina

Luckily, survivors of child sexual abuse in North Carolina have access to various support resources tailored to aid both their legal and emotional healing. Remember, seeking these resources is crucial for comprehensive support and overcoming the heartfelt sorrow they endured.

• Rape Crisis Center of Mecklenburg County
  Provides counseling, support groups, and crisis intervention services for survivors of sexual torture.
• North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA)
  Offers statewide resources, including advocacy and support groups tailored for survivors of sexual violence.
• National Sexual Assault Hotline
  Available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), providing immediate assistance and referrals to local services.
• Carolinas Healthcare System Behavioral Health Services
  Offers specialized therapy and counseling for trauma survivors, including those who were repeatedly abused.

Seeking legal assistance is necessary for survivors to navigate the recovery process and pursue justice against clergy credibly accused of sexual violence.

Notable Cases and Outcomes in North Carolina

Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to North Carolina clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances pertaining to your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.

Damion Jacques Lynch: In the 1990s, two brothers filed lawsuits against former priest Lynch. These credible abuse allegations resulted in the Diocese of Charlotte settling with the family of the sexually abused survivors in Watauga County Superior Court.

Charles Jeffries Burton: The co-director of youth ministry for the Charlotte Diocese, Burton, acknowledged inappropriate touching of a minor.

Adelbert Holmes: A member of William Catholic Church, Holmes was accused by the Glenmary Home Mission Society of abusing three minors.

Robert Yurgel: A chaplain at St. Mary’s and member of the Charlotte Diocese and Capuchin Franciscans, Yurgel served nearly eight years in prison after a man reported being abused by him at age 14.

Michael Joseph Kelleher: A member of the Raleigh Diocese, Kelleher admitted to repeatedly taking indecent liberties with a minor boy at St. Michael Church and St. Matthew Church.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Injury Lawyer Team stand firm with the survivors of sexual violence committed by credibly accused clergy in North Carolina. Our firm has extensive experience handling sensitive abuse cases, and we have a long history of tilting legal verdicts in our favor. We understand the unique challenges survivors face. Therefore, we strive to provide a supportive environment to our clients throughout the legal process.

Our commitment to justice means we fight tirelessly to hold credibly accused accountable and advocate for the rights of survivors. With Injury Lawyer Team, you gain a dedicated team that prioritizes your well-being and strives for the justice you deserve.

Contact Us

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse committed by a clergy member of the Catholic Church in North Carolina, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help. Reach out for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

• Call us at 866-757-6452
• Email: Contact us via email at info@injurylawyerteam.com
• Contact Form: Visit our contact page to fill out a confidential contact form.

Your path to justice starts with a simple call.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.