Utah Priests Accused of Abuse
Salt Lake City is no safer than any other state when it comes to clergy sexual misconduct or alleged abuse. This susceptible issue not only comes with a societal burden but also imparts psychological and emotional scars on countless individuals.
The Utah Catholic Diocese and other religious orders have been heavily infiltrated with cases of sexual abuse, including those involving minors. This includes cases against accused priests in northern Utah parishes, Bishop Oscar Solis, the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, and more.
We at Injury Lawyer Team understand the gravity of such cases and work with a firm resolve to seek justice by representing the victim and family members against Utah parishes.
Utah Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baraniewicz | Joseph M. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Worked in the Salt Lake diocese 1974-90. Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 12/4/18. Incident(s) of “holding children on lap, kissing, hugging children 10/25/90 reported to diocese 10/26/90. Sent for alcohol treatment, returned to Order. Died 2/24/12. |
| Ariza | Leonardo E. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Seminarian. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 12/4/18. Diocese noted to have received an allegation 8/27/02 of sexual abuse of a minor 8/15/02. Terminated from seminary 9/4/02. Reported to DCFS/Law Enforcement 9/5/02. |
| Davich | George F. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Monsignor Davich was accused of sleeping with a minor, and was ordered by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance. |
| Olarte | Mario Arbelaez | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Convicted | Arrested 5/03, charged with enticing a minor over the internet, pleaded no contest in 9/03, but did not show up for sentencing in 11/03. On sex offender registry, laicized 3/31/06. |
| Bressler | William Cody | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Settled | Bressler was named publicly as accused by the Salt Lake City diocese on 12/4/2018. He was removed from faculty in the Diocese of Arlington VA and the Diocese of Alexandria LA in 2019 and 2021. |
| Devlin | Raymond A. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | In 1/1990, a family reported Devlin molested their son in CA. Devlin was sent to counseling and removed from contact with children, but the family went to the press in 8/1993 after learning that Devlin was in active ministry at a parish in Virginia City, NV. |
| Franco | Paul | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 12/4/18. Report to diocese 6/17/02 that Franco sexually abused a minor 1976-79. It notes that Franco left ministry in 5/86 and was suspended in 10/86. |
| Gomez | Francisco | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the Salt Lake diocese’s list 12/4/18, he was retired in 5/02. |
| Greenwell | James M. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 12/4/18. Allegation to diocese 9/12/02 that Greenwell molested and took nude photos of a minor in 1980. Greenwell’s first assignment in the diocese was 1975. He left the priesthood 8/86. |
| Gaeta | David R. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Gaeta was placed on leave after allegations of abuse at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Ogden, Utah. |
| LaPenta | Charles | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | LaPenta was named publicly as accused on the Salt Lake City diocese’s list 12/4/18. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2006 and died in OH 8/1/09, after working as a high school teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. |
| Lopez | Leonidas | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Lopez was named publicly as accused of the sex abuse of three minors, and was laicized in 2014. |
| McMenamin | Neil | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | McMenamin was named publicly as accused on the Salt Lake City diocese’s list 12/4/18, and reported to the Order 3/13/07. He died 4/7/15. |
| O’Neill | Thomas P. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | O’Neill was accused of sexually abusing a boy in the early 1960s while assigned to Judge Memorial School in Salt Lake City. He was removed from St. Francis de Sales HS in Toledo OH in 2002 and died in 2015. |
| Rapp | James F. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Convicted | Rapp worked in PA, UT, NY, IL, MI and OK. He was accused of abuse of at least two MI boys in 1987, accepted into the Joliet diocese by Bishop Imesch, who knew of Rapp’s sexual abuse of boys, and was convicted in 1999 in OK; 40-year sentence. |
| Rodriguez | Reyes G. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 12/4/18. It notes three cases of abuse, reported in 1987, 2004 and 2007. Faculties removed in 2002, retired 8/02. Ordered by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance. |
| Shrope | Glen M. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Accused | Shrope was publicly named as accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1976. He was deceased. |
| Spellen | Lawrence M. | Diocese of Salt Lake City UT | Sued | Bud Spellen told Bishop Weigand in 1993 that he was being accused of sexual misconduct during the mid-1980s. The diocese investigated and found some merit in accusations, and Spellen was placed on leave. |
Understanding Clergy Abuse in Utah Parishes
Clergy sexual abuse is the harassment or abuse inflicted by lay church personnel or members of a faith community. Several credible allegations against the Salt Lake City Diocese have surfaced. The legal process in Utah involves filing a complaint, leading to a trial where our lawyers will fight to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Legal Support for Survivors in Utah
With the most competent lawyers in Salt Lake City, Injury Lawyer Team is qualified to provide legal support in cases of clergy sexual assault against parishes, including those in northern Utah. With 25 years of experience, we have a deep understanding of the legal intricacies of clergy abuse cases.
24/7 Availability
Whether you’d like to have a free conversation, maintain complete privacy, or simply discuss your case, Injury Lawyer Team is exclusively available. We provide continuous support to the victim and family members.
Legal Representation
Our sexual abuse attorneys are committed to providing legal support from start to finish. Once the case reaches the court, we advocate for survivors until justice is served.
Nationwide Recognition
Over 25 years of working in the legal community, our lawyers have fostered trustworthy relationships and recognition from judges and peers.
Counselling Support
We provide emotional support to address such sensitive topics with empathy while connecting you with support groups in the community.
Laws and Regulations in Utah
With the escalation in the number of credible allegations against the Catholic church, recent legislative changes have incentivized the reporting of abuse by church personnel. The major laws in Salt Lake City against clergy abuse allegations are addressed below:
Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Involving Minors
Unlike many other states in the US, Utah proposes no statute of limitations for most sexual crimes, including child abuse.
Mandatory Reporting Laws Against Accused Priests
Mandatory reporting laws require that certain professionals report suspected abuse or neglect to local law enforcement or the Department of Child and Family Services. In particular, adults and clergy members who learn about sex abuse allegations from any external source, except a private confession, are mandated to report it.
However, clergy are not required to report suspected abuse or neglect if they learn about the information during privileged communication, such as during confession.
Recent Legislative Changes in Utah
Recent amendments, such as HB432, provide legal protections to clergy who report abuse, shielding them from civil or criminal liability. This encourages clergy members to come forward without fear of legal repercussions against the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
It specifically addresses cases of abuse and neglect learned during confession. The bill allows clergy members to report abuse or neglect learned during privileged communication while still protecting the sacred trust associated with confession.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Utah
Injury Lawyer Team stands by the client from the first consultation until the case is resolved. The case starts with a free consultation and a thorough inquiry about the perpetrator, the nature of the alleged abuse, the sequence of events, and any evidence in the same area. Here is a detailed walkthrough of the entire process per Utah’s legislation.
- Case Study: Our experienced lawyers study the case in detail, discussing the legal strategies and the likelihood of success.
- Investigations: We will conduct an exhaustive investigation, gathering potential evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and any documentation related to the abuse.
- Claim Filing: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, our lawyers will draft and file a formal complaint to the appropriate Utah court.
- Pre-Trials: The clergy member or the institution is formally served with the complaint and has a specified period to respond by exchanging evidence and information.
- Negotiations: If the client allows, our lawyers will settle for negotiations with the opposing party to try to resolve the case without a trial.
- Trials: The case proceeds to trial if a settlement is not reached. Both sides prepare their arguments, evidence, and witness lists for the jury in Utah’s courts.
- Verdict: The jury deliberates and delivers a verdict. We assist in enforcing the judgment and ensuring that the compensation is collected.
Support Resources for Survivors in Utah
While legal support ensures that the perpetrators are held accountable, emotional counseling is equally important for healing. A few support resources in Salt Lake City are as follows.
Counselling Services
The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) and the Rape Recovery Center connect you with individual and group therapy by specialized professionals. SNAP, The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, and the Catholic Whistleblowers also advocate against clerical offenses.
Support Groups
Saprea, based in Utah, provides online resources and support groups to heal those traumatized. Other notable organizations working for this cause include the Faith Trust Institute, Finally Speak Out Now, and The Healing Group.
Crisis Hotlines
Salt Lake City’s sexual abuse hotline is 1-888-421-1100, which provides 24/7 assistance, emotional support, and referrals to local services. For immediate support, you can contact RAINN’s hotline, 1-800-656-4673, at the national level.
Notable Cases and Outcomes of Priests Accused of Abuse in Utah
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has released the names of 19 priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors since 1950. Unlike other dioceses compelled by court orders to release their lists, the diocese of Salt Lake City chose to publish its list voluntarily. Salt Lake City’s list of highly credible allegations against priests who breached their sacred trust.
One of the most recent sex abuse allegations is against a Catholic church pastor, Gaeta, who has been accused of sexually abusing children and young people. The outcome is that the Catholic diocese retired him without receiving any faculties, and he had a tarnished reputation for life since no criminal charges were filed.
Depending on the circumstances of 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.
Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team
By choosing Injury Lawyer Team, you are placing your trust in a firm built upon the foundation of justice, dedication, and professionalism. Filing a complaint against church personnel accused of abuse is a courageous step, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients are supported and their bravery is acknowledged.
Our firm is highly regarded within the legal community, earning recognition from judges and peers for our tenacity and ethical approach to trial law. By choosing us, clients can place their trust in our proven track record and the respect we command within the legal system.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of the wrongful actions of clergy abuse, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate team is ready to support you through this challenging time. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
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.