West Virginia Priests Accused of Abuse
At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to standing with survivors of clergy sexual abuse in West Virginia. This issue strikes the heart of trust and community, leaving deep wounds that deserve recognition. Our clergy abuse law firm is dedicated to providing compassionate support and pursuing justice for survivors.
West Virginia Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condron | Patrick Anthony | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in late 2018. Allegations 7/5/95 that Condron abuse a minor 1983-87. Faculties restricted 3/22/05, and suspended 1/19/06. Laicized in 2012. |
| Carr | William | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Named publicly by the diocese as accused on its list in late 2018. Abuse of a minor 1950-56 reported in 2002. Carr retired 8/17/71 and died 12/19/84. |
| Brown | Lawrence D. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Brown was named publicly as accused of abuse in late 2018 and died in 1993. |
| Bauer | Carl E. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Bauer was named publicly as accused by the diocese in late 2018, and was a spiritual director for several organizations. He retired from active ministry in 2002 and moved to South Carolina. |
| Bowski | Eugene R. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | M.S.s.A priest, Army captain, was named publicly as credibly accused by the Wheeling-Charleston diocese in 2018 for the alleged abuse of a child in 1982, and was removed the same day from the diocese. |
| Lukas | Andrew F. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list updated 5/21/19. Allegation received in 1/19 of abuse of a minor 1964-65. Lukas died 10/14/12. |
| Frobas | Victor A. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Convicted | Multiple complaints throughout ministry, including abuse in Wheeling-Charleston in 1977 and in Worcester diocese 1978-79. Convicted of child molestation in MO in 1988, served 25 months, and was indicted on charges in MA in 1993-94. |
| MacSweeney | Patrick J. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | MacSweeney was named publicly as accused of abuse in late 2018. He died in 1967. |
| Malacaman | Perry | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Arrested | Pericles Malacaman was arrested in 7/22 for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person younger than 16. |
| McCallister | Charles E. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Sued | A 19-year-old man filed a civil suit against the diocese for abuse by McCallister. The suit was dismissed, and the matter was fully resolved. |
| Owino | Felix C. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Arrested | From Nairobi, Kenya, he was arrested in Fairfax, VA, and charged with inappropriate touching of an 11-year-old girl. He pled guilty, was sentenced to 5 years prison, and was already serving 7 1/2 months awaiting trial. |
| Pichette | David A. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Sued | A man made public allegations that Pichette had fondled him on two occasions and made other sexual advances in 1981 when he was a teen volunteer at Nazareth Farm in WV. Pichette was removed from duty in the Syracuse diocese in 1993. |
| Poandl | Robert | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Convicted | Poandl was accused of sexually abusing a boy in 1991, was removed from the Savannah diocese, and was indicted on 3 counts of abuse, including rape, in 2010. He was sentenced to 7.5 years prison in 2014. |
| Rice | John | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | West Virginia Catholic High School principal John Golebiewski filed three misconduct reports against football coach Michael Rice, but was fired and sued the diocese. |
| Rooney | Robert J. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Accused of abuse in 1962 and 1965-67 in NJ while on leave from Wheeling-Charleston. |
| Hannan | Rogers (Charles) | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Convicted | Professed vows for the Divine Word Missionaries in 1982, worked in IL, NJ, IA, WV, withdrew from the Order in 2012, was convicted in 2014, and was sentenced to 2-10 years in jail. |
| Roscetti | Francis | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Served in PA, MD, WV. Named publicly as accused on the Wheeling-Charleston diocese’s list in late 2018, added to the Baltimore archdiocese’s list in 2019, and died in 1991. |
| Schaefer | Richard J. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Schaefer was named publicly as accused in late 2018. The diocese noted to have received multiple allegations of abuse by Schaefer throughout his career. |
| Tague | Charles | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | Tague was named publicly as accused on the Wheeling-Charleston diocese’s list in late 2018. |
| Schwarten | Paul J. | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Convicted | Accused in 1951 of abuse, and in 1960 of abuse of a minor in Nebraska. Retired in 1987 and died in 1995. |
| Tuchalski | Stanley | Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV | Accused | A priest was named publicly as accused of inappropriate touching of a minor in 1998. |
About Credibly Accused Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse is a profound betrayal of trust and authority, inflicting deep emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm on victims. It involves sexual exploitation by clergy members who abuse their positions of power to harm those under their protection.
West Virginia sexual abuse survivors often struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and mistrust, but taking legal action can empower them to reclaim their dignity and hold accountable those who have harmed them. In West Virginia, survivors can pursue justice through civil lawsuits, seeking compensation for damages due to child sexual abuse.
Legal Action and Support for Survivors in West Virginia
Injury Lawyer Team offers dedicated legal representation tailored to the unique needs of survivors of child sexual abuse by church officials in West Virginia.
Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide personalized support to navigate the complexities of the legal system. We are committed to ensuring survivors are heard, respected, and empowered throughout their legal journey.
What Laws Govern Priest Abuse Lawsuits in West Virginia?
West Virginia has several laws and regulations in place to help protect victims and potential victims. The West Virginia statute of limitations details how long survivors have to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators, such as the Roman Catholic diocese or Catholic church officials.
Mandated reporting laws require professionals to report any suspected abuse or neglect, even if it’s by other clergy members at the Roman Catholic diocese. These regulations help protect children from abuse.
Statute of Limitations Regarding Abuse By Accused Priests
West Virginia’s legal framework includes limitations that dictate the timeframe within which survivors can file lawsuits.
Recent changes have expanded these limits to provide more time for survivors to come forward and seek justice against clergy members, with a four-year timeframe to come forward and report after you discover the injuries are linked to the abuse or your 36th birthday, whichever is later.
You can file a lawsuit even if there wasn’t an investigation by independent law enforcement professionals or West Virginia’s attorney general. You can also file a claim if church officials deem the accusations without merit. We’ll work with you to make sure your story is heard and get the evidence you need.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Mandatory reporting laws ensure incidents of abuse are documented, hold institutions accountable, and promote transparency in handling such cases.
Mandatory reporters often include clergy members, teachers, healthcare professionals, child care workers, human resources employees, and staff members at schools. All mandatory reporters are required to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities.
This may mean that clergy members of the West Virginia diocese must report other members of the West Virginia diocese if there are suspicions of sex abuse. However, mandated reporters are not required to file reports for adults, such as sexually harassed adults.
Mandatory Reporting by Clergy Members and the Catholic Church
Many states recognize that confession is considered confidential. Although all clergy members are considered mandated reporters, they are not required to file a report for information received during confidential communications, such as confession. They can not be required to testify about it either, even if there are credible accusations and they know the priests accused of sex abuse are guilty.
West Virginia law states that all clergy are considered mandated reporters, regardless of whether the confession includes information about child abuse or neglect, such as sex abuse. It is one of the few states to ensure that priests accused cannot use this as a loophole to avoid lawsuits or criminal prosecution.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in West Virginia
Filing a lawsuit against a clergy member with credible accusations of abuse in West Virginia involves a series of essentials to ensure justice and provide the necessary support for survivors. Here’s a detailed overview of these:
Initial Consultation
The first step is to contact us for a confidential consultation. During this meeting, our experienced attorneys will listen to your story, discuss the details of your case, and explain your legal options. This initial consultation is crucial for understanding the specifics of your situation and determining the best course of action.
Comprehensive Investigation
Once we take on your case, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation. This involves gathering all relevant evidence, including documents, records, and witness statements. We’ll adequately document the details to strengthen your case.
Filing the Lawsuit
After the investigation phase, we will prepare and file the necessary legal documents to initiate the lawsuit. This includes drafting the sexual misconduct complaint and submitting it to the appropriate court in West Virginia. Our attorneys will ensure all filings comply with state laws and regulations, giving your case the best possible start.
Discovery Process
The discovery phase involves the exchange of information and evidence between both parties. This can include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents. Our team will meticulously review and respond to these requests, ensuring we have the information to build a compelling case.
Negotiation and Mediation
Many clergy sexual abuse cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation before reaching trial. Our skilled negotiators will work tirelessly to achieve a fair settlement that meets your needs. If conciliation is pursued, we will represent you throughout the process, striving for an outcome that provides justice and compensation without needing a lengthy trial.
Trial Preparation and Representation
Our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. We will prepare meticulously for court, including personnel files, to present a robust and evidence-based case on your behalf. Our team has extensive trial experience in sexual abuse cases and will advocate passionately to achieve a favorable verdict.
Taking the first step toward filing a lawsuit can be daunting, but Injury Lawyer Team is here to guide you through every stage of the process with expertise and compassion.
Support Resources for Survivors in West Virginia
In addition to legal advocacy, survivors in West Virginia have access to crucial support resources to aid in their healing and recovery.
Counseling Services
Professional therapists specializing in trauma recovery and mental health support.
Support Groups
West Virginia offers safe spaces where survivors can connect with others who have experienced similar trauma, offering mutual support and understanding. West Virginia has more than nine rape crisis centers to help the survivors cope with the trauma.
Crisis Hotlines
West Virginia has dedicated hotlines for immediate assistance and guidance during times of distress or crisis, providing essential support when needed most. The child sexual abuse and Neglect hotlines are among the most trusted resources for clergy abuse survivors. Local civil authorities are also active in this regard.
Notable Cases and Outcomes in West Virginia
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has faced several significant lawsuits related to clergy credibly accused of abuse, many of which involve former bishop Michael J. Bransfield. Bransfield has been charged with sexually abusing adult seminarians and at least one minor, as well as engaging in financial misconduct with diocesan funds.
- One notable case against former bishop Michael Bransfield resulted in a settlement, highlighting the severe nature of the allegations.
- In addition to individual lawsuits, the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is facing a lawsuit from West Virginia’s attorney general. The case alleges that the diocese and Bransfield failed to fully protect young people by not warning parents about clergy members or church officials with sexual abuse allegations, and did not conduct adequate background checks on those working with children at diocese-run schools and camps.
- Across the country, Catholic dioceses have paid millions in settlements and legal fees to resolve cases against priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct, and the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese is no exception. An audit covering June 2018 to June 2019 found that the Catholic Diocese spent at least $1.5 million on legal fees and investigations that involved criminal conduct.
- In August 2019, the diocese announced a settlement concerning abuse allegations against Bransfield, filed by a former altar server who claimed to have been sexually abused by Bransfield along with other men and boys.
Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team
Survivors should choose Injury Lawyer Team for our:
- Experience: Decades of experience advocating for survivors of abuse by clergy members, with a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved.
- Compassion: A compassionate approach that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of our clients.
- Results: Proven success in achieving meaningful outcomes and securing justice for survivors through diligent legal representation.
We are committed to standing by survivors, fighting tirelessly on their behalf, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected. If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy sexual abuse in West Virginia, contact Injury Lawyer Team today for a confidential consultation and to discuss your legal options.
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.