Mississippi Priests Accused of Abuse

The issue of clergy sexual abuse in the Mississippi Catholic Diocese has existed since the 1600s and is still rampant today, highlighting the pervasive issues within the Catholic diocese. Many people have reported being victims of this kind of exploitation, and many others often don’t come out with their stories.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the impact clergy sexual abuse can have on victims and are dedicated to helping them find justice.

Mississippi Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List

Diocese of Biloxi MS

Jerome J. Axton

• Accused

A report received in 1989 alleged sexual abuse during Axton’s service within the Diocese of Biloxi. After review, diocesan officials publicly named him as accused in 1992. The disclosure placed the allegation on the diocese’s official record, marking formal acknowledgment of the complaint several years after the alleged conduct was first reported.

Vincent The Quang Nguyen

• Accused

Nguyen served as an extern priest and was later named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Richmond alongside two other clerics. The allegation involved sexual abuse of adolescent girls during his period of ministry. The disclosure linked Nguyen to misconduct outside the Diocese of Biloxi while identifying his clerical status and assignment history across diocesan boundaries.

Jose Morales Vazquez

• Indicted

Originally from Mexico, Vazquez attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and later served as pastor of two churches within the Diocese of Biloxi. He was arrested and indicted for sexual battery involving a minor, later entering a guilty plea. The case concluded with a sentence of ten years in prison, formally ending his active ministry.

John M. Scanlon

• Sued

Scanlon, a monsignor of the Diocese of Biloxi, was accused in a civil lawsuit of molesting a twelve-year-old boy during 1984 and 1985. The alleged abuse occurred at Sacred Heart Church in Hattiesburg. The claim brought his conduct during that assignment into public record through civil litigation rather than criminal proceedings.

Cuthbert Bender

• Accused

An allegation reported to the diocese in 2008 described sexual abuse occurring in the late 1950s in the Aberdeen area during Bender’s ministry. He had died in 1968, decades before the report was received. The Diocese of Jackson later named him publicly as accused on its list released March 19, 2019.

Thomas Boyce

• Sued

A woman filed a civil lawsuit against Boyce in 2002 alleging sexual abuse. The case was dismissed by an appellate court, but in 2003 the Diocese of Jackson formally acknowledged that abuse had occurred. The matter entered the public record through civil litigation and subsequent diocesan disclosure.

Edward Balser

• Accused

Balser was removed from public ministry in 2003 following what the Diocese of Jackson described as a credible allegation of sexual abuse. The action followed an internal review process that resulted in his permanent removal from ministerial duties.

George Broussard

• Settled

Broussard was accused of sexually abusing three brothers over a four-year period, leading to a civil lawsuit filed in 2002. The matter was resolved through settlement. In related proceedings, church leadership acknowledged failures to restrict access to children after warnings had been raised about misconduct.

Richard Caldwell

• Accused
  

Caldwell, a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Jackson, was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019. Allegations described abuse occurring in 1981 and were reported to the diocese in 2018. He was removed from ministry following the disclosure.

Nelius Downing

• Accused

A report received in 2002 alleged sexual abuse dating to 1939 in Meridian during Downing’s ministry. He had died in 1953, long before the allegation surfaced. The Diocese of Jackson named him publicly as accused in 2019, and he was later included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list released in May 2021.

Tim Crowley

• Accused

Crowley was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on March 19, 2019. The diocese reported receiving an allegation in 2018 describing sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in 1968 in Chatawa. He was deceased at the time the report was made public.

Paul Victor Canonici

• Accused

Canonici served as diocesan superintendent of education, assistant principal and principal of St. Joseph High School in Madison, and later as a parish priest. He was accused of sexual abuse during his period of service. The allegation resulted in his inclusion among publicly named accused clerics of the Diocese of Jackson.

Thomas Dullard

• Accused

An allegation of sexual abuse was reported to the Diocese of Jackson in 1973, the same year the alleged conduct occurred. Dullard was removed from ministry in 1974 following the report. He later died, and was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

Joseph Israel Guidry

• Accused

Guidry was accused of sexual abuse occurring in 1980 in Greenville, Mississippi. He was later added to the Baton Rouge diocese’s list of accused clergy in July 2019 and included in the Illinois Attorney General’s report released May 23, 2023, reflecting allegations connected to multiple jurisdictions.

Michael Irwin

• Accused

Irwin was accused of sexual abuse allegedly occurring in 1975 in Vicksburg. The Diocese of Jackson received the report in 2005, more than a decade after his death in 1993. He was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

William Leimbach

• Sued

Between 1983 and 1984, Leimbach, a religious brother, was accused of abusing a fifteen-year-old boy at Saint Stanislaus College and High School. Civil litigation followed, and he was removed from ministry involving students in 1991 as a result of the allegations.

John Leonard

• Accused

Allegations reported to the Diocese of Jackson in 2004 described sexual abuse occurring between 1952 and 1956 in Bay St. Louis. Leonard had died in 2003, prior to the report. He was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

Donald Lucas

• Settled

Lucas was accused of abuse by another member of a religious order, and the Franciscans reached a $15,000 settlement with the accuser. Lucas and a relative later filed a federal lawsuit alleging they were pressured into a settlement that required silence regarding the abuse.

Vincent MacDonald

• Accused

MacDonald was accused of sexual abuse allegedly occurring in the early 1970s in Walls, Mississippi. The Diocese of Jackson received the report in 2002 and removed him from ministry that same year. He died in 2017 and was named publicly as accused in 2019.

Bernard Haddican

• Settled

Two individuals came forward in 1998 and 2002 alleging sexual abuse by Haddican and another priest. Civil lawsuits were filed against the diocese and church leadership alleging concealment of abuse and misleading conduct toward victims. The claims were resolved through settlement.

James Kircher

• Settled

Four men alleged that Kircher abused them as boys beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing through 1984. Two had previously settled with the diocese in 1994, while claims by two additional plaintiffs proceeded later and were resolved through settlement.

Paul Madden

• Settled

Madden, a priest from Ireland, was accused of raping a thirteen-year-old boy in 1973. He was dismissed from the Diocese of Jackson in 2002. Despite warnings from Jackson officials, he was later incardinated into the Diocese of Chimbota in Peru in 2003.

Diocese of Jackson MS

Cuthbert Bender

• Accused

An allegation reported to the diocese in 2008 described sexual abuse occurring in the late 1950s in the Aberdeen area during Bender’s ministry. He had died in 1968, decades before the report was received. The Diocese of Jackson later named him publicly as accused on its list released March 19, 2019.

Thomas Boyce

• Sued

A woman filed a civil lawsuit against Boyce in 2002 alleging sexual abuse. The case was dismissed by an appellate court, but in 2003 the Diocese of Jackson formally acknowledged that abuse had occurred. The matter entered the public record through civil litigation and subsequent diocesan disclosure.

Edward Balser

• Accused

Balser was removed from public ministry in 2003 following what the Diocese of Jackson described as a credible allegation of sexual abuse. The action followed an internal review process that resulted in his permanent removal from ministerial duties.

George Broussard

• Settled

Broussard was accused of sexually abusing three brothers over a four-year period, leading to a civil lawsuit filed in 2002. The matter was resolved through settlement. In related proceedings, church leadership acknowledged failures to restrict access to children after warnings had been raised about misconduct.

Richard Caldwell

• Accused

Caldwell, a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Jackson, was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019. Allegations described abuse occurring in 1981 and were reported to the diocese in 2018. He was removed from ministry following the disclosure.

Nelius Downing

• Accused

A report received in 2002 alleged sexual abuse dating to 1939 in Meridian during Downing’s ministry. He had died in 1953, long before the allegation surfaced. The Diocese of Jackson named him publicly as accused in 2019, and he was later included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list released in May 2021.

Tim Crowley

• Accused

Crowley was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on March 19, 2019. The diocese reported receiving an allegation in 2018 describing sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in 1968 in Chatawa. He was deceased at the time the report was made public.

Paul Victor Canonici

• Accused

Canonici served as diocesan superintendent of education, assistant principal and principal of St. Joseph High School in Madison, and later as a parish priest. He was accused of sexual abuse during his period of service. The allegation resulted in his inclusion among publicly named accused clerics of the Diocese of Jackson.

Thomas Dullard

• Accused

An allegation of sexual abuse was reported to the Diocese of Jackson in 1973, the same year the alleged conduct occurred. Dullard was removed from ministry in 1974 following the report. He later died, and was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

Joseph Israel Guidry

• Accused

Guidry was accused of sexual abuse occurring in 1980 in Greenville, Mississippi. He was later added to the Baton Rouge diocese’s list of accused clergy in July 2019 and included in the Illinois Attorney General’s report released May 23, 2023, reflecting allegations connected to multiple jurisdictions.

Michael Irwin

• Accused

Irwin was accused of sexual abuse allegedly occurring in 1975 in Vicksburg. The Diocese of Jackson received the report in 2005, more than a decade after his death in 1993. He was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

William Leimbach

• Sued

Between 1983 and 1984, Leimbach, a religious brother, was accused of abusing a fifteen-year-old boy at Saint Stanislaus College and High School. Civil litigation followed, and he was removed from ministry involving students in 1991 as a result of the allegations.

John Leonard

• Accused

Allegations reported to the Diocese of Jackson in 2004 described sexual abuse occurring between 1952 and 1956 in Bay St. Louis. Leonard had died in 2003, prior to the report. He was named publicly as accused on the diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

Donald Lucas

• Settled

Lucas was accused of abuse by another member of a religious order, and the Franciscans reached a $15,000 settlement with the accuser. Lucas and a relative later filed a federal lawsuit alleging they were pressured into a settlement that required silence regarding the abuse.

Vincent MacDonald

• Accused

MacDonald was accused of sexual abuse allegedly occurring in the early 1970s in Walls, Mississippi. The Diocese of Jackson received the report in 2002 and removed him from ministry that same year. He died in 2017 and was named publicly as accused in 2019.

Bernard Haddican

• Settled

Two individuals came forward in 1998 and 2002 alleging sexual abuse by Haddican and another priest. Civil lawsuits were filed against the diocese and church leadership alleging concealment of abuse and misleading conduct toward victims. The claims were resolved through settlement.

James Kircher

• Settled

Four men alleged that Kircher abused them as boys beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing through 1984. Two had previously settled with the diocese in 1994, while claims by two additional plaintiffs proceeded later and were resolved through settlement.

Paul Madden

• Settled

Madden, a priest from Ireland, was accused of raping a thirteen-year-old boy in 1973. He was dismissed from the Diocese of Jackson in 2002. Despite warnings from Jackson officials, he was later incardinated into the Diocese of Chimbota in Peru in 2003.

Aeden Manning

• Accused

The Diocese of Jackson named Manning publicly as accused in 1991 following a report of sexual abuse. His name was later added to the Diocese of Richmond’s list of accused clergy in 2008, reflecting allegations connected across diocesan jurisdictions during his period of ministry.

Patrick Lee

• Accused

Originally from Ireland, Lee was ordained in 1967 and served in England before working in the United States Southern Province from 1968 to 1988. An allegation of sexual abuse was reported in 1988, after which he was removed from ministry and did not return to clerical assignments.

Daniel O’Hanlon

• Accused

An extern priest from the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, O’Hanlon served in Mississippi during the 1960s. Allegations reported in 1993 and again in 2002 described abuse occurring in Biloxi between 1966 and 1967. He had died in 1969 and was later named publicly as accused on the Jackson diocesan list released March 19, 2019.

Robert Olivier

• Accused

During the 1950s, Olivier engaged in sexual contact with a teenage girl over a period of approximately four years. He later admitted to the relationship. The conduct occurred during his ministry in the Diocese of Jackson and was documented as part of the diocese’s review of historical abuse cases.

Kevin Reid

• Accused

Reid was named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Jackson’s list released March 19, 2019. He left ministry in 1976 and later died. The diocese received a report in 2002 alleging sexual abuse occurring between 1961 and 1966 in Bay St. Louis.

Ivan Siekman

• Accused

The Diocese of Jackson named Siekman publicly as accused on March 19, 2019. A report received in 2003 alleged sexual abuse in Bay St. Louis during 1972 and 1973. He had left ministry in 1990, and his faculties were formally removed in 2003.

Gerald Swift

• Accused

Swift was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on its March 19, 2019 list. The diocese received a report in 2002 alleging sexual abuse occurring in 1978 in Kosciusko. He died in 2007, prior to the public disclosure of the allegation.

Jack Smith

• Accused

Smith was named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Jackson’s list released March 19, 2019. Allegations reported to the diocese in 2003 described sexual abuse occurring between 1972 and 1980. He had died before the accusations were received.

James Taylor

• Accused

Taylor was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on March 19, 2019. He died before allegations were reported to the diocese in 1998. The reported abuse allegedly occurred in 1962 in Woodville during his period of ministry.

Francis Reid

• Accused

The Diocese of Jackson named Reid publicly as accused on its March 19, 2019 list. Records note that he left ministry in the 1970s and died in 1993. A report received by the diocese in 2014 alleged sexual abuse occurring between 1963 and 1965 in Leland.

Thomas Williams

• Accused

Williams was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on March 19, 2019. He died in 1983. The diocese received allegations in 2002 and again in 2012 describing sexual abuse occurring in 1958 in Gulfport.

Paul West

• Convicted

West was accused of sexually abusing two brothers and their cousins beginning when they were nine and ten years old, as well as students at St. Francis during the mid to late 1990s. He left his religious order in 2002 and settled civil claims with two accusers for $15,000. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to thirty years in prison, with his appeal denied by the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Peter Raymond Richardson

• Accused

Richardson was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Jackson on March 19, 2019. He had been removed from ministry in 2010 and died on March 26, 2014. He is also listed as accused by the Glenmary and Lexington dioceses, reflecting allegations spanning multiple jurisdictions.

About Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church

Clergy sexual assault occurs when a high authority religious figure uses their position to take advantage of people who trust them. This abuse can have severe impacts on the victim’s mental health and can lead to trauma and psychological scars. If you suspect someone in your Catholic church is being exploited, it is important to report it immediately to a law enforcement agency.

Members of the clergy and other responsible adults are required to report when they reasonably suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, especially in cases involving deceased prior clergy. Mississippi state law penalizes any clergy member and other mandatory reporters who fail to report cases of clergy abuse.

In Mississippi, the typical legal process for clergy sexual assault starts with the alleged abuse victim or their representative filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities. This complaint can lead to a criminal investigation and potential charges against the abuser, and may also pave the way for a civil suit.

Victims can also pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, which involves gathering evidence, depositions, and potentially a trial to seek compensation for the harm suffered.

Legal Support for Survivors in Mississippi

Our clergy abuse law firm is committed to helping survivors get the legal aid they need. Our legal team of experts handles these cases with care and professionalism to protect the survivor’s privacy, especially when abusers have been removed from ministry.

We offer confidential consultations, assist in gathering evidence, provide legal representation, and offer other support services to sexually abused victims.

What Laws Govern Catholic Priest Abuse Lawsuits in Mississippi

Mississippi follows its laws and regulations for clergy abuse cases. The legal framework of alleged abuse regulations details when a person may file a civil lawsuit for alleged abuse. Mississippi law also requires people in certain professions to report suspected or alleged abuse to protect victims.

Statute of Limitations

Mississippi law doesn’t have a particular statute of limitations for clergy abuse of children. Instead, it follows the general three-year personal injury statute of limitations, which is suspended until the victim reaches the age of majority.

Mandatory Reporting Laws

Mississippi law mandates people of a certain age to be mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected or alleged child abuse to the proper authorities. In Mississippi, every adult is a mandated reporter, including clergy members and witnesses.

People in professions that work with children are often held to a higher mandated reporting standard, such as teachers, doctors, social service workers, and church leaders. Failure to report such allegations can result in criminal charges.

Age of Consent

Mississippi’s age of consent laws determine whether a sexual act is considered a crime due to a person’s age or someone being in a position of authority. The law states that the age of consent is generally 14. Some provisions say consensual sexual activity isn’t a crime if the person is 14 or 15, and the other individual is not 36 months older than them.

However, it’s always a crime if the child is a minor and the person is in a position of authority over them. For example, a priest or clergy member, teacher, coach, or other person who has authority over the minor. So, every case of a clergy member engaging in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 is more than likely considered a crime, even if the minor is okay with it.

Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Credibly Accused Clergy Members in Mississippi

Filing a lawsuit for alleged abuse cases involves various steps. Our team at Injury Lawyer Team can help you through this process and the various aspects of it:

• Initial Consultation: We’ll set up a confidential consultation to discuss the case with the victim and outline their options.
• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence such as medical records, and assemble necessary documentation.
• Filing the Complaint: We’ll file the official complaint with the court to start the legal process.
• Serving the Defendants: The alleged abuse complaint is then served to the defendants, typically the perpetrator and any liable institutions. They are given a set period to respond.
• Pre-Trial Proceedings: We’ll work on strengthening the case before the trial with discovery, depositions, and court motions.
• Settlement Negotiations: Our team will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement outside of court before the actual trial based on the victim’s wishes.
• Trial: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial with our team representing the abuse victim. After both sides have presented their evidence and arguments, the judge or jury deliberates and delivers a verdict.
• Post-Trial Support: Regardless of the trial outcome, either party may file post-trial motions or appeal the decision. Our team will provide ongoing support and assistance.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, reach out to Injury Lawyer Team today for a confidential consultation and expert legal guidance.

Support Resources for Survivors in Mississippi

Here are some legal and emotional resources available to help you if you’re an abuse victim in Mississippi:

• SAFE Incorporated: Offers comprehensive support services, including counseling and advocacy for survivors.
• The Guardian Sexual Assault Crisis Center: Provides crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups to help survivors heal.
• East Mississippi Sexual Assault Center, Inc.: Offers counseling, medical advocacy, and legal assistance for survivors of sexual assault.
• Sexual Assault Crisis Center: Provides a safe space for survivors, offering counseling and support services to aid in recovery.
• Jackson Rape Crisis Center: Focuses on crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups for those affected by sexual violence.
• Safe Haven, Inc.: Offers emergency shelter, counseling, and support services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Emergency Support Lines also provide resources, information, and support for survivors nationwide. You can reach them at:

• MSCASA: 888-987-9011
• 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): 717-909-0710

Notable Cases and Outcomes Involved Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse in Mississippi

Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Mississippi clergy abuse settlements, including notable cases from the Jackson diocese. Depending on the circumstances of your alleged abuse case, it 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.

In a significant move towards justice and accountability, the Jackson diocese, with the members of an independent fitness review board and retired prior bishops, reviewed and settled alleged abuse lawsuits with 19 alleged abuse victims in 2006. The lawsuits totaled $5 million, yielding an average payout of over $250,000 per victim.

Several diocesan priests in this Catholic church have been credibly accused of sexual abuse involving minors. The cases of the Diocese of Biloxi date back to its founding in 1977, resulting in the accused paying settlements after being convicted, deported, and permanently removed from active ministry.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

If you’re a survivor of alleged abuse in Mississippi, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. Choosing Injury Lawyer Team means choosing a team that will stand by you, fight for you, and help you find the path to healing and justice. Here’s why we are the right choice for you:

• Comprehensive Services: We handle all aspects of your case with professionalism and care.
• Experienced Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience with clergy sexual abuse cases.
• Proven Results: We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
• Commitment to Justice: We fight to hold accused abusers and liable institutions accountable.
• Compassionate Approach: We approach each case compassionately, understanding its sensitive nature, especially in matters of sex abuse, and prioritizing the survivor’s well-being.

If you’re an abuse survivor in Mississippi, you can reach out to us for a free consultation. We are here to help you get started with the legal process. Contact us today to explore your legal options for a sexual abuse lawsuit.

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.