Oklahoma Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List

List of Accused Priests in Oklahoma

The cases of clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma have been a concerning aspect for many years. It has profoundly impacted the Roman Catholic Church, including the dioceses in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City Archdiocese and the Eastern Oklahoma Diocese have faced credible allegations, with numerous cases coming to light over the years.

Our firm, Injury Lawyer Team, is dedicated to helping survivors get justice against these heinous acts and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City OK

David Cowden

• Accused
  

Cowden was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on its disclosure list released October 3, 2019. He had been removed from ministry on October 31, 2006, prior to the public disclosure. Cowden died on March 23, 2015, with the allegation acknowledged post-removal and posthumously disclosed by the archdiocese.

Stephen D. Cude

• Sued
  

A man filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Cude sexually abused him during childhood. Cude left the priesthood in 1998. At a later point, he was removed from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s list of credibly accused clergy. The allegation entered the public record through civil litigation rather than criminal proceedings.

Robert L. Foster

• Convicted
  

Foster, a deacon for eighteen years and a retired judge, was charged with sexually abusing a twelve-year-old girl. The criminal case resulted in five years of deferred adjudication. He was also charged with stalking the same victim, leading to additional legal consequences tied to the abuse.

David Imming

• Sued
  

Imming was accused in a civil lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy approximately twenty years earlier. During the review of that allegation, a separate complaint involving another boy from the same period emerged. As a result, Imming was forced to resign and had his ministerial privileges removed.

Daniel C. Keohane

• Sued
  

A woman alleged in civil litigation that Keohane sexually abused her during childhood and claimed she later developed multiple personality disorder. She reported that the abuse resurfaced through repressed memory in 1987. The claim proceeded through the courts, where the statute of limitations remained applicable despite the diagnosis.

Marvin Francis Leven

• Accused
  

Leven was publicly named as accused by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in January 2020 after two allegations were substantiated by the diocesan review board. He retired from ministry in 1999 and later worked as a hospital chaplain until 2013. The substantiated findings led to his inclusion on the archdiocesan disclosure list.

Albert Mantica

• Accused
  

Mantica was named publicly as credibly accused by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on its list released October 3, 2019. He was a priest of the Diocese of Albany who had been assigned to Oklahoma City from 1965 to 1967. Mantica died on February 16, 1997, prior to the public disclosure.

Edd Prather

• Accused
  

Prather was identified as credibly accused on the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s list released October 3, 2019. Records noted that he had been without assignment in the archdiocese after May 1988. Prather died on November 26, 1996, with the allegation publicly acknowledged years later.

James J. Mickus

• Accused
  

Mickus was suspended from ministry in 2002 following an allegation of sexual abuse. The allegation was dismissed in 2003, and he returned to ministry. Despite the dismissal, he was later included on the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s list of clergy with substantiated allegations.

Sid Starr

• Arrested
  

A deacon, Starr was publicly named as credibly accused by the archdiocese on its list released October 2, 2019. He was permanently removed from active ministry in 2009. In 2011, he was arrested in connection with misconduct involving a minor; the criminal charge was dismissed in 2012.

Papa-Rao Pasala

• Accused
  

Pasala admitted to sexually abusing a seventeen-year-old girl in 2001 and was sent back to India following the admission. He later returned to the United States and worked in parishes within the Diocese of Baker, Oregon. The admission formed the basis for his removal from ministry.

Benjamin Zoeller

• Accused
  

In 1985, a sixteen-year-old boy reported sexual abuse by Zoeller to the archdiocese, prompting an internal investigation. Zoeller was later discovered volunteering at a parish in August 2018. He was laicized in 2011, formally ending his clerical status following the allegation.

Diocese of Tulsa OK

Harry Bartnik

• Accused
  

Bartnik was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Tulsa on October 2, 2019, as part of its disclosure of clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse. His ministerial status had ended prior to the disclosure. Bartnik died on December 25, 2000, with the allegation acknowledged posthumously through diocesan reporting.

Lawrence Courtright

• Accused
  

Courtright was named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Tulsa on October 2, 2019. He had been permanently removed from active ministry on July 4, 2002, following allegations of sexual abuse. The diocesan disclosure confirmed the status of the allegation and his removal from clerical duties.

Timothy J. Daley

• Accused
  

Daley was publicly listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Tulsa on October 2, 2019. He had been permanently removed from active ministry on April 28, 1999, and was laicized on February 17, 2004. Daley died on August 2, 2004, with the allegation disclosed after his death.

Paul Eichhoff

• Sued
  

In 2002, a man alleged that Eichhoff sexually abused him and another boy when they were in third or fourth grade at a parish school during the late 1970s. The Diocese of Tulsa placed Eichhoff under review. In late 2002, the diocesan review board cleared him, and he returned to active ministry following that determination.

John Jangam

• Accused
  

A thirteen-year-old girl reported that Jangam, a visiting priest from India, hugged and kissed her while they were watching television in a rectory. The Diocese of Tulsa sent Jangam back to India following the allegation. The incident was not reported to civil authorities at the time.

Edmund F. Byrne

• Accused
  

Byrne was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Tulsa on October 2, 2019. His name appeared on the diocesan disclosure list recognizing clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse. Byrne died on May 29, 1991, prior to the public release of the list.

Kenneth Lewis

• Guilty plea
  

Lewis was accused of sexually abusing several boys during the mid-1990s. He was sent to the St. Luke Institute in Maryland for treatment in 1994 and later reassigned by diocesan leadership. Additional victims came forward, and he was not removed from ministry until 2002. He later entered a guilty plea to felony predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in Evanston.

Vincent C. McGouldrick

• Accused
  

McGouldrick was named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Tulsa on October 2, 2019. His clerical career ended prior to the disclosure. He died on January 19, 1994, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with the allegation acknowledged posthumously through diocesan reporting.

Morris Dale Vanderford

• Convicted
  

Vanderford, a deacon, was convicted of sexually abusing two boys. He was later killed while incarcerated. His name was included on the Diocese of Tulsa’s list of credibly accused clergy released in 2019, reflecting the criminal conviction and the substantiated nature of the abuse.

Joe C. Townsend

• Cleared
  

Townsend was placed on leave by the Diocese of Tulsa in July 2019 following an allegation of sexual abuse. On December 3, 2019, the diocese announced that the allegation was unsubstantiated. Following that determination, Townsend was permitted to return to public ministry.

About Clergy Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse refers to inappropriate behavior and illegal sexual misconduct by priests and other church members toward children or individuals. These actions are deeply condemnable as they cause long-term emotional and psychological harm to the sexually abused victims. Survivors often struggle with their spiritual well-being and may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Such incidents must be reported to the civil authorities, and legal proceedings should be initiated to prevent future abuse. Like other states, Oklahoma City follows a similar legal process encompassing thorough investigation and lawsuits against those accused of sexual abuse.

Legal Support for Survivors in Oklahoma

Injury Lawyer Team is a team of dedicated attorneys who excel in providing legal support to victim-survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma. We have the expertise to handle these sensitive cases and provide compassionate and professional assistance whenever required.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to guiding survivors through the legal process, from filing claims to pursuing justice in court. Our dedication to seeking justice for the affected ensures they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma

Unlike other states, Oklahoma City has multiple laws addressing abuse cases.

Statutes of Limitations: Oklahoma has specific statutes of limitations for clergy sexual abuse cases, which outline the time frame within which victims can file lawsuits or criminal charges. Victims of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until they turn 45 years old or within two years of discovering the abuse. The law extends this period to allow survivors more time to come forward. For most felony sexual crimes against minors, Oklahoma does not have a statute of limitations.

Mandatory Reporting Laws: Clergy members are required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. This duty applies even if the information is received during confession, overriding confidentiality claims. Reports must be made immediately to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services or local law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal charges against the mandated reporter.

Recent Legislative Changes: Legislative changes, such as Senate Bill 962, have further strengthened protections for survivors by extending the statute of limitations for civil claims and reducing it for criminal prosecutions in certain severe cases.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Oklahoma

Initiating a lawsuit that involves sexual violence in Oklahoma City involves several steps. These include:

• Confidential Consultation: Contact Injury Lawyer Team for a private consultation to discuss your case and explore legal avenues.
• Evidence Collection: Collaborate with our legal team to gather all necessary evidence, including personal testimonies, medical records, and any relevant communications.
• Complaint Submission: Our experienced attorneys will draft a legal complaint outlining the allegations and file it with the relevant court. The complaint will also reflect the compensation sought.
• Discovery Process: Once the complaint is filed with the court, both parties will exchange evidence and information through depositions and document requests.
• Settlement Negotiations: Next are the settlement discussions to achieve a fair resolution. If an agreement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial.
• Trial Proceedings: After the negotiations have failed, the case is presented to a judge, who will determine the outcome.

If you or someone you love has experienced clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma City, contact Injury Lawyer Team today for a confidential consultation. Our team is ready to fight for your rights.

Support Resources for Survivors in Oklahoma

Survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma City have access to various support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and crisis hotlines.

• Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Provides counseling services for survivors of sexual violence.
• Rape Crisis Centers: Offers confidential counseling and legal advocacy throughout Oklahoma City.
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), connecting survivors with local resources and support services.
• Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): Offers peer support groups for survivors of clergy abuse. You can reach out to them on their network.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Provides support groups and online forums for survivors of sexual abuse. You can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Oklahoma Safeline: Provides a 24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Call 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) or text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support.

Seeking both legal and emotional support is vital for survivors of clergy sexual misconduct. Legal support can help in holding perpetrators accountable and securing justice, while emotional support is essential for healing and coping with the trauma.

Notable Cases and Outcomes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City has seen several notable clergy sexual abuse cases that have resulted in major legal precedents. For instance, the case involving a priest from Eastern Oklahoma who was credibly accused led to substantial compensation for the survivors, highlighting the importance of addressing abuse allegations promptly.

Rev. James Rapp: Rapp was accused of sexually abusing minors while serving at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Duncan, Oklahoma. In May 2002, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City agreed to pay $5 million to settle claims related to Rapp’s abuse. Rapp pleaded no contest to two counts of lewd molestation and was sentenced to 40 years in prison​.

Deacon Morris Dale Vanderford: Deacon Vanderford was accused of sexually abusing two boys at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore. In August 2002, the Diocese of Tulsa approved nearly $800,000 in insurance settlements to resolve the lawsuits. Vanderford pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual abuse and was sentenced to 60 years in prison​​.

Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Oklahoma City 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.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team?

Survivors of clergy abuse in Oklahoma City often turn to Injury Lawyer Team due to the firm’s dedication to justice and significant experience in handling such cases. We have a strong history of securing favorable outcomes for survivors.

Each case is approached with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the profound impact of abuse. Our firm ensures clients receive appropriate compensation and comprehensive legal guidance throughout their legal journey.

Contact Us

Are you a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Oklahoma City? Don’t worry, we can help. Reach out to Injury Lawyer Team for a confidential consultation and expert legal support.

Phone: 866-757-6452

Email: info@injurylawyerteam.com

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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.