Lexington KY Diocese Releases Accused Priest List

Posted on: November 19, 2020 Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

Lexington KY Diocese Releases Accused Priest ListThe Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky released a list of 20 priests who served in the diocese and have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor. The list was compiled after an independent investigation that reviewed all priest and church files, among other documents. The diocese notes in its official report that “the investigators were granted unlimited and unfettered access to all files and documents, all personnel, and all policies and procedures”.

The Diocese of Lexington was established in 1988 by Pope John Paul II by combining parts of the Archdiocese of Louisville and the Diocese of Covington. Due to this, the investigators reviewed allegations which included the Archdiocese of Louisville and the Diocese of Covington prior to 1988, along with allegations after 1988 for the Diocese of Lexington specifically. Go to this page to see the full Diocese of Covington accused list.

How does the diocese evaluate if a priest should be listed?

Below are the criteria used to determine if a name should be included on the list for the Diocese of Lexington. The list is divided into four different categories and under each category headline is a sentence or two providing a description.

1) Substantiated allegations of abuse of a minor; (jump to list)
2) Credible allegations of abuse of a minor; (jump to list)
3) Priests who served in the territory of the Lexington Diocese who are credibly accused of abuse of a minor by other Dioceses or religious communities; and, (jump to list)
4) Unsubstantiated allegations of abuse of a minor. (jump to list)

Note: the addition of a name does not imply the person is guilty of a crime or liable in a civil lawsuit.

Lexington Diocese List of Substantiated Allegations of Abuse of a Minor by Priests

Based on the facts and circumstances, there is a reasonable certainty that the allegation is true and that the sexual abuse of a minor occurred.

  • Raymond Chappa, OFM
    • Abuse occurred at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Hazard, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1984 to 1986

  • William J. Fedders
    • Abuse occurred at Christ the King in Lexington, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1980’s
  • James E. Fritsch
    • Accused occurred while part of the diocese of Covington
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1965

  • Stephen F. Gallenstein
    • Accused occurred at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ashland, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1980 to 1994

  • Carrol Howlin
    • Accused occurred in the Lexington Diocese by a priest from the Diocese of Joliet, IL
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1990’s

  • Anthony T. Jablonowski
    • Accused occurred at Lexington Catholic High School
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1970’s

  • Balthasar J. Modica
    • Accused occurred at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Lexington, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1974 to 1978

  • Joseph N. Muench
    • Accused occurred at Good Shepherd in Frankfort, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1980’s

  • Leonard B. F. Nienaber
    • Accused occurred at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Lexington, KY (multiple victims)
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = Prior to 1979

  • Joseph J. Pilger
    • Accused occurred at St. Paul’s in Lexington, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1962

Lexington List of Credible Allegations of Abuse of a Minor by Priests

Based on the facts and circumstances, the allegation is capable of being believed; it is more likely true than not.

  • Raymond L. Broering
    • Abuse occurred at Sacred Heart in Corbin, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1982

  • Robert P. Klein
    • Abuse occurred at Good Shepherd, Frankfort, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1964

  • Carl C. Schaffer
    • Abuse occurred at Good Shepherd, Frankfort, KY
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1960’s to 1970’s

  • Patrick J. Waslh (MSC)
    • Abuse occurred at Christ the King and Lexington Catholic High School
    • Dates of alleged abuse (approximated) = 1971 to 1974

List of Priests Who Served in the Lexington Diocese who are Publicly Accused of Abuse of a Minor by other Dioceses

Priests who served in the territory of the Diocese of Lexington and against whom no allegation of child sexual abuse has been made but are listed by other Dioceses as having a credible allegation of abuse of a minor.

  • Paul M. Arbogast
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 1981 to 1986
    • Named on the Diocese of Covington’s Substantiated Allegations List

  • Peter Richardson
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 1994 to 2004
    • Named on the credibly accused lists of the Diocese of Jackson, the Diocese of Cincinnati, Glenmary Home Missioners, and the Diocese of Nashville.

  • David Schilder
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 2001 to 2004
    • Named on the credibly accused lists of the Diocese of Columbus, OH

  • William Spine
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 2001 to 2006
    • Named on the credibly accused lists by the U.S.A. Midwest Province Jesuits

  • Kendrick J. Williams
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 1984 to 2002
    • Two allegations of sexual misconduct with minors in Louisville, KY

  • Irwin C. Wolke
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 1960 to 1965
    • Named on the Diocese of Covington’s Substantiated Allegations List

Unsubstantiated Allegation of Abuse of a Minor by a Priest

Based on the facts and circumstances enough evidence exists, through a criminal, civil or diocesan investigation or otherwise, that the allegation did not occur as claimed.

  • William G. Poole
    • Served in the Diocese of Lexington = 1964 to 1993
    • Named on the Diocese of Covington’s Substantiated Allegations List
    • Unsubstantiated based on the following: the alleged victim repeatedly refused to speak with the Diocese of Lexington’s investigator

The Lexington dioceses published list can also be viewed here.

Looking for a Sexual Abuse Lawyer for a Claim Against the Diocese of Lexington?

If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Lexington or any other Kentucky diocese, contact our firm today. Our firm handles Kentucky sexual abuse lawsuits and can help you understand how long you have to file a clergy abuse claim in the state of Kentucky. Call us now at 1-800-941-7209 for a FREE and PRIVATE consultation. Don’t wait; your time to file a claim may be limited.

Tags

top