Community Notification Statements and Lists

December 7, 2018

Today the Jesuits West Province released the names of Jesuit priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. The list of names is part of a review of records dating back to 1950, which includes the names of Jesuits who were assigned in Arizona. Brophy College Preparatory made an announcement that none of the Jesuits whose names are listed have served at the school in at least the last two decades, and the school has no information regarding claims made against the priests on the list.

• Read the announcement from the Jesuits West Province
• View the list of Jesuits released by the Jesuits West Province
• Read the letter from the President of Brophy College Preparatory to the community
• View the list of credibly accused Jesuits who served at Brophy College Preparatory

The Jesuits West Province and the local Jesuit community have been in communication with the offices of the Diocese of Phoenix.

May 31, 2019

Today the Franciscan Friars, Province of Saint Barbara released the names of Friars who have credible accusations of sexual abuse against a minor. The list of names is part of their review of records dating back to the 1940s, which includes the names of Franciscans who were assigned to Arizona at one point. The Diocese of Phoenix is reviewing the list to identify the Franciscans who served in the Diocese and are reported to have abuse allegations against them.

Read the announcement from the Franciscans: https://sbfranciscans.org/list-of-credibly-accused/

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix take accusations of sexual misconduct seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to call a local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

June 12, 2019

Today the United States Province of Priests & Brothers, Congregation of Holy Cross released the names of their members credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The list of names is part of their review of records dating back to the 1940s, which includes the names of priests who were assigned to Arizona at one point. The Diocese of Phoenix is reviewing the list of priests who served in the Diocese and are reported to have abuse allegations against them.

Read the announcement from the Congregation of Holy Cross: https://www.holycrossusa.org/article/press-release/

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix take accusations of sexual misconduct seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to call a local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396

May 5, 2020

Fr. Timothy Seavey, a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, has been removed from ministry following allegations that he used a social networking app to send inappropriate images of a sexual nature to an individual who identified as an adult in the app, but who was later determined to be a minor.

The Diocese of Phoenix is cooperating with Mesa Police in its investigation and has removed Fr. Seavey’s faculties to minister as a priest. He had served at Queen of Peace Parish since 2017, and as chaplain at Seton Catholic Preparatory since 2018.

February 26, 2020

“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His Mercy” – Psalm 123

The Diocese of Phoenix has learned that John “Jack” D. Spaulding died on February 25.

We understand how difficult and painful this is for his family, the community of believers, and in a particular way for the individuals who came forward with allegations and their families. Seeking truth and justice was a shared desire. His death prevents this process here on earth and brings sadness, anger and hurt on many levels.

Spaulding was an ordained priest of the Diocese of Phoenix who was removed from priestly ministry in 2011 because of credible allegations of sexual misconduct with minors. He was found guilty by a special tribunal convened by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in 2014. As part of the trial it was recommended to the Holy See that he be dismissed from the clerical state, he appealed the case and it remained pending at the time of his death. In January 2020, Spaulding was indicted for multiple counts of sexual misconduct with minors.

February 11, 2020

The Diocese of Phoenix is disheartened by any allegation of clergy abuse, and stands with all those who grieve and suffer because of the abuse caused by clergy. The abuse of any child is a crime and a sin, and we continue to pray for the healing of survivors and their families, and to work for truth and justice.

The Diocese of Phoenix has not been served or had the opportunity to review the allegations against two of the Salvatorian priests — Fr. Donald R. Verhagen and Fr. James Bretl, both deceased — identified today during the press conference, so we cannot comment directly on the claims, but can confirm that no prior allegations against either has ever been brought to the Diocese of Phoenix. Our understanding is that the claims made in today’s press conference relate to cases that date back to the late 1970s or early 1980s.

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where it values and honors every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Great efforts have been made to put systems into place to keep our young people safe, and we will continue to work in close cooperation with law enforcement to uphold the principles of accountability and justice.

We encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse to contact local law enforcement. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

Bringing to light this dark period in our history is important so that we can protect the vulnerable, bring healing to the wounded, and keep people safe and focused on Jesus Christ.

On December 30, 2019, the Diocese of Charlotte published the name of Donald Philip Baker to its list of credibly accused clergy. You may read the notification from the Diocese of Charlotte here: https://accountability.charlottediocese.org

Donald Philip Baker served in the Diocese of Phoenix during the early 1990s at the parishes of Holy Spirit and St. Jerome. We are not aware of any claims of sexual misconduct against Baker while he served in the Diocese of Phoenix, and no accusations of abuse have been reported to the Diocese of Phoenix. According to the Diocese of Charlotte, the allegation of abuse was first reported in 2017, and related to Baker’s service in Lenoir, North Carolina in the 1980s. The Diocese of Phoenix has updated its website to reflect the notification from the Diocese of Charlotte: TABLE-II-Other-Dioceses.pdf

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix take accusations of sexual misconduct seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to call a local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396

May 31, 2019

Today the Franciscan Friars, Province of Saint Barbara released the names of Friars who have credible accusations of sexual abuse against a minor. The list of names is part of their review of records dating back to the 1940s, which includes the names of Franciscans who were assigned to Arizona at one point. The Diocese of Phoenix is reviewing the list to identify the Franciscans who served in the Diocese and are reported to have abuse allegations against them.

Read the announcement from the Franciscans: https://sbfranciscans.org/list-of-credibly-accused/

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix take accusations of sexual misconduct seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to call a local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

June 12, 2019

Today the United States Province of Priests & Brothers, Congregation of Holy Cross released the names of their members credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The list of names is part of their review of records dating back to the 1940s, which includes the names of priests who were assigned to Arizona at one point. The Diocese of Phoenix is reviewing the list of priests who served in the Diocese and are reported to have abuse allegations against them.

Read the announcement from the Congregation of Holy Cross: https://www.holycrossusa.org/article/press-release/

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix take accusations of sexual misconduct seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to call a local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396

May 31, 2019

The Diocese of Phoenix is pleased to learn that authorities have located and apprehended former Salvatorian priest Joseph Henn in Italy. We support the efforts of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to extradite Henn and return him to the United States in order to face the criminal charges against him.

Henn was assigned by the Salvatorian order to serve at St. Mark Parish in Phoenix from 1978 to 1982. He was indicted on sexual abuse charges in 2003 and arrested in Italy in 2005, butdisappeared before he could be extradited to the United States to stand trial. Henn is identified on our website as a priest who has been removed from ministry due to sexual misconduct with a minor: https://dphx.org/youth-protection/community-notification-statements

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where it values and honors every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Great efforts have been made to put systems into place to keep our young people safe, and we will continue to work in close cooperation with law enforcement to uphold the principles of accountability and justice.

We urge anyone who knows of or has been a victim of abuse to contact law enforcement. Additionally, the Diocese of Phoenix provides support services through its Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

We ask for your continued prayers for Christ’s healing.

Dennis Pecore

Statement on Credible Accusation Against Former Salvatorian Priest

April 30, 2016

The Diocese of Phoenix has been informed that Dennis Pecore, a former priest of the Salvatorian religious order, has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. The recent accusation stems from when Pecore was serving in the Diocese of Phoenix at St. Mark’s Parish from 1982-1983.

Following is the statement released by the Salvatorian community:

The Salvatorian religious community has received an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor which has been deemed to be credible against Dennis Pecore, a former priest of the Salvatorian religious order.

Pecore served at St. Mark’s Parish in Phoenix in 1982-1983. The Society of the Divine Savior received the first report of sexual abuse by Pecore in October, 1986.  He was removed from ministry promptly and never returned to public ministry. In 1987 he pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor and served time in a correctional facility. In 1994 he was convicted of sexual assault of a minor, and was sentenced to a Wisconsin prison followed by probation. He was laicized in November, 1995. If you have information or concerns about events at St. Marks, please contact Brother Sean McLaughlin, SDS, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at (301) 370-2453.

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where it values and honors every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Great efforts have been made to put systems into place to keep our young people safe. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or who may have information concerning these crimes is encouraged to call a local law enforcement agency.

Additionally, the Diocese of Phoenix provides support services through its Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

We ask for your continued prayers for Christ’s healing.

Declaración de una Acusación Creíble en contra de ex Sacerdote Salvatoriano

30 de abril de 2016

Se le ha informado a la Diócesis de Phoenix que Dennis Pecore, ex sacerdote de la congregación religiosa de la Sociedad del Divino Salvador popularmente llamada “Salvatorianos”, ha sido acusado creíblemente de conducta sexual inapropiada con un menor.  La acusación reciente proviene de cuando Pecore sirvió en la parroquia de San Marcos (St. Mark) de 1982 a 1983.

La declaración de parte de la comunidad Salvatorianos:

La congregación religiosa Salvatorianos ha recibido un acusación de conducta sexual inapropiada con un menor que se considera creíble en contra del sacerdote Dennis Pecore, que formo parte de la congregación religiosa Salvatorianos.

Pecore sirvió en la parroquia de San Marcos en Phoenix de 1982 a 1983. Los Salvatorianos recibieron el reporte inicial de abuso sexual por parte de Pecore en octubre de 1986. Fue inmediatamente removido de su ministerio y jamás volvió al ministerio público. En 1987, se confesó culpable de abuso sexual con un menor y fue mandado a una institución correccional. En 1994, fue encontrado culpable de acoso sexual con un menor y fue mandado a una prisión en el estado de Wisconsin y después sujeto a libertad condicional. Fue laicizado en noviembre de 1995. Si usted tiene información o preocupaciones sobre eventos en la parroquia de San Marcos, por favor comuníquese con el Hermano Sean McLaughlin, SDS, Coordinador de Asistencia a la Victima al (301) 370-2453.

La Diócesis de Phoenix está comprometida a proveer un medio ambiente seguro donde se valora y honra a cada persona creada a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Grandes pasos se han elaborado para tener sistemas para mantener nuestros jóvenes a salvo. Se le anima a cualquier persona que ha sido víctima de abuso o tiene información sobre estos crímenes, que llame a la policía local.

Además, la Diócesis de Phoenix provee servicios por medio de la Oficina de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes (602) 354-2396.

Pedimos por sus oraciones para que Cristo sane.

December 12, 2014 – We learned this afternoon that Mesa Police arrested Fr. Solomon Bandiho on suspicion of child prostitution. His priestly faculties have been removed and he is prohibited from public ministry. We are not aware of any additional claims of sexual misconduct involving Fr. Bandiho.

Fr. Bandiho is a doctoral student from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley. He was on a work-study program as part of his studies and assigned to Holy Cross Parish in Mesa, where he has served as administrator of the parish since July 2014. He has also assisted at St. Helen Parish in Glendale. He is a priest of the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania.

The Diocese of Phoenix performs background checks, including fingerprinting on all priests who are given assignments in its parishes and institutions. No previous allegations or criminal activity were indicated in a background check. He comes with the recommendation and letter of good standing from his own bishop as well.

March 21, 2014

The Diocese of Phoenix has learned that Fr. Charles Gielow, a deceased member of the Claretian Missionaries religious order, has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. Following is a statement released by the Claretian Missionaries:

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION STATEMENT

The US Province of Claretian Missionaries has received an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor which has been deemed to be credible against Fr. Charles Gielow, CMF a deceased member of the order. This was reported to have occurred in the late 1970’s. Fr. Gielow served at Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott from 1960 to 1966. He later served at the Cursillo Center, now known as the Mount Claret Retreat Center, from January 1976 to June 1980. He died on June 30, 1980.

The Claretians are deeply saddened by these events and are committed to helping in a healing process for victims and to providing a safe environment for children.

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where it values and honors every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Great efforts have been made to put systems into place to keep our young people safe. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or who may have information concerning these crimes is encouraged to call a local law enforcement agency.

Additionally, the Diocese of Phoenix provides support services through its Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396 or at diocesephoenix.org (click on “Youth Protection”).

We ask for your continued prayers for Christ’s healing.

January 31, 2014

• Statement on Crosier Priest Removed from Ministry
• Declaración sobre sacerdote Crosier retirado del Ministerio

On Aug. 13, 2013: The Diocese of Phoenix received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Ron Gonzalez, a deacon of the Diocese of Dallas who has been serving in Arizona since 1999. The allegations relate to incidents reported to have occurred in Texas and Pennsylvania 15 to 20 years ago, prior to his arrival in Arizona.

Gonzalez, 62, assisted at St. Thomas More Parish in Glendale since 2003 and was officially assigned to the parish in January 2011. He had been the parish manager since May 1, 2013. There have been no reported allegations or incidents of any wrongdoing at St. Thomas More or elsewhere within the Diocese of Phoenix.

According to Diocese records, Gonzalez was a chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., from 1983 to 1999, and a supervisory chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the Diocese of Phoenix from 1999 to 2010.

Gonzalez’s faculties to function in ministry within the Diocese of Phoenix have been revoked and he is no longer employed by the parish. The Diocese of Phoenix has also contacted the authorities regarding the allegations.

The Diocese of Phoenix takes these matters very seriously and urges anyone who may know of any other such misconduct, or who may have any relevant information regarding Gonzalez, to contact local law enforcement and the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix encourage anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or by any employee or volunteer of the Church to make a report to local law enforcement and to contact the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection.

Please keep all who were involved in these cases in your prayers for healing.

Aug. 16, 2013

On July 1, 2013, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee released to the public information on clergy offenders who served in its Archdiocese. Among this release of records was a file on Marvin Knighton, who had served in the Diocese of Phoenix: www.archmil.org/reorg/bardate/ClergyOffenders/Knighton.htm

Knighton taught at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix during the 2000-2001 academic year. The Diocese of Phoenix was not aware of any accusations of sexual abuse prior to or during his tenure at St. Mary’s.

According to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the first formal complaint was filed against Knighton in February 2002, after he completed his time teaching in Phoenix. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee files indicate that Knighton was laicized following their canonical investigation and trial.

During the 2000-2001 timeframe, in addition to his work at St. Mary’s High School, records indicate that Knighton assisted with weekend Masses at St. Paul Parish in Phoenix, Ascension Parish in Fountain Hills and St. Pius X in Phoenix. There have been no reported allegations or incidents of any wrongdoing at these locations.

The Diocese of Phoenix takes these matters very seriously and urges anyone who may know of any other such misconduct, or who may have any relevant information regarding Knighton, to contact local law enforcement and the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix encourage anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or by any employee or volunteer of the Church to make a report to local law enforcement and to contact the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection.

Please keep all who were involved in these cases in your prayers for healing.

February 26, 2020

Diocese of Phoenix Statement on Death of John ‘Jack’ D. Spaulding

“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His Mercy” – Psalm 123

The Diocese of Phoenix has learned that John “Jack” D. Spaulding died on February 25.

We understand how difficult and painful this is for his family, the community of believers, and in a particular way for the individuals who came forward with allegations and their families. Seeking truth and justice was a shared desire. His death prevents this process here on earth and brings sadness, anger and hurt on many levels.

Spaulding was an ordained priest of the Diocese of Phoenix who was removed from priestly ministry in 2011 because of credible allegations of sexual misconduct with minors. He was found guilty by a special tribunal convened by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in 2014. As part of the trial it was recommended to the Holy See that he be dismissed from the clerical state, he appealed the case and it remained pending at the time of his death. In January 2020, Spaulding was indicted for multiple counts of sexual misconduct with minors.

Our Christian faith calls us to look to the one who is the source of truth, justice and mercy – Jesus Christ. We remain focused on Our Savior’s pledge to bring justice and mercy, healing and light, charity and ultimately peace.

January 14, 2020

• Community notification statement regarding Rev. Jack Spaulding
• Declaración a la comunidad acerca del Rev. Jack Spaulding

January 9, 2020

• Statement on Indictment of John D. Spaulding
• Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Father John “Jack” Dallas Spaulding

January 17, 2014

• Statement of the Diocese of Phoenix; Re: Judgment Reached in Ecclesiastical Trial
• Q&A: Judgment Reached in Ecclesiastical Trial
• Q&A: General Information About Church Court Process

October 14, 2011

• Community Notification Statement, Re: Fr. John Spaulding

Sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy is an evil that deeply impacts the person abused, their family and the larger community. The recent news of the indictment of Fr. Jack Spaulding brings up many emotions and feelings. He was assigned to several parishes throughout the Diocese of Phoenix:

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale, June 1971-September 1975
• Christ the King in Mesa, September 1975-November 1976
• Santa Teresita in El Mirage, November 1976-September 1977
• St. Louis the King in Glendale, September 1977-August 1979
• St. Raphael in Glendale, August 1979-October 1979
• St. Helen in Glendale, October 1979-August 1980
• St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale, November 1982-August 1996
• St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix, August 1996-November 2002
• St. Gabriel the Archangel in Cave Creek, November 2002-June 2005
• St. Timothy in Mesa, July 2005-June 2011

He was suspended from ministry in 2011 because of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor. In 2014 a special tribunal convened by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith found him guilty of sins against the sixth commandment, which is currently pending an appeal.

At this time, the Diocese of Phoenix is aware of six individuals who have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against Rev. Jack Spaulding. We encourage anyone who is aware of abuse to please contact law enforcement and to seek help. It takes courage for people to come forward in the hope that justice will be served. Bringing these terrible actions to light can be painful but we trust that God’s grace and healing is greater than any evil act.

Let us be united in prayer for the healing of our community, for the true repentance and conversion of those who have abused, and especially for the victims of abuse and their families.

14 de enero de 2020

El abuso sexual de un menor por parte de un miembro del Clero es un mal que impacta profundamente a la persona maltratada, a su familia y a la comunidad en general. Las recientes noticias de la acusación del P. Jack Spaulding causan muchas emociones y sentimientos. Él estuvo asignado a varias parroquias en toda la Diócesis de Phoenix:

• En Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, en Glendale, de junio de 1971 a septiembre de 1975
• En Cristo Rey en Mesa, de septiembre de 1975 a noviembre de 1976
• En Santa Teresita, en El Mirage, de noviembre de 1976 a septiembre de 1977
• En San Luis Rey, en Glendale, de septiembre de 1977 a agosto de 1979
• En San Rafael, en Glendale, de agosto de 1979 a octubre de 1979
• En Santa Elena, en Glendale, de octubre de 1979 a agosto de 1980
• En Santa María Goretti, en Scottsdale, de noviembre de 1982 a agosto de 1996
• Santo Tomás Apóstol, en Phoenix, de agosto de 1996 a noviembre de 2002
• En San Gabriel Arcángel, en Cave Creek, de noviembre de 2002 a junio de 2005
• En San Timoteo, en Mesa, de julio de 2005 a junio de 2011

Fue suspendido del ministerio en 2011 debido a una acusación creíble de conducta sexual inapropiada con un menor. En 2014, un tribunal especial convocado por la Congregación para la Doctrina de la Fe lo encontró culpable de pecados contra el Sexto Mandamiento, que actualmente está pendiente de apelación.

En este momento, la Diócesis de Phoenix está enterada de seis personas que han presentado acusaciones de conducta sexual inapropiada contra el reverendo Jack Spaulding. Exhortamos a cualquiera que sepa de algún otro abuso, a que se comunique con la Policía y busque ayuda. Se necesita valor para que las personas se presenten con la esperanza de que se haga justicia. Sacar a la luz estas terribles acciones puede ser doloroso, pero confiamos en que la gracia y la curación de Dios son mayores que cualquier acto de maldad.

Unámonos en oración por la sanación de nuestra comunidad, por el verdadero arrepentimiento y la conversión de aquellos que han abusado, y especialmente por las víctimas de abuso y sus familias.

January 9, 2020

The Diocese of Phoenix learned today that John D. Spaulding, a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, has been indicted for multiple counts of sexual misconduct with minors.

The Diocese received a report in June 2019 from an adult male who alleged that Spaulding sexually abused him as a minor. The Diocese contacted law enforcement officials regarding the allegation and encouraged the family to contact law enforcement to make a formal report.

Since making the report, the Diocese has cooperated with the law enforcement investigation. In order to avoid any possible interference with the ongoing legal process, we are unable to comment further.

In June 2011, the faculties of Spaulding, then pastor of St. Timothy Parish in Mesa, were suspended and he was placed on leave following an investigation and determination that an allegation against Spaulding of sexual misconduct with a minor was credible. Since that time, several additional claims have been made alleging sexual misconduct by Spaulding, all of which have been reported to law enforcement.

Upon being removed from ministry he has remained prohibited from publicly identifying himself as a priest, including celebrating the Mass and sacraments.

In 2014, a Special Tribunal convened at the direction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) found Spaulding guilty of sins against the Sixth Commandment with a minor and recommended that he be dismissed from the clerical state, a process commonly known as “laicization.” The penalty would become effective upon finalization of the case by the CDF. Spaulding appealed the case and it remains pending with the CDF.

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where it values and honors every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse or who may have information concerning these allegations to call the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office or their local law enforcement agency. For additional information about support services for those who have been abused, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396 or at dphxphp7.wpengine.com/youth-protection.

Please continue to pray for the end of all abuse, and for a greater respect for the dignity of all people.

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Father John “Jack” Dallas Spaulding

• Statement of the Diocese of Phoenix; Re: Judgment Reached in Ecclesiastical Trial
• Q&A: Judgment Reached in Ecclesiastical Trial
• Q&A: General Information About Church Court Process

Community Notification Statement, Re: Fr. John Spaulding

August 26, 2011 – Statement on New Allegation of Sexual Abuse Against Rev. John D. Spaulding

Rev. John D. Spaulding Suspension of Faculties

Vatican dismisses Fushek from clerical state following investigation

October 16, 2009: The Diocese of Phoenix has learned that Deacon Maxwell Rollin (Ron) Pelton, 75, of Cottonwood, AZ, has been charged by the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office with several criminal counts relating to the sexual abuse of a minor.

Pelton has been a retired, inactive deacon since October of 2000. To the best of our knowledge, Dcn. Pelton has not been involved in any ministry or other parish activities over the past nine years, and he has not participated in any ministry elsewhere during that period of time. He was ordained a deacon in November of 1991 and served at Immaculate Conception Parish in Cottonwood until October of 2000 when he notified the Diocese of his retirement.

Upon learning of these charges, the Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix immediately revoked Dcn. Pelton’s faculties pending the outcome of the legal process and a review by the Diocesan Review Board.

To date, the Diocese of Phoenix has not received any complaints or reports of sexual misconduct or improprieties on the part of Dcn. Pelton. The Diocese of Phoenix urges anyone who may know of any sexual misconduct or other improprieties committed by Dcn. Pelton or who may have any other relevant information regarding him to contact local law enforcement authorities.

As always, Bishop Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix encourage anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or by any employee or volunteer of the Church to make a report to local law enforcement and to contact Jean Sokol at the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

December 2008: The Claretian Missionaries of the U.S. Western Province have notified the Diocese of Phoenix that their review board has found a report of sexual abuse of a minor to be credible against Br. Richard Suttle, a religious brother of the Claretian Order. Credibility does not imply either guilt or innocence but rather that the allegations made in the report are possible.

In that report, Br. Richard Suttle, CMF, is accused of engaging in sexual abuse of a minor during the 1982-83 school year while at Sacred Heart School in Prescott, AZ, where Br. Suttle was a teacher and a coach. After becoming aware of the report during the fall of 2008, the Diocese of Phoenix promptly conducted a thorough investigation into the charges and forwarded its findings to the Claretian Missionaries for their review and disposition.

To date, the report of the 1982-83 abuse at Sacred Heart is the only report of sexual abuse of a minor against Br. Suttle that is known to the Diocese of Phoenix. Likewise, the Claretian Missionaries have confirmed that they are not aware of any other allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against Br. Suttle.

The Claretian Missionaries have officially informed the Diocese of Phoenix that Br. Suttle no longer resides in Arizona and will not be assigned to the Diocese at any time in the future. The religious order has removed him from any ministry involving minors and has placed him on a plan that restricts and monitors his movements.

The Diocese of Phoenix has confirmed that Br. Suttle was also employed at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix from 1988 to 1998, where he was a teacher and coach, and that he served as principal of Sacred Heart School in Prescott between 2006 and 2008.

The Diocese urges anyone who may know of any sexual abuse or other improprieties by Br. Suttle or who may have any other such information about him to contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office at 602-506-3411, the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office at 928-771-3485, or the Claretian Missionaries at 626-289-2009.

Assigned after ordination for four years to St. Anne’s Parish in Santa Monica CA. Moved to Mexico in 1974; spent the next 21 years ministering to indigenous people in the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas. Expelled by the Mexican government in 1995 for believed political activism. Worked in Diocese of Phoenix AZ in 1996-1997 (on its list as “Lawrence” Riebe). The L.A. archdiocese began notifying dioceses throughout the country in early 2008 that it had several credible allegations against Riebe of sexual misconduct with minors dating from the early 1970s. As of 2008, Riebe was incardinated in the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Allowed in 2009 and 2011 to stay at St. Timothy’s Catholic Community rectory in Mesa AZ. Was believed to be residing in L.A. in 2016. Died in 2018. Source: https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/riebe-loren-1970/

October 2007: The Diocese of Phoenix has learned that Fr. Donald J. McGuire, S. J., a Chicago Jesuit priest, is the subject of a lawsuit that was filed on October 23 in Cook County, Illinois. The lawsuit was brought by two men who report that Fr. Donald J. McGuire sexually abused them in Illinois and in Arizona between 1988 and 2002 when they were minors.

Fr. Donald J. McGuire, 77, is a convicted sex offender who was found guilty in 2006 in Wisconsin of molesting two students from Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, during the 1960s. He has been allowed by the court to live on probation in suburban Chicago, pending appeal of his conviction.

The Diocese of Phoenix has no record of Fr. Donald J. McGuire asking for or receiving faculties to administer sacraments in the Diocese at any time. However, the Diocese is aware that Fr. Donald J. McGuire conducted several privately-sponsored retreats for adults over the age of 21 at Mt. Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2001. Those retreats were not sponsored by or conducted by the Diocese of Phoenix, but were held at a Diocesan facility, which was rented out by a private association not affiliated with the Diocese. Fr. Donald J. McGuire is believed to also have conducted privately sponsored retreats in Casa Grande, Arizona, in the 1980s and 1990s as well as a privately sponsored retreat in Payson, Arizona, in 2002.

To date, the Diocese of Phoenix has not received any other complaints or reports of abuse or improprieties on the part of Fr. Donald J. McGuire. The Diocese takes this matter very seriously and urges anyone who may know of any sexual abuse or misconduct by Fr. Donald J. McGuire or who may have any information about him to contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office at (602) 506-3411 and the Jesuit Order’s Chicago Province at (773) 975-6363.

As always, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix encourage anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or by any worker of the Church to make a report to local law enforcement and to contact Jean Sokol at the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396.

June 13, 2007: Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced today that Fr. Jorge Washington Cordova, 51, has been indicted on charges related to alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Cordova on two counts of Sexual Abuse, a Class 3 Dangerous Crime Against Children, on June 11, 2007. Authorities in Spain arrested Cordova on June 3, 2007.

The alleged incidents of abuse were said to have occurred between November 1992 and November 1993 while Fr. Cordova was assigned to the Charismatic Renewal Ministry in Phoenix.

Fr. Jorge Washington Cordova is a priest of the Archdiocese of Quito, Ecuador. He worked in the Diocese of Phoenix from 1991 to 1993 as liaison to the Catholic Renewal Ministries and was in residence first at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glendale and then at St. Augustine Parish, Phoenix at the time of the alleged incidents of abuse.

We have cooperated and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities regarding investigations of Fr. Cordova in Yuma and Phoenix involving allegations of sexual abuse. We are grateful to the civil authorities for their efforts to bring Fr. Cordova back to Arizona, so that he may face a legal process that we pray will bring justice to all involved. We are unable to comment further at this time in order to avoid compromising or prejudicing any legal proceedings or ongoing investigations.

The Diocese of Phoenix urges anyone who has any information on Fr. Cordova to contact the County Attorney’s Office. The Diocese also encourages anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a member of the clergy or any worker of the Church to make a report to law enforcement and to contact Jean Sokol at the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (602) 354-2396. The Office of Child and Youth Protection has offered and will continue to offer pastoral outreach and assistance to those who have come forward with allegations.

Assigned after ordination for four years to St. Anne’s Parish in Santa Monica CA. Moved to Mexico in 1974; spent the next 21 years ministering to indigenous people in the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas. Expelled by the Mexican government in 1995 for believed political activism. Worked in Diocese of Phoenix AZ in 1996-1997 (on its list as “Lawrence” Riebe). The L.A. archdiocese began notifying dioceses throughout the country in early 2008 that it had several credible allegations against Riebe of sexual misconduct with minors dating from the early 1970s. As of 2008, Riebe was incardinated in the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Allowed in 2009 and 2011 to stay at St. Timothy’s Catholic Community rectory in Mesa AZ. Was believed to be residing in L.A. in 2016. Died in 2018. Source: https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/riebe-loren-1970/