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List of Accused Priests in the Archdiocese of San Francisco

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Currently, there are many priests in the Archdiocese of San Francisco who stand credibly accused of sexual abuse. The list below represents those individuals. It was compiled from a number of different sources, and in some cases, we were able to include a summary of the allegations against the priests involved as well as a list of where the priest was posted in his time with the Church.

Clergy Sexual Abuse

Not all of the priests on the list below have admitted to the allegations against them. Many survivors don’t feel safe enough to come forward until they’re adults, and that sometimes means the statute of limitations expires on their cases before they’re investigated.

Despite the lack of investigations in these claims, however, every priest on this list has been credibly accused of sexual abuse in California.

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San Francisco Archdiocese Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse has been a serious problem in the Catholic Church for years. If you or someone you love was abused by a priest, the time to come forward and tell your story is now. We can help make sure justice is done.

Father Peter Gomez Armstrong

  • Ordained: 1954
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

At some point between 1992 and 2002. a teenage Marin County boy accused Monsignor Peter Armstrong, former chaplain of the San Francisco 49ers, of having improper contact with him. Armstrong had already retired at the time the complaint was received. Died 11/17/09.

Father James W. Aylward

  • Ordained: 1964
  • Status: Settled
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused of abuse (one article spelled name Elward) of 1 youth in 1997. Another priest saw them "wrestling" and notified authorities. Youth denied but then parents sued. Settled for $750K in 2000. Supported by Archbishop until Aylward admitted in 1999 depo that he inappropriately touched numerous youths over 12 yr period. Placed on leave in 2000 and retired 2005.

Father Theodore Baquedano-Pech

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Visiting priest from Mexico. Accused of sexually molesting a girl for several years, beginning when she was 11. She reported to diocese in 1993 at about age 30; was told diocese not responsible because he was a visiting priest. He continued as active priest in Mexico for many years. Still active in Yucatan in 4/10. Removed 4/26/10.

Brother Salvatore Billante

  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Salesian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Abused as many as 25 boys 1969-89. Pled guilty to abuse of one; sentenced to eight years' prison in 1989. Released 1994. Registered sex offender. Left the Salesians. Arrested again in 2002 for abuse of one; charges dropped after CA Supreme Court decision. Named in 2003 civil suit. On Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Father Roberto Bravo

  • Ordained: 1998
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Dominican

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused of abuse of 6 teenage girls in 1999 in Antioch. He was reported to police but girls refused to testify and charges dropped. He was transferred to Utah and had similar problems there. Transferred to San Francisco and then to St. Albert's Seminary in Oakland in 2002. Several other abusers lived at the Seminary. Bravo was allowed to come and go freely. Left St. Albert's in 2/05 when they placed restrictions on him. On Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Father Daniel E. Carter

  • Ordained: 1979
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Woman filed police report in 2002 accusing Carter of a sexual impropriety when she was a student at Notre Dame des Victoires elementary school in late 1970s and he was a religious brother. Diocese investigated, found allegations inconclusive and allowed Carter to remain active. Woman filed civil suit 8/02 and Carter placed on leave. Archdiocese later allowed him to return to active duty in 4/08 saying again that charges were inconclusive. Still active priest 9/11.

Father Edmond G. Cloutier

  • Ordained: 1946
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Ordained for the Diocese of Portland, ME. Cloutier attended seminary with former Bishop Cummins of Oakland. Cloutier was named in lawsuits. Alleged to have abused four boys at Star of the Sea in San Francisco late 1940s-1957. Became priest of Oakland diocese when it was created in 1962. Removed/retired 12/31/80. Died 4/9/03. On Oakland diocese's list in 2019, abuse noted to have occurred 1950s-1960s.

Father Arthur Manuel Cunha

  • Ordained: 1984
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Arrested 6/86 after police investigation of report by restaurant waitress of suspicious behavior involving a man and boy. The boy was 11 and Cunha was in first assignment after ordination. Sentenced to 60 days jail and 4 mo counseling center for abuse of two boys. At least three civil suits filed re abuse of boys in 1986. One suit settled for $640K. May have left priesthood.

Father Bernard Dabbene

  • Ordained: 1966
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Salesian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Suspended 11/00 after found in a car with 17-year-old boy. Sentenced to 3 years probation and community service. Named in 2003 civil suit which alleged he was part of a ring of child molesters at Salesian High School 1969-73. Allegation said to have been reported to Province in 1959 of abuse at the Salesian seminary in Richmond. Dabbene went on to be a high school teacher and principal at Salesian schools, and an official with the SF archdiocese. Allegations reported to the Diocese of Oakland (formerly party of SF archdiocese) also in 1971. Lived at the Salesian provincial headquarters for years. Died 9/9/10. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Father Harold Danielson

  • Ordained: 1966
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Salesian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Danielson, associate pastor at Saints Peter and Paul parish, was accused in lawsuit of child sex abuse. Danielson has denied the allegations. Claims may have been investigated in 2004 by review board and deemed unsubstantiated, which corroborated the Salesians' findings that the claims were "unsubstantiated." Still active priest at same parish per website accessed 7/11/11.

Father Charles Durkin

  • Ordained: 1955
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Per 8/03 article, Durkin retired in 4/02 just after San Francisco DA's office requested church records related to years of allegations of abuse. He was the subject of a "recent child molestation complaint" stemming from conduct that allegedly occurredmore than 30 years ago. Received treatment at Southdown in 2002. No other info available. Died 4/18/06.

Brother Hal Ellis

  • Status: Settled
  • D/O: Jesuit

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named as abuser in law suit filed on behalf of 2 mentally disabled men living at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, a retirement home for priests. Men were abused for many years by at least 2 priests. Settled 9/03 for $7.5M. At the time of settlement, Ellis was ill and unable to communicate. Have no specific information re his role in abuse of the 2 men.

Father John P. Heaney

  • Ordained: 1953
  • Status: Indicted
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Heaney, who was retired, was placed on leave 8/02 when allegations arose that he abused 2 brothers in early 1960s. In 2003 Heaney, a former senior chaplain for the San Francisco Police Department, was charged with molesting one of the brothers; charges dropped 7/03 after Supreme Court Ruling that statute was unconstitutional. Died 1/29/10.

Father Gregory G. Ingels

  • Ordained: 1974
  • Status: Charged
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Widely known church legal scholar and former vicar of priests of the SF Archdiocese. Accused in 1996 of having oral sex with a 15-year-old boy. Archbishop Levada allowed Ingels to remain in public ministry and flourish for years as a force in church legal matters. Ingels continued as a church official even after a second charge by a woman. Placed on leave in 2002. Criminally charged 5/03; charges dropped 7/03 due to U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Included in 6/05 settlement.

Father John P. Kavanaugh

  • Ordained: 1948
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named in a lawsuit filed 11/27/19 by a 53-year-old who claimed Kavanaugh sexually abused him over three years, beginning when he was age 7 and Kavanaugh was assigned to St. Finn Barr. The boy allegedly told two nuns and his teacher of the abuse at the time, but there was no action. HIs accuser said he reported the abuse to the archdiocese in 2004, but it was not reported to police and Kavanaugh was kept in ministry. He died 6/28/13.

Father Austin Peter Keegan

  • Ordained: 1962
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Ordained for SF. Sent to Santa Rosa diocese 1976-81. Complaints of abuse of children to archdiocese as early as 1965. May have abused at least 80 children in CA. Stripped of duties by SF archdiocese 1982. Moved to Mexico, worked as a priest in an orphanage. Civil suit in 1994 alleged abuse of a boy at St. Eugene's in the Santa Rosa diocese. Settled 1995 for $450K. Living in Oceanside, CA when indicted 9/02, charged with the molestation and sodomy of two boys, ages 10 and 14, in the late 1960s. Fled to Mexico. Arrested there 3/03, charged with 75 counts of abuse of 3 Sonoma County children. Charges dropped 2003 due to Supreme Court ruling. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19. On Las Cruces diocese's list 6/24/19, where he worked in 1991.

Father Daniel T. Keohane

  • Ordained: 1978
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Koehane was placed on administrative leave 3/11 after old allegation surfaced during review of his personnel file. He was accused of abusing a 17 yr old girl in late 1970s while assigned to Church of the Epiphany. Archdiocese said allegation was "credible" and needed further investigation. DA was informed. Keohane has denied the allegation.

Father Jerome Leach

  • Ordained: 1976
  • Status: Arrested
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Leach was accused in 1993 of molesting an altar boy in 1976, when he was a deacon. Placed on leave then but incident not reported to police until 5/02. Arrested in 2002 and charged with molestation of a separate altar boy in 1979. Those charges dropped because of a U.S.Supreme Court ruling declaring the CA law invalid. Other allegations have also surfaced. Leach died 10/15/17.

Father Epiphanius Lewis

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: OFM Franciscan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/19. It notes reports of the sexual abuse of minors 1964-68 received 1993, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Assigned at some point to St. Paul Shipwreck in San Francisco. Left the Province in 1965.

Father Philip E. McCrillis

  • Ordained: 1961
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Two sisters filed suit in 2004 alleging that McCrillis had abused them and had a sexual relationship with their divorced mother in the 1960s, while he was at St. Albert the Great in Palo Alto. The women won a low six-figure settlement with SF Archdiocese (the parish was part of the Archdiocese at the time). The San Jose diocese acknowledged that it found the accusations credible. McCrillis retired 7/03 due to Parkinson's. Privileges removed 2004. Died 2/2/07. On diocese's list 10/18/18.

Brother John Moriarty

  • Status: Settled
  • D/O: FSC - Brothers of the Christian Schools

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of abusing a 17-year-old boy 1975-76 at St. Helena retreat house, where he was assigned 1974-78. Plaintiff settled in late 2004 for $1.2M. Moriarty was at Wounded Brothers Project treatment center in MO as of 1/05. Per 5/06 newsletter by San Francisco District of Christian Brothers, he was based at Mont La Salle in Napa. Died 5/9/13 at Mt. La Salle. On Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/19. Suit filed in 11/19 by man claiming abuse in the 1970s as a Moreau Catholic High student in Hayward, by both Moriarty and principal Rev. Gordon Wilcox.

Father Guy Anthony Murnig

  • Ordained: 1970
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Sued. Accused of abuse of 15 yr old girl between 1970-1974. Claim included in June 2005 settlement w Archdiocese. Arrested and charged 10/02. Charges dropped 7/03 due to Supreme Court ruling. Left priesthood in 1978 to marry. Laicized by Pope John Paul II.

Father William S. Myers

  • Ordained: 1988
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Myers, of St. Raymond Church in Menlo Park, was removed by archdiocese 5/11 after accusations of "boundary violations" re 17 yr old boy (followed him into store's dressing room). Boy's father made original complaint to police in 4/11. Archdiocese learned of charges 5/11 No physical contact involved. No criminal charges filed. In mid-1990s he sought treatment for sexual identity issues. Currently in treatment for sexual addiction to adults. Privileges removed 12/11 after Board evaluated his case.

Father John J. O'Connor

  • Ordained: 1960
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

In 8/02 O'Connor was "quietly" placed on leave by San Francisco Archdiocese after recent allegation that he had had improper contact with a boy more than 30 years ago. O'Connor told parish at St. Mary's Cathedral that he was going on leave of absence for health and personal reasons. He has been shown as absent on leave since 2005 Catholic Directory. Died 03/15/13.

Father Patrick J. O'Shea

  • Ordained: 1958
  • Status: Arrested
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Criminally charged in 1994 re abuse of at least 9 youths from 1960s and 1970s. 2 civil suits filed 1994 by 4. Archdiocese settled with two plaintiffs in 8/95 for $500,000 and in 6/96. Archdiocese paid out $2.5M to 15 men abused by O'Shea and two other priests. Arrested and spent 2 yrs in jail waiting for trial; charges withdrawn after the 2003 Supreme Court ruling. Also served time for theft of over $200,000 from Archdiocese. Laicized in 1994.

Brother Dan (Danilo) Pacheco

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Salesian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Pacheco was accused of molestation at two different Catholic high schools in Southern California. He also worked in the Oakland Diocese. Died 7//25/05.

Father Richard P. Presenti

  • Ordained: 1968
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Salesian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Admitted in 2003 that he abused a 14-year- old in 1973. Youth immediately told his parents and archdiocese, but Presenti remained active. Sued by three men alleging abuse as teenagers. Remained the provincial's treasurer, entrusted with directing the order's financial affairs until 7/05, when he stepped aside. Sued by another in 6/07. Appeals court ruled in 1/08 that the Salesians didn't know he presented a risk of sexual abuse prior to his assault of the victims. On the Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Father Jose F. Ribeiro

  • Ordained: 1965
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Jesuit

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

From Portugal. Worked in Santa Clara (1975-81), Sacramento (1982-91) and San Francisco, CA (1991-94). Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits West Province on its list 12/7/18. It notes an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, without specifics as to time or place. Dismissed from the order and returned to Portugal.

Father Miles O'Brien Riley

  • Ordained: 1963
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Riley, an author, actor, and former spokesman for the church who was well-known for his radio ministry and as a fixture on the old God Squad TV show, was the target of a complaint by a female parishioner who accused him of having consensual contact shortof intercourse with her in the early 1970s, beginning when she was 16. Matter referred to DA's office 8/02 and Riley was allowed to "resign."

Father Carl Anthony Schipper

  • Ordained: 1968
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Arrested 3/00 after he held a series of explicit sexual conversations with what he thought was a 13 yr old boy in an Internet Chat Room. He was immediately placed on leave from position as academic dean at Menlo Park's St. Patrick's Seminary. Pled no contest 8/00. Sentenced to 6 mo. jail and 3 yrs probation and to register as sex offender. Retired in 2003.

Father Jose Superiaso

  • Ordained: 1985
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Ordained in Philippines. Came to US in 1989. Left San Francisco in 1998 to work on Native American reservation in Santa Fe Archdiocese. Arrested there in 2003 on charges of abuse of girl in 1994-1995. Has acknowledged engaging in intercourse between 20-30 times with young girl. Mistrial in 2004. Pleaded guilty 2005 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Released 1/12; deportation to Philippines pending.

Father Henry J. Trainor

  • Ordained: 1973
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Trainor was placed on leave in summer 2002 from his position as chaplain at Lagunda Honda Hospital. He had previously taken a leave from the priesthood after earlier allegations of abuse. Arch. Levada brought him back in 2000 but he was suspended in 2002 after prosecutors were given info about the allegations, some of which were about 10 years old.

Father Leo Donald Tubbs

  • Ordained: 1966
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Dominican

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused of non-genital touching over clothing of a 14- to 17-year-old boy in mid-1980s in Oregon. In 2005, because of some other instances of boundary violations with adults and because of disobedience issues since that time not relating to sexual misconduct, he was reportedly not permitted to leave the Dominican residence unattended or without permission. He had no public ministry, nor does was he allowed contact with youngsters. Included on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' updated list 12/6/18; report in 2014 of incident(s) in 1983.

Father Robert M. Van Handel

  • Ordained: 1975
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Franciscan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Founding director of Santa Barbara Boys' Choir and principal of St. Anthony's Seminary High School. May have sexually abused 150 boys, ages 8-12. Charged 1994 with abuse of students. Sentenced 8/94 to eight years prison for abuse of one. Released in 2002. Named in several civil suits. Reportedly abused six 1970-82. Four claims settled 2006. Registered sex offender. Personnel File released 5/12; may have been laicized 7/23/97. On sex offender register 1/12. On Santa Barbara Province Franciscans' list 5/31/19. It notes report in 1992 of abuse of minors 1977-84. On Oakland diocese's list in 2019.

Father Milton T. Walsh

  • Ordained: 1978
  • Status: Charges Dropped
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused in 1984 of abuse of a 13-year-old boy. Reported immediately to Archbishop Quinn. Cardinal Levada later allowed Walsh to remain active as teacher at seminary at Menlo Park until 8/02. Criminal charges filed 10/02; dropped 7/03 after U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Walsh had admitted his behavior and apologized to his victim during a phone call secretly taped by police. Victim filed suit; settled in 2003. Discovered by news outlet in 9/19 at a a celebration officiated by the archbishop of the opening of a proposed Benedictine monastery on the grounds of a parish in Taos NM. Walsh reportedly had been planning to move into the monastery, which is across the street from a public elementary school.

Brother Peter Yost

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Dominican

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused of inappropriate physical contact on one occasion with a boy around the age of 12 some 45 years previously (early 1960s). Alleged victim received a settlement. No other victims located by a private investigator. Yost , who in 2005 was elderly,in poor health, and unable to drive, has been judged to be no danger to children by a full clinical professor of psychiatry.

DISCLAIMER: The individuals on this list have allegations of sexual abuse against them. Under U.S. law, an allegation, however, does not define guilt. Instead, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty during legal proceedings, whether criminal or civil. These list entries do not imply the individual on the list is criminally guilty or legally liable for civil claims of damage caused by sexual abuse. Instead, it represents those who have been publicly accused of abuse.

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