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Diocese of Monterey

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List of Accused Priests in the Diocese of Monterey

Within the Diocese of Monterey, many priests have been accused of sexual abuse. Proving those accusations, though, is somewhat more difficult than simply publishing them. Sexual abuse is often accompanied by shame and frustration, and as a result, it often goes unreported until California’s statute of limitations has long passed. That makes it far more difficult to prove the allegations against a priest, and few make it to court.

Sexual Abuse by a Priest

Because many of these claims haven’t been investigated, some of the priests involved deny they engaged in any abusive behavior. Despite that fact, however, the list below represents those were have been accused of abuse, even if it had to remain uninvestigated.

We’ve compiled the list from a number of different sources, and in some of the entries on the list, we were able to include a summary of allegations and the priest’s posted assignments while in service to the Catholic Church.

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Monterey Diocese Sexual Abuse

Despite the fact that there are a number of names on this list, there are probably other priests within the Diocese of Monterey who sexually abused parishioners. Coming forward with your story is terribly difficult, but we can help. If you know someone who was abused by a priest, please contact our sexual abuse attorneys today.

Father Phillip Abinate

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Incidents of abuse in 1970, 1971, 1975 were reported to the diocese 2003. Abinate died 6/27/08.

Father Alberto (Orlando) Battagliola

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Had been in LA since 1964. In late 1990s woman told Bishop that Battagliola, a native of Argentina, had sexually abused her son, who was an altar boy, in 1974 in San Luis Obispo. He frequently visited the victim's home. One night Battagliola took him for a drive, got him drunk, and had sex with him. Victim was 14 and ended up with sexual disease. Battagliola was murdered in 1977 in San Francisco. Diocese sued 3/03. Some articles refer to him as "Orlando". Last name spelled various ways. Personnel file released 1/13. On Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19.

Father Stuart Bede Campbell

  • Ordained: 1930
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Dominican

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Case filed in Fresno County in 2003 or 2004 accused Campbell of abuse 1956-59, before Diocese of Monterey was created. Included on the Los Angeles archdiocese's updated list 12/6/18; it notes a report in 2010 of incidents 1956-59 and 1978-80, and death year as 1982. On Dominicans St. Joseph Province list in late 2018; death year noted as 1986, and and that allegation was established in 2007. On Reno diocese's list 4/5/19; there 1959-76. It notes death year as 1988. Per Monterey Bishop Ryan, Campbell died in 1986. On Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/19.

Brother Marcos Capistran Chavira

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: CFC - Congregation of Christian Brothers

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Accused of abusing at least one male student at Palma High School in Salinas. No other information found but lawsuit may be filed 1/1/14 if Calif. SB 131 goes into effect. Died at age 70 in 5/02.

Father Thomas Condon

  • Ordained: 1942
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused by the Monterey diocese on its list 1/2/19. It notes a report received in 2003 of abuse in 1959, and that Condon died 7/29/83.

Father Antonio Cortes

  • Ordained: 1996
  • Status: Convicted
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Arrested 4/16/09 for unlawful sexual behavior with teenage boy and giving him alcohol. Counseled the boy for 2 years. Removed by Diocese from St. Mary of Nativity in Salinas. Child porn found on his computer. Pled no contest 3/11 to 14 counts. Sentenced to 1 year in jail & probation. Released 12/12. Warrant issued when failed to register as sex offender. Fled to Mexico. Civil suit filed 7/11/11. Settlement with Diocese 3/13. Court struck Cortes original answer 6/13 and Plaintiff to seek default judgment. On diocese's list 1/2/19.

Father Edward Crews

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. Noted to have received a report in 2002 of abuse in 1954. Died in 1985.

Father Patrick Daly

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. Report to diocese in 2002 of abuse in 1958. Died 11/14/66.

Father Vincent Dwyer

  • Ordained: 1961
  • Status: Settled
  • D/O: Trappist/Cistercian

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Dwyer, a trappist monk from Worcester MA, entered into an on-again, off-again affair with woman, beginning when she was a 15 year old student at Santa Catalina School in Diocese of Monterey and ending 13 years later. In 1995 the woman reached a $75K settlement with his superiors at St. Joseph's Abbey in MA. Woman sued the Monterey Diocese & school 12/03 for failing to prevent the abuse. Dwyer had receive numerous awards and honors for his writings. May still be active priest.

Seminarian Juan Carlos Esquivel

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Seminarian. Accused in 2007 of abuse the same year.

Father Carl Faria

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Incidents in 1968-1971 and 1973-1976 reported to the diocese in 2002. Faculties removed in 2002.

Father Edward Fitz-Henry

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Ordained in Ireland. Worked in Monterey for over 20 years. Removed after complaint received 1/11 of abuse at Madonna Del Sasso parish. More info received on allegation of abuse involving a minor made about 20 years prior. Review Board found earlier allegation to be credible. Civil suit filed 2/15/11 by recent accuser. Fitz-Henry denied all allegations. Civil suit settled 2/12 for $500K. Fitz-Henry also sued Diocese 2/12. Settled 3/13. Left priesthood and requested laicization. Docs to be released 01/14. On diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes 1990 abuse reported to diocese in 1991. Laicized.

Seminarian Luis Garcia

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Seminarian. Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Abuse in 1982 reported to diocese in 2009.

Father Edward T. Haskins

  • Ordained: < 1934
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/17/19. Report to diocese in 1996 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Haskins died 2/22/81.

Seminarian Manuel Jimenez

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Seminarian. Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Report of abuse 1994 reported to the diocese in 1999.

Father Gregory Kareta

  • Ordained: 1956
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Conventual Franciscan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Publicly accused in Monterey diocese in 2003 of abuse of 11-year-old boy in 1973-1974. Three other alleged victims corroborated the charges. Criminal charges dismissed 2003 due to Supreme Court ruling. Kareta also admitted abusing youth in 1960s in WI. Accuser told LA archdiocese in 1985; Kareta was kept active. Died 10/4/06. Personnel file released 1/13. On Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes report received in 2002 of abuse in the 1970s.

Father Scott McCarthy

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Report to diocese in 2002 of abuse in 1976. Retired. Allegation initially deemed non-credible, changed to credible and faculties removed in 2019.

Father Michael McDonald

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

In 2004 Diocese reached a settlement of more than $760,000 in civil suit filed in summer 2003. One man alleged that he was sexually abused many times by McDonald at St. Mary of the Nativity Church between 1964 and 1967, starting when he was 10. McDonald died 11/3/71. On diocese's list 1/2/19.

Father Albert (Alberto) Mengon

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Mengon, a former teacher at Salesian High, Richmond, was named as an abuser, in court documents in 2 C.C.C. court depositions taken in 2006. He allegedly abused youth at a Salesian camp. Also worked in Oakland Diocese. In 1998 and in 2005 he was working in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Last known to be working at Our Lady Help of Christians in Watsonville as of 2011.

Father Gilbert Meyer

  • Ordained: 1942
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. Abuse in 1961-1964 reported to the diocese in 2010. Meyer retired, not in ministry.

Father Felix Migliazzo

  • Ordained: 1949
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Ordained for the Maryknoll Order. Arrived in Monterey in 1967, retiring there in 1987. Monsignor. Died 5/21/05. Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. Report received in 2007 of abuse in the 1970s.

Father Charles L. Moore

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

"Fr. Charlie." Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Abuse in 1974 reported to the diocese in 2003. Moore died 12/9/07.

Father Thomas Neary

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Report to the docese in 2013 of abuse in 1958. Neary died 5/5/83.

Father Colman O'Connor

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

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Report of 1979-1980 abuse to diocese 1993. O'Connor died 3/3/96.

Father Joseph Pacheco

  • Ordained: 1957
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Sued 2003. Accused of abuse of one youth in 1960s at parishes in Tulare and Merced. Died 1992. In Dec. 2006 diocese agreed to pay plaintiff $750,000 to settle the lawsuit. Diocese says it is aware of several other victims.

Father John Pierson

  • Ordained: 1972
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the diocese's list 1/2/19. Report received in 1995 of abuse 1973-79. Pierson died 12/14/92.

Father Joseph Sheehan

  • Ordained: 1960
  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: C.S.Sp. (Spiritan)

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Named publicly as accused on the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. Diocese received a report in 1992 of abuse 1971-1975. Deceased.

Father Paul R. Valdez

  • Ordained: 1982
  • Status: Settled
  • D/O: Diocesan

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Reported in 2002 that 11-year-old girl told a nun in 1999 that Valdez had placed his hand on her groin during confession 12/98. Teacher and the principal embarrassed the child in class, played down the incident to CPS and warned students not to tell anyone. Police conducted a six- month investigation; no charges filed. Parents sued the diocese in 12/99; suit settled out of court. Valdez was still active in 2010. On diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes allegation reclassified in 2019 from non-credible to credible and faculties removed.

Father John Velez

  • Ordained: 1988
  • Status: Sued
  • D/O: Marist

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Left El Paso TX diocese in 1990 under a cloud. In 1991 Monterey Diocese learned of the abuse of a youth by Velez and another priest, and met with the victim and his family. Diocese expelled Velez and notified his Order. Order recalled Velez to Mexico, sending an escort to ensure his return. Diocese says civil authorities were notified in 1991. Sued 2003 by this plaintiff. Accused of abuse in Monterey and Tucson. Monterey case settled 5/09 for $1.2M just before trial. On Monterey diocese's list 1/2/19. It notes he is deceased.

Brother James Wisecaver

  • Status: Accused
  • D/O: Marianist

Sexual Abuse Allegation Notes:

Professed perpetual vows in 1967. Taught math and science at high schools in San Jose CA, Gardena CA, Wialuko, Maui HI. Also, Dean of Students at Chaminade University of Honolulu, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the San Antonio TX Archdiocese, and Education Professor at Cal State University in Northridge. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 1/2/19. Report in 1997 of abuse the same year. Died 10/17/15 in San Antonio.

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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