A Message to the Diocese of Sioux City

List of Credibly Accused Priests

This list contains the names of priests who, while serving in the Diocese of Sioux City, have been accused of sexually abusing minors and those allegations have been determined to be credible.  It does not contain names of priests who, while serving in this Diocese, have not been accused of misconduct, but while serving in other Dioceses have been found to be credibly accused.  Their names are found in the lists of the Dioceses where the abuse occurred. 

Since the release of this list, reports of sexual abuse committed by women Religious (commonly known as “Sisters or Nuns”), who worked in parishes and schools of this Diocese have also been received.   The Diocese of Sioux City recognizes the gravity of these allegations.  The Foundation Houses of these Religious are outside the Diocese of Sioux City and therefore are also outside of our jurisdiction.  Nevertheless, if you or anyone you know were sexually abused by a member of a Religious Order while they were serving in the Diocese of Sioux City, please contact us and we will assist you in bringing your report to both the proper law enforcement authorities and the appropriate leaders within their Religious Community. 

 A “credible allegation” occurs when the allegation is determined by the Review Board to be          “within the realm of possibility.” To make that determination, the Review Board considers all   objective information available, including consistency of the testimony of witnesses, physical evidence, and accuracy of the details-such as the placement of the accused at the time the allegation is said to have taken place. In addition, the Board also considers any other corroborating evidence such as other reports or possible witnesses.

The first credible allegation dates back to an incident in 1948 and the last in 1995. Names of priests are being added as accusations are deemed credible by the Diocesan Review Board.

The main purpose for releasing the list is to assure victims the diocese believes them and cares for them. We hope it ushers in in a new chapter in the diocese, in which we commit to a future of trust, openness and accountability. We also hope it reassures the people and clergy of the diocese, and all people of good will, that just as crimes against children were abuse of power, the Diocese of Sioux City intends to do everything in its power to support and help victims and prevent abuse from happening in the future.

As you review the list, it is important to remember the accusations, while considered credible, are not the equivalent of conviction in a court of law. The review board considered any objective information that was available, including consistency of the testimony of witnesses, accuracy of the details, such as the placement of the accused at the time the allegation is said to have taken place and physical evidence. In addition, the board considered other corroborating evidence from files or other possible witnesses. Many of the accused priests are deceased and cannot defend themselves.

Priest files from 1902 up until today have been reviewed. For perspective, the first credible accusation is reported to have occurred in 1948 and the latest in 1995. An estimated 515 priests have worked in the diocese since it was established. Other names will be added to the list as other victims come forward, and the Diocesan Review Board determines the allegation is credible.

We ask and encourage victims to step forward. If you, or someone you know, have been sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in our diocese, please contact Civil Authorities and our Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-866-435-4397 or 712-279- 5610.

Our hope and prayer is the release of this list helps us to begin healing together.