Arizona Catholic Diocese Priest Sexual Abuse List [69 Perps]

List of Accused Priests in Arizona

There are multiple reports of sexual abuse across multiple Arizona dioceses. Additionally, childhood sexual abuse victims continue coming forward to share their stories and seek justice.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping victims of Arizona dioceses, whether navigating a civil lawsuit for attempted sexual misconduct or filing a class action litigation against a larger religious organization.

Last Name	First Name	Diocese	Status	Accusations (Summary)
Verhagen	Donald R.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Accused in a 2/11 lawsuit of sexually abusing a girl in the late 1970s or early 1980s while assigned to St. Mark’s in Phoenix. His accuser also claimed she was abused by Rev. James Bretl. Verhagen died 9/20/2001.
Bandiho	Solomon	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Arrested	Priest of the Bukoba diocese in Tanzania, arrested for child prostitution, and doctoral student at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley CA.
Bretl	James	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Bretl was accused of sexually abusing a girl in the late 1970s or early 1980s while assigned to St. Mark’s parish in Phoenix.
Bredemann	George V.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Attended three seminaries, was a former executive for Boy Scouts, abused 15 boys before becoming a priest, and at least 8 after. Laicized 2003, died in prison in 4/12.
Briceno	Joseph Cervantez	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Placed on leave in 1992 after allegations of sexual abuse, Cervantez Briceno fled to Mexico and was arrested in 2005. He pled guilty in 2006 and was sentenced to two years in prison and three years probation.
Colleary	Patrick J.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Indicted	Accused of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1979, fled to Ireland, and was indicted in 2003 for abuse of another boy in the 1970s.
Florez	Laurence A.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Two men, one of them his nephew, claimed abuse by Florez, J. Giandelone, and Henry Perez. The case was barred by the statute of limitations, and Florez left the priesthood before the suit was filed.
Cristobal	Adrian	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Former Chancellor of Diocese of Agana, Guam, found guilty by Vatican of child sexual abuse, was called to home diocese, and defied orders to return to Guam.
Giandelone	John Maurice	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Arrested in 1984, confessed to molesting a youth for several years, pled guilty in 1985, laicized in 1992, convicted again in 2003, and sentenced to 1 year, 10 months in prison and 3 years probation.
Fushek	Dale J.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Fushek was accused of sexual harassment by a Life Teen staff member, and of abuse of five youths from 1985-94. He established the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, AZ, and was excommunicated by his bishop.
Gielow	Charles	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	The Phoenix Diocese announced in 3/14 that a credible allegation had been made against Gielow involving sexual abuse of a minor in the late 1970s.
Graf	Harold P.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	Graf was suspended in 2002 for sexual misconduct with a child, and was permanently barred from ministry by Bishop O’Brien. No criminal or civil charges filed.
Griffith	Gavin	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Indicted	Franciscan priest named publicly as accused by Santa Barbara Province Franciscans in 1987 of the sexual abuse of minors 1979-1985. Died in 2017.
Hurtado	Jose	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Reportedly in 10/06, there was one outstanding civil suit naming Hurtado as an abuser. Hurtado died in 1981.
Henriques	Edward	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	A 2008 civil suit named Henriques as a possible abuser of a 6-year-old girl in Santa Barbara, CA, notes allegations received in 1949 and 2005 of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1949 and 1963.
Henn	Joseph John	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Guilty plea	Sent to work at an all-girls school in Sacramento CA, abused in AZ, CA and WI, indicted on 13 counts of molestation of three boys 1979-1981, and fled to Rome just prior to the announcement of his extradition.
Lam	Sung	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	From Cambodia. Accused in 1993 of lewd and lascivious acts, a misdemeanor. Not prosecuted. Left Phoenix in 1994.
LeClaire	Karl	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	LeClaire was placed on leave in 2001 and pled guilty to sexually abusing a boy for 7 years. He was sentenced to a year in jail and 3 years probation.
Lehman	Mark Allen	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Placed on leave in 1990, sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole in 1992 for fondling a young girl, and given $1000 and other benefits when released in 2002.
Lessard	Joseph Marcel	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 13-year-old Phoenix boy. He was sentenced to three years probation and a $100 fine, and was removed from ministry by the hospital and Rockford IL diocese in 2/2001.
Liening	Mark A.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	“Marcellus.” Named publicly as accused by the Franciscans’ Santa Barbara Province on its list 5/31/2019, and included on the lists of the Oakland diocese in 2019, the Las Cruces diocese in 2019, and the Diocese of Fresno in 2021.
Minogue	Michael	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	Accused of sexual harassment of a young man. Resigned in 2005. First reports said he resigned for health reasons. Later clarified. Reinstated in Jan. 2007. Shown as “retired” per the Diocesan website accessed on 6/4/08.
Lopez	Jorge Ortiz	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Settled	A man filed suit in 1994 against Lopez, alleging that Lopez molested him in the rectory of Sacred Heart in Prescott when he was an altar boy in 1975. The suit settled in 1996, and Lopez was included on the Franciscans’ Santa Barbara Province’s list in 2018.
Morgan	Harry R.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Morgan was ordained for the Gallup diocese and became a priest of the Phoenix diocese when it was created in 1969. He was arrested in 1975 on charges of sexually abusing a 9-year-old boy and sentenced to 10 years probation.
Madrid	Saul	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Settled	Raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, Madrid arrived in the U.S. at age 18 and was ordained for the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ. A man filed suit in 2003 alleging that Madrid drugged and sexually assaulted him in 1987.
O’Brien	Thomas J.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Phoenix bishop, who admitted to covering up child sex abuse by priests, was charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident, resigned, and was later accused of sexual abuse of a boy.
Pelton	Maxwell Rollin	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Arrested for molesting a 10-year-old boy, died before final charges filed.
Perez	Henry	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Indicted	Priest of the Diocese of Phoenix 1976-84, incardinated into the Diocese of Orange in 1989, sued twice in Phoenix 1993, left priesthood to marry, indicted in Phoenix 2003 for abuse of two in the 1970s-early 1980s.
Rausch	James S.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	A man gave a deposition in a case involving the Tucson diocese and Msgr. Robert Trupia, in which he stated that he was 17 when he began a sexual relationship with Rausch.
(Charles)Ruetten	Jude	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	Charles Ruetten was named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans on its list 5/31/2019, and was added to the Stockton diocese’s list 11/12/2020. He died 12/27/2015.
Salinas	Marcel	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Salinas was accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old boy in 1988 and a 10-year-old girl in 1976. He died in 1997.
Sinnerud	James A.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	Sinnerud was suspended from Creighton Prep in Omaha NE and sued by a man for sexually abusing him as a student.
Sherwood	Wilputte Alanson	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Arrested in 1984 and 1986 for public indecency, convicted of sexual contact and attempted sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy in 1987, sentenced to 10 years in prison, disappeared in 2005, died 12/29/17.
Spaulding	John D.	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Indicted	Spaulding was removed without faculties in 2011 when accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in the mid-1980s. He was indicted in 2010 for abusing two boys under age 15 in 2003-07, but died in 2020.
Suttle	Richard Allen	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	Suttle was accused of sexual abuse 1982-83 at Sacred Heart grammar school in Prescott AZ as teacher and coach. The Phoenix diocese investigated and referred case to Claretians.
Ven	Kenneth A. Van de	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Accused	Accused of sexual harassment of a young male and placed on leave in 6/05. Congregation initially told he left for health reasons. Later statment clarified situation. In 1/07, Diocese would have reinstated him but he declined.
Zlatis	Douglas	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Sued	A member of the Edmund Rice, or Irish, Christian Brothers, was named publicly as accused by the Phoenix diocese on 10/29/19. He was the vice-principal of St. Matthew’s in Phoenix from 2001-08.
Vovko	John William	Diocese of Phoenix AZ	Convicted	Convicted in 1990 of trying to molest a two-year-old boy, died in 12/10, and was included on the Cleveland diocese’s list of credibly accused.
Thompson	James N.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Named publicly in 2/2004 by the Diocese as credibly accused of child sexual abuse. Reportedly assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix in 1964-1965 when the parish was in the Diocese of Tucson. Died in 1982.
Butler	Richard Edmund	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Butler was assigned to St. Thomas More Newman Center in Tucson 1968-1974 and was the chaplain-director of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson. He was the subject of credible allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in the 1960s-early 1970s.
Callanan	Patrick J.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Included on a 6/2002 list of 15 priests with ties to the Tucson diocese who are alleged to have abused minors. Allegation reportedly was received in 6/2002. Callanan died in 1975.
Cocio	Carlos B.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	Cocio was suspended form ministry in 1993 after allegations of sexual misconduct with an adult, and was accused of raping a teenage boy repeatedly over several days in 1980. He was laicized in 2012.
Byrne	William T.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Accused of sexually abusing a boy and giving him drugs and alcohol 1976-1979, Byrne settled 11 civil suits involving 10 plaintiffs for $14M, including two sisters who claimed their brothers had abused them.
Hernandez	Jorge Washington Cordova	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	From the Diocese of Quito, Ecuador, accused of abusing two teenage girls. Fled to Ecuador before he could be arrested, and was arrested in Spain in 2007.
DeChant	Ron	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Arrested	DeChant worked as a deacon at St. Francis de Sales Parish from 1981 to 1984, and died in 1984.
Dyke	George M.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	Name released in 2003 as credible accused. Laicized in 1968 at own request.
Doran	John P.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	Doran was accused of abuse in 1963, was confronted by Bishop Green in 1958, and admitted to his behavior in 1966. He was made a diocesan consulter in 1969 and retired in 1990.
Gluch	Robert A.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Multiple allegations of abuse. Accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing a boy beginning in 1965 when the boy was age 13, and in a federal lawsuit in 12/2020 of abusing an altar boy in 1978.
Guillen	Juan	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Convicted	Guillen and Velez pled guilty to abuse of three boys in 2003 and received a 10-year sentence and lifetime probation. Seven plaintiffs filed four civil suits by 2004 and the case was settled in 2005/2006 for $1.2M.
Knapp	Charles	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	In 3/2021 a woman claimed Knapp sexually abused her when she was age 5, in the 1970s. She said the abuse occurred in her bedroom under the guise of play while her parents were preparing dinner.
Miranda	Ray	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Miranda was suspended from all ministry in 1983 for child sexual abuse.
Manzo	Fernando L.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Indicted	Manzo was pastor of San Felipe De Jesus Parish in Nogales, AZ when placed on leave in 12/2003 after allegations of sexual abuse. He fled, likely to Guadalajara, and was removed from the priesthood in 2010.
Miller	Francis	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Miller was a priest for the Order of Discalced Carmelites, and was placed on leave in 2003 following credible accusations of child molestation.
Oliver	John A.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Convicted	Monsignor Oliver was alleged to have picked up a 14-year-old boy who was hitchhiking home, and instead drove him to a house, gave him alcohol and molested him.
Pirrung	George	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	The Tucson Diocese found two more allegations dating to 1966, but took no action. The priest died in 2016.
Ranft	Paul J.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	A woman filed a suit against Ranft and six other priests for abuse while she was a student at Immaculate Heart Academy.
Riol	Claudio	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Ordained for the Diocese of Trujillo, Peru, and worked in the Diocese of Tucson 1960-1966. Deceased.
Purcell	Thomas Patrick	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Convicted	Purcell professed vows in 1959 as a Marianist, Province of St. Louis, was ordained in 1972, left the Order in 1990, and was incardinated in 1990 into the Diocese of Fresno. He was accused of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy in 1982-1983.
Riter	Rosaria	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Ruth Marie Riter, a Benedictine Sister, was accused of sexual abuse of a boy dating back to 1949-1953. She died in 1996.
Rosensweig	Walter F.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Former Chancellor, placed on leave in 1996, named in a second lawsuit filed in 2003, removed from public ministry in 2002, died in 2016 and was included on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused.
Rourke	Charles	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Rourke was suspended from ministry in 1984 for alcohol-related medical reasons, and was aware of allegations of child abuse against him in 1979. He died by suicide 4/14/1993 while under investigation for alleged abuse of children in Albuquerque.
Sanz	Julian	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Convicted	A priest from Spain was arrested for sexually abusing children. He was sentenced to five years in prison and removed from the priesthood in 2010.
Schlueter	Clemens M.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Schlueter was ordained for the Diocese of Steubenville, moved to the Diocese of Tucson, and retired in 1990. He was suspended from ministry in 1997 after an allegation of child abuse.
Schoolcraft	Byron Wayne	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	Schoolcraft was suspended from ministry and was incarcerated for 5 years for molesting a girl, age 11, in AZ.
Speers	Phillip G.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Convicted	Speers, a former seminary student and teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma, Arizona, was accused of abusing at least five girls in a second grade class in 1999-2000.
Stencil	Steven Gerard	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Accused	In 2000 a youth told church officials that Stencil groped him at age 17 at a pool party. The incident was deemed accidental, and Stencil was placed on leave in 2001 and removed from the priesthood in 2011.
Stromberg	Floyd G.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	Retired in 2002, Stromberg was placed on leave in 2002 after confirming a 1966 allegation, and was named in a 2006 civil suit. He died in 2007.
Trupia	Robert C.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Served as Judicial Vicar, suspended in 1992, named in several suits, arrested and charged in 2001, seven criminal charges dismissed due to the statute of limitations, laicized in 2004, living in MD in 2010.
Teta	Michael J.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Settled	Transferred to Tucson from Trenton in 1978, incardinated into the Tucson diocese in 1982, accused of abuse in several lawsuits, laicized in 2004, and named in another suit in 9/2004.
Underwood	Gary E.	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Guilty plea	Arraigned in 2006 on eight counts of molesting two boys under the age of 15 at St. Odilia’s Catholic Church, placed on leave in 2007 and indicted again in 2008 on charges of abusing another youth in 1985-1986.
Zamorano	Richard	Diocese of Tucson AZ	Sued	Zamorano moved to Tucson in 2002 to care for his mother, taught at Salpointe Catholic High School, and adopted two boys from Mexico. He was removed from ministry in 2012 after allegedly sexually assaulting a mentally disabled adult parishioner.

About Clergy Sexual Abuse

Arizona is overseen by three dioceses; the Phoenix Diocese, the Tucson Diocese, and the Gallup Diocese. An early 2000s investigation into Arizona dioceses resulted in a published list of clergy member offenders. Catholic priests, bishops, and officials have admitted to child abuse dating back many decades.

The District Attorney’s Office investigated some of the credibly accused offenders, with some cases leading to settlement offers. In many cases, it’s not too late to come forward to ensure accountability and recover damages for yourself or a loved one. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have the experience necessary to take on an Arizona diocese guilty of sexual contact or abuse.

Legal Support for Survivors in Arizona

Legal services allow those with credible sexual abuse allegations to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has experience in representing sexual abuse victims, helping them build a case against Catholic dioceses, and ensuring that those accused of sexual abuse are held accountable. Our legal team assists victims in investigating and building a strong case. We also represent you during negotiations and are prepared to take your case to trial when necessary.

Laws and Regulations in Arizona

House Bill 2466 in Arizona, recently enacted, allows child sex abuse victims to file civil lawsuits against an abuser up until their 30th birthday. This newer bill extends the previous statute of limitation from 20 years of age to 30 years.

Arizona doesn’t have any time limit on filing criminal charges against a person accused of serious felony abuse charges. Some sexual misconduct cases do require victims to file criminal charges within seven years. Those convicted of criminal or civil charges involving sexual abuse may be subject to felony charges, legal fines, and required registration with the national sex offender registry.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers recommends filing both criminal and civil charges in a suit of alleged abuse, ensuring offenders are punished for their crimes and required to compensate their victims.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Arizona

Filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Arizona involves the following steps:

1. Schedule a Free Consultation – Schedule a free consultation with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to learn more about your legal options.
2. Collect Evidence and Build a Case – Your legal team will collect evidence on your behalf and build a case against the clergy member or guilty party.
3. Review Settlement Offer – In some cases, churches are willing to offer settlements to try to cover up a credible allegation. A settlement offer can save you time and money, but may not always lead to justice served.
4. Prepare for Trial – If your case doesn’t receive a fair settlement offer, our legal team will prepare you for trial, allowing an AZ court jury to decide your case.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to file your clergy lawsuit. Whether it’s getting the offender accused of abuse listed on the AZ sex offender registry or collecting compensation to assist with your recovery, our legal team is here to help you each step of the way.

Support Resources for Survivors in Arizona

Overcoming the psychological and financial impacts of abusive priests requires support and legal services. Here are a few support resources available to those affected by Catholic Church sexual assault cases.

• Enough Abuse Campaign – The Enough Abuse Campaign aims to help victims of sexual abuse through online support, reporting tools, and counseling resources.
• SNAP Support Groups – SNAP Support Groups are specifically designed for those abused or victimized by church officials.
• Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault – This organization offers support to Arizona residents affected by sexual assault, rape, and harassment.
• Arizona Mission Network – The Arizona Mission Network offers sexual abuse response resources to those affected by sexual contact crimes.

The best way toward recovery is seeking the support of available resources, including those listed and the consultation of an Arizona legal representative.

Notable Cases and Outcomes in Arizona

Child sexual abuse and assault are far too common in Arizona. The Arizona dioceses of Tucson and Phoenix together reported 44 priests or clergy members accused of sexual abuse.

Due to numerous lawsuits, the Tucson Diocese filed bankruptcy in 2004. The Tucson diocese was ordered to pay victims over $22 million in settlement funds. The Phoenix Diocese provided financial support and contributed to this fund.

Since then, numerous occurrences of Arizona clergy sexual abuse cases have been in the news. The cases are far too common, from a priest working in a parish grade school to a clergy member working with Salpointe catholic high school. A priest at Northern AZ University and the Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix have also been at the center of allegations.

The Database of Publicly Accused Priests offers public information on clergy members who have been accused of abuse. The Phoenix diocese’s list, as well as others, are also frequently updated.

Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Arizona clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances of your case, these cases may be valued between $400,000 and $950,000. In cases of extreme sexual conduct or cases that go to trial, damages could exceed $1 million.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have experience holding those credibly accused accountable for their wrongdoings. Sexual misconduct involving minors, a mentally disabled adult parishioner, or vulnerable adults has life-changing consequences, and filing a case in civil claims court allows you to recover the funds you need to assist in your recovery.

Whether you or a loved one was the victim of repeated sexual abuse or a one-time assault by a parish priest, we have the discretion and compassion needed to handle these sensitive case types. Credible allegations should never be ignored, and our legal team is here to seek justice. Make sure you explore your legal options before the statute of limitations is over.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the expertise you need when filing a lawsuit against a Catholic University or church, ensuring that those who abuse or misuse their power experience consequences.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation. Feel free to contact our legal team using our online contact form if you prefer to have an Arizona clergy sexual abuse lawyer contact you.

Related Practice Areas

• Arizona Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Chandler Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Mesa Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Phoenix Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Scottsdale Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Tucson Clergy Abuse Lawyer