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List of Accused Priests in New Mexico
Dioceses in New Mexico constantly find themselves under fire due to clergy sexual abuse cases. These cases aren’t new, with some dating back decades. With more victims coming out daily, more people need legal support to strengthen their cases. If you are someone who has suffered at the hands of a clergy member, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping clergy abuse victims navigate the legal process to reach a favorable outcome.
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abeywickrema | Lionel Augustine | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | Abeywickrema was accused of sexually abusing three sisters in the mid-1960s. He was removed from public ministry and died in 2008. |
| Armstrong | Gerald A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Accused of sexually abusing a girl who was in first through third grades, Armstrong was accused of forcing her to drink alcohol before the abuse. |
| Archuleta | Marvin | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Acquitted | In the mid-1990s, five cases involving Archuleta were settled. In 2018, a 38-year-old man filed a suit against Archuleta, claiming he raped him when he was a grade school student at Holy Cross in Santa Cruz NM in 1986-1987. |
| Abdon | Andrew | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | Two brothers and another man claimed abuse by Brother Abdon and other Christian Brothers, at St. Michael’s in Santa Fe and at the College of Santa Fe, in the 1950s. A woman filed suit in 1995. |
| Baca | Paul M. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | A woman filed suit against Baca in 2000, claiming he had a sexual relationship with her for one year beginning in 1973 when she was 15. The suit was settled for an undisclosed amount in 2000. |
| Bean | Donald A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese, and included on the Burlington VT diocese’s list 8/22/2019. |
| Blea | Rudy | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Blea was sued by the Santa Fe archdiocese in 1994 and again in 2018, claiming he was never a member of the Benedictines, nor employed by them or in residence with them at any time during his life. |
| Balizan | Daniel M. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Guilty plea | Balizan was suspended from his job as pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in 2022 due to allegations of sexual abuse. He pleaded not guilty, but died by suicide hours before his scheduled plea hearing. |
| Alex | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | In 1995, a man alleged he was abused by Brother Alex, Brother Abdon and a scout master. | |
| Brouseau | Louis | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Brouseau and two other De La Salle Christian Brothers were accused of molesting a young man over several years at St. Michael’s school. The case settled in 1996. |
| Bruckner | Ronald L. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Six men alleged abuse by Bruckner in the 1970s and 1980s when they were in middle school in Albuquerque. Bruckner was investigated in 1995 and 2004 by the review board, but not removed. |
| Burbach | Maur Anthony | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Burbach was accused of sexually abusing several members of a parish beginning in the 1960s. He was dismissed from religious life in 1970 and died in 2019. |
| Chavez | Albert | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Monsignor Chavez was accused of sexual abuse of an altar boy, including rape, from 1972-1977. He died in 1997. |
| Cassidy | Walter Edward | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | A man and woman filed separate suits against Cassidy in mid-2013, and another man filed suit in 5/2014. Cassidy was accused of molesting an 8- to 10-year-old girl in the late 1960s on a church bus. |
| Charron | Charles J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | From Canada, worked at St. Peter’s church in Gentilly MN, Madre de Dios Novitiate in Santa Fe 1960-1961, Jemez Springs NM 1963-1965, and the order’s Canton retreat house 1971-1973. |
| Chavez | Johnny Lee | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Last assignment was 2011-2014 at Sangre de Cristo, where he was pastor. Retired. |
| Coggiola-Mower | Octavio A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | From Italy. Monsignor. First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Also known as Ottavio and O.A. Deceased. |
| Clark | Henry A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/2017, worked at St Anne’s in Santa Fe 1952-1957, and at missions in Agua Fria, Cienega, and Cieneguilla. Died on 7/25/1957 in Albuquerque at age 56. |
| Corpuz | Leon Q. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list 9/12/2017. |
| Courcy | Leo J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | In 1994, Courcy and Rev. Joseph Anthony Gallegos were accused of abusing an altar boy in NM. In 2019, Courcy was accused of abusing two boys during an overnight at the rectory of St. Anthony’s in Questa in 1969. |
| Donelan | Edward Francis | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Donelan worked at a boys’ school run by the state and then ran a boys’ ranch operated by the Santa Fe Archdiocese. He was accused of sexually abusing and beating residents, and was sued in 1994 by two men. |
| Farris | Daniel L. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Died in 2018. |
| Esquibel | John L. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Indicted | Esquibel is alleged to have molested boys in several parishes before he was placed in a Chancery office job. He reoffended after treatment. |
| Coyle | Finbar | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Barry was first identified publicly as accused on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/2017. He was later listed on the lists of the New Orleans archdiocese, the Baton Rouge diocese, the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese, the Las Cruces diocese, and the Cincinnati archdiocese. |
| Fountain | Dennis | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Arrested | Dean of Students at St. Catherine’s Indian School, indicted on more than 170 counts of sexual abuse, found not guilty, became pastor of St. Helena Parish in Hobbs, NM, died 12/29/2013, and was listed on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list. |
| Gallagher | Edward M. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Edward M. Gallagher was a prison chaplain and parish priest in PA, a Trappist monk in Dubuque IA, and a Santa Fe archdiocese priest from 1953 until his death in 1969. A boy who resided at St. Anthony’s Boys Home in Albuquerque said he was sexually abused by the chaplain, visiting priests and Sisters of St. Francis. |
| Gallegos | Joseph Anthony | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | At least four boys were abused by a priest from 1965-1972. The priest was reconciled with the Church in 1992, but died of AIDS in 1992. |
| Galli | Robert W. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Accused by a man in a lawsuit filed in 4/2018 of having sexually abused him as a boy at St. Anne’s in southwest Albuquerque. Died in 1989. Name in included on the archdiocese’s list 3/8/2019. |
| Garcia | Hector | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Assigned to Albuquerque parishes 1981-1989. |
| Greenwell | Paul J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Greenwell was first identified publicly as accused on 9/12/2017, and was included on the 4/12/2019 Owensboro diocesan list of priests with substantiated allegations. He died in 1964. |
| Griego | Sabine | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Charged | Accused of sexually and physically assaulting over 38 children, male and female. Suspended and laicized in 1993. A man filed a lawsuit against the Santa Fe archdiocese after being raped by Griego. Accused of abuse of boys in Las Vegas, NM and ABQ from 1975-1979. |
| Hennessy | Richard | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Accused of sexual misconduct by the Santa Fe archdiocese. Assigned to Blessed Sacrament in Albuquerque 1961-1963. |
| Isaias | Theodore | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | One man said he was sexually abused by Isaias in 1974. The suit was settled and dismissed in 1996, and documents released by the Orange CA diocese show that in 1988 Isaias was the Director of Albuquerque Villa. |
| Huff | Dennis | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | A man filed a complaint with Santa Fe police in 1997 alleging rape and abuse by Huff and Fr. Christopher Kerr. Huff left the Order some time before 1997 and was included on several lists of credibly accused persons. |
| Kemper | James A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese, he was also listed in the dioceses of Memphis and Knoxville. |
| Labreche | Laurier A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Accused of sexually abusing an altar boy in the late 1980s at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque. He worked in the Santa Fe archdiocese from 1962-1968. |
| Kerr | Christopher | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | A man filed a report with the Santa Fe police in 1997 alleging abuse by Fr. Kerr and Br. Dennis Huff at St. Catherine Indian School. Kerr was working in the Cincinnati archdiocese in the late 1980s. |
| Kirsch | Robert J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Kirsch, a Jesuit priest, allegedly sexually abused a girl at St. Thomas Apostle in Abiquiu NM 1973-1977, leading to pregnancy and an abortion. The suit was dismissed in 1993 due to the statute of limitations. |
| Lipinski | Vincent A. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Guilty plea | Archbishop Sanchez confronted Lipinski after two allegations of abuse, but Lipinski denied it and nothing was done. He pled guilty to two charges and was sentenced to jail, suspended for 5 years. |
| Lomme | Hubert C. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Lomme was accused of sexually abusing a 6- or 7-year-old boy in the early 1960s when he was pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas NM. |
| Lynn | Clive | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | From Ireland, Dismissed from seminary in Scotland, accepted into seminary in Austin TX, ordained in 1969, and later accused of abuse by multiple individuals and social services. Privileges revoked in 1986, four civil suits filed in 1994, Lynn left for Great Britain after 1989. |
| Maguire | Joseph M. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Accused of abusing a boy, age 12, in 1955 at San Francisco church in Ranchos de Taos NM. Listed in the Official Catholic Directory 1960-1976 as a Santa Fe priest ‘On sick leave’ but reclassified as ‘retired’ when he died on 10/10/1976. |
| Martinez | Armando | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Martinez was sent to Servants of the Paraclete for treatment in 1988, removed from ministry in 1993, and retired in 1994 after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a boy 20 years prior. He was later found murdered. |
| Malloy | Robert Patrick | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Convicted | Malloy was arrested in 1998 and later charged with sexually exploiting at least 14 boys. He was sentenced to 5 years (less 5 days) probation in 2002 and named in a suit against the Boy Scouts in 12/2018. |
| Martinez | Charles | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Suspended in 1993 due to allegations of abuse, which he denied, Martinez was sued in 1995 for abusing a boy from 1977-1983. |
| Martin/Peralta | Phillip E. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Martin was identified as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese in 2017 and by the Diocese of Las Cruces in 2018. |
| Martinez | Luis | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | Martinez was accused of abusing minor females in two civil suits filed in 1994. One suit was settled by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. |
| Martinez | Robert Lee | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Worked in the archdiocese 1979-1993. |
| Martinez | Roger L. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/2017. |
| Mazur | Thaddeus | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/21/2018 of sexually abusing a girl when she was 9- or 10-years-old, at Sagrado Corazon parish in Costilla. Mazur was assigned to the parish 1956-1966. Retired in 1974. Died 2/14/1994, at age 79. |
| McConnell | Tom | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | Accused of molesting two men in elementary school and junior high, litigation was settled in 1996 for an undisclosed amount. |
| Mazon | Diego | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | Mazon was removed from ministry in the Gallup diocese in 2004 due to allegations of sexual and psychological abuse. A civil suit was filed against Mazon and the Santa Fe archdiocese in 2005, but was settled and dismissed in 2/2006. |
| O’Brien | Michael P. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | O’Brien was pastor of a number of archdiocesan parishes and started a pilgrimage program for youth. A man told the archdiocese that he had been sexually abused by O’Brien at age 10-11 in mid-1980s and filed a civil suit. |
| Pairon | Ralph W. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | First named publicly as accused on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list 9/12/2017, and died 10/5/2014. Accused of abuse of a 10-year-old girl at St. Thomas in Abuquiu, beginning in 1969. |
| Pausch | George W. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Included on Santa Fe archdiocese’s list of accused on 9/12/2017, he was ordained for the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. |
| Peris | John | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | A man filed suit in 1995, claiming he was abused by Peris in Anton Chico, NM at San José parish. Peris reportedly returned to Spain shortly after the abuse and is believed to be dead. |
| Perrault | Arthur J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Convicted | Ordained for the Archdiocese of Hartford, sent to NM for treatment in 1966 and Canada in 1992, abused at least 10 children, boys and girls, and fled the U.S. in 1992. Named in at least one suit filed in 8/2014. Arrested by the FBI in 9/2018, returned to NM, pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of an 11-year-old boy, found guilty 4/10/2019, sentenced to 30 years in prison. |
| Quinn | John | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. The list shows Quinn to have been a priest of the Manchester diocese. Assigned in 1960 to Villa Madre de Dios in Santa Fe. |
| Rieffer | George | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Msgr. Rieiffer was accused of sexually abusing a girl beginning in 1952, when she was 6-years-old. Rieffer died in 1991. |
| Pfalzer | Roman | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Pfalzer was first identified publicly as accused in Santa Fe archdiocese list on 9/12/2017. He was assigned to St. Francis in Gallup in the early 1950s, and worked in Roswell and Clovis. |
| Pilie | Alvin J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Pilie was named in a lawsuit as having sexually abused a girl in 1968 in Albuquerque. The Jesuits were first informed of the claims in 2009. |
| Prefontaine | Louis H. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | First identified publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on 9/12/2017. Died in 1978 in Hurst TX. |
| Pudei | Casilda | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Pudei was first named publicly as accused on the Las Cruces diocese’s list in 2018 and was included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list in 2/2024. |
| Roth | Ronald W. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Roth worked in the Peoria IL diocese 1966-1968, was assigned in NM 1968-1972, returning to IL 1972-1991, and was placed on leave by Peoria in 1993 after a civil suit was filed in NM. He died 6/1/2009. |
| Rodriguez | John C. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Resigned from his parish in 1995 after a lawsuit was filed alleging he abused a 19-year-old seminarian. |
| Ruiz | Lorenzo T. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Ruiz started a girls club at church to find victims, and abused several girls after taking them on outings and giving them money and presents. He was removed from his post in 2004 and his faculties were revoked. |
| Sanchez | Julian | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Permanent deacon. Accused in a lawsuit filed 5/5/1994 of raping an altar boy, age 12-13. Placed on leave. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese’s list of accused 9/12/2017. |
| Rutowski | Edward V. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Rutowski was accused in two civil suits of molesting minors, one in 1967 and another in 1971. He was retired in 1991 and included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list in 2017. |
| Sanchez | Robert F. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Sanchez was accused of having sexual intercourse with at least 11 women over period of many years. He resigned in 1993 and lived in Minnesota. |
| Schoeppner | Clarence C. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Monsignor Schoeppner was accused of sexually abusing a girl in 1967 at St. Anthony’s Boys School, an orphanage run by the Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph of the Perpetual Adoration. |
| Silva | George S. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Guilty plea | Silva was a Christian Brother for 17 years, placed on leave in 2005, and was charged with abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 2005. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 5 years probation in 2006. |
| Smith | Robert J. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Smith molested children at various parishes in NM in the 1970s and 1980s, and was included on the Santa Fe archdiocese list of accused 9/12/2017. |
| Spellman | Richard E. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | A woman claimed that Spellman sexually abused her as a child. The claim was included in the Archdiocese’s settlement trust. |
| Tafoya | Ignacio | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Sued | Placed on administrative leave in 1994 and suspended from priestly duties pending an investigation into allegations of past sexual misconduct with minors, Tafoya was accused of sexual abuse of a boy in 1974. |
| Weisenborn | John George | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Settled | A man filed suit in 2011 against the Santa Fe Archdiocese and Servants of the Paraclete, claiming abuse by Weisenborn for three years in the 1960s while at St. Francis Xavier in Albuquerque. He died in 1991. |
| Wagoner | Gordon Patrick | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Wagoner was named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. He returned to Lafayette, IN in 1983 “for reasons of health” and did mostly hospital chaplaincy work. |
| Wilkinson | Thomas P. | Archdiocese of Santa Fe NM | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Santa Fe archdiocese on its list 9/12/2017. Died 6/13/1986. |
| Aten | Michael J. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | A Marianist brother, named as an abuser by the Gallup diocese in 1993, was removed from ministry and died in 2001. |
| Baca | Michael | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | Michael or Miguel, a priest who worked in the Gallup diocese and the Peoria IL diocese, was accused of abuse of a boy, age 8, in 1961. He died in 1997. |
| Baz | George | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Name included on Gallup diocese’s 12/2014 list of credibly accused clerics. Assigned to St. Joseph Parish, Winslow AZ 07/1968-09/1968. Deceased. |
| Beltramea | Ephrem | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Beltramea’s name is listed among the Franciscan clergy perpetrators of sexual abuse in a court document from 12/2014. |
| Botello | Eugene | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Botello’s name is among Franciscan alleged clergy perpetrators of sexual abuse in 12/2014 court documents related to the Gallup NM diocese’s bankruptcy case. Believed to be deceased. |
| Boland | John | Diocese of Gallup NM | Charged | Accused of sexually abusing 14-year-old boy, charges were dropped, but family never testified. Boland was removed from diocese in 2009, settlements pending. |
| Butz | Crispin | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Franciscan alleged clergy perpetrators of sexual abuse, worked in Batesville, IN and Louisville, KY, and pastored parishes in Albuquerque, Bloomfield, Cuba and Grants NM. |
| Burns | James M. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Convicted | Burns was accused of sexual abuse several times, sent for therapy, reassigned, removed from ministry, retired, accused of abuse in AZ and CA, pleaded guilty, received two 1.5 year sentences, died in 2010 in AZ. |
| Cichanowicz | Charles | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | A man filed suit in 2007 against Chuck Cichanowicz, alleging he had given him alcohol and sexually abused him twice when he was teen. Cichanowicz left the order in 1991 and worked as a counselor in Lafayette, IN. |
| Clark | David Joseph | Diocese of Gallup NM | Sued | Clark worked in Los Angeles, CA, Prescott, AZ, Ft. Worth, TX, Yuma, AZ, Alexandria, Monroe, Cottonport and Marksville, LA and was accused of abusing two brothers in 1959 and 1960. The case was dismissed on statute of limitations. |
| Connolly | Finian | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Name among Franciscan alleged clergy perpetrators of sexual abuse in a 12/2014 court document related to Gallup NM diocese’s bankruptcy case. Assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish in Cuba, NM 1960-1963. Believed to be deceased. |
| Coutu | Joseph | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Name included on Gallup diocese’s 12/2014 list of credibly accused clerics. Assignments include St. Mary’s, Farmington NM 05/1981 – 12/1981; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holbrook AZ, 12/1981 – 1983; Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup NM 1983 – 06/1984. |
| Duffy | Dennis | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Franciscan friar named publicly as accused by the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans in 5/31/2019, Gallup NM list in 8/2019, Oakland diocese’s list in 2019 and Stockton diocese’s list in 11/12 2020. |
| Daly | Claude | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Gallup in 11/2021. Noted to be deceased. |
| Hartig | Julian | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Originally from Cincinnati OH, worked in TX, MO, KS, KY and NM. Accused of sexually abusing a young girl near the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in the early 1960s. |
| Hetteberg | Marcan | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Hetteberg was named publicly by the Province of St. John the Baptist Franciscans in 1/2021 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. |
| Lindenmeyer | James | Diocese of Gallup NM | Sued | Monsignor Lindenmeyer was named in a civil suit by a former student who alleged abuse at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Winslow AZ. |
| Newton | John Ambrose | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Name included on Gallup diocese’s 12/15/2014 list of credibly accused. Assigned to Winslow AZ 1955-1957; Springerville AZ 1957-1959. Died 9/22/1966 in Detroit MI. |
| McNeill | Douglas A. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | McNeill was accused of abusing a youth in 1978 while the youth stayed with him at St. Bonaventure Indian Mission to finish the school year. The suit settled in 1995 for $135K. |
| Messier | Rene D. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Messier was ordained for the Diocese of Hartford, transferred to the Diocese of Gallup, and was absent on leave from 1963-1975. |
| Paulmichl | John Adelbert | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Gallup on its list in 11/2021. Also known as “Johann.” Died 1/8/1996. |
| Rodriguez | Jose H. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | Rodriguez was accused of sexual abuse occurring more than 20 years prior, and was removed from active ministry in 1999. He was listed as “retired” in 2002 Catholic Directory. |
| Runnebaum | Conran | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | Name included on the Gallup diocese’s 12/2014 list of credibly accused clerics. Accused of abuse of 8-year-old boy in 1961 at Sacred Heart in Farmington. |
| Sanchez | Raul N. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Sued | Sanchez was ordained for the Diocese of Gallup NM and worked as a chaplain at Edwards Air Force Base 1998-2001. He was accused of sexual abuse in the 1970s and was named as an abuser in court pleadings filed in 6/2012. |
| Schlaffer | James J. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Schlaffer, an ordained priest for the Milwaukee archdiocese, was accused of prodding the vaginal area of an 18-year-old Navajo girl hospitalized and in traction at the Gallup Indian Medical Center 30 years prior. He died on 8/22/1998. |
| Schornack | Diocese of Gallup NM | Settled | Accused of touching and penetrating a girl at a Mission in St. Michael’s AZ in Navajo Nation, and of abusing a second girl in 2015. Settled in 2017 and was included on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list. | |
| Schreiber | Lawrence | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | On the Gallup diocese’s 12/2014 list of credibly accused clerics, the Las Cruces diocese’s 6/24/2019 list, the Franciscans’ St. John the Baptist Province list. |
| Todaro | Carl | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Name included on the Gallup diocese’s 12/2014 list of those credibly accused. Seminarian at Mount St. Mary’s of the West 1951-1952. |
| Viramontes | David E. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Viramontes was included on Gallup diocese’s list of credibly accused clerics in 1/2015, and Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/2018. |
| Wilson | Samuel J. | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Worked for 33 years in the Gallup diocese, mostly in AZ and NM, and was named as abuser in court pleadings filed in 6/2012. |
| Wottle | Clementine | Diocese of Gallup NM | Accused | Franciscan priest named among alleged clergy perpetrators of sexual abuse in Gallup NM diocese’s bankruptcy case. |
| Anderson | Joseph K. | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | Anderson was sent to the Las Cruces diocese by his Order in Wisconsin, but was relieved of his duties in 1999 and died in 2002. |
| Barfield | Daniel Ramsey | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | Barfield was accused of abusing a minor at St. Jude’s Parish in Alamogordo NM, and was also accused of allowing Fr. David Holley to live at the rectory and abusing the minor as well. |
| Diamond | Wilfred J. | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | A man accused Diamond of abusing him as an 8- or 9-year-old in 1987 at St. Jude’s Parish in Alamogordo, and also accused D. Barfield and David Holley of abuse. Diamond retired in 1988 and died 3/15/1995. |
| Gamboa | Damian | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | Accused of sexually abusing a girl in the early 1980s while pastor of St. Francis de Paula in Tularosa. |
| Hausfeld | Bruce | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Reinstated | Placed on leave in 5/2002, cleared and reinstated by the Diocese in 10/2002. Died 3/20/2024. |
| Hootka | Augustine | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | Franciscan priest accused of sexual abuse of minors. Died in 2007; abuse noted to have occurred elsewhere. |
| Lynch | Richard P. | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | The Las Cruces diocese named Lynch as credibly accused in 2018 and removed him from ministry in 1992. He died in 2017 at age 97. |
| Lopez | Rosario | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Settled | A priest from the Philippines abused an altar boy in the mid-1970s. Another priest from the Philippines replaced him and abused the same youth. |
| McAllister | Forest | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | McAllister was named publicly as credibly accused by the Las Cruces diocese on its revised list 1/14/2020. |
| Nichols | Roderick | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | Retired in 2015, accused of sexually abusing a boy in the early 1990s, faculties revoked. |
| Montoya | Juan | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Sued | A pastor was accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl in 2001. He died in 2013. |
| Morgan | Arthur C. | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | The Las Cruces diocese first named him publicly as accused in 2018 of an incident in 1973. |
| Silva | Benjamin | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | The Diocese of Las Cruces named Benjamin Silva on its list 11/8/2018, and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe named George Silva, but not Benjamin. |
| Sierra | Frank | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Settled | Sierra was ordained in 1946, worked in El Paso and several parishes in the 1950s and 1960s, and retired in 1988. He was accused in a 1994 civil suit of abuse of girls in Santa Cruz NM, and settled. |
| Tickle | John | Diocese of Las Cruces NM | Accused | Tickle was named publicly as credibly accused on the Las Cruces diocese’s list in 2018 and removed from active ministry in 2004. |
About Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse involves religious leaders exploiting their positions to commit sexual offenses against vulnerable individuals, often targeting children and young adults. Victims can suffer deep psychological and physical scars, and many remain silent out of fear. Other clergy members and adults who suspect abuse in their church must report it to law enforcement immediately. Legal action helps hold perpetrators accountable and supports victims’ healing and recovery.
In New Mexico, the legal process begins with a formal complaint, followed by an investigation. If evidence supports the claim, charges are filed, and the case may go to trial. Victims can seek civil remedies for damages.
Legal Support for Survivors in New Mexico
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers provide dedicated legal support for clergy sexual abuse survivors in Santa Fe. Our experienced team offers compassionate representation, focusing on justice and compensation. With a proven track record in handling sensitive cases, we guide survivors through the legal process, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Laws and Regulations in New Mexico
Statute of Limitations: In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for clergy sexual abuse allows victims to file a civil lawsuit until they turn 24 years old or within three years from the date they discover the abuse or reasonably should have discovered it. Criminal charges for sexual abuse can be filed at any time for first-degree felonies, while second-degree felony charges must be filed within six years.
Mandatory Reporting Laws: In New Mexico, clergy members must report any suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to law enforcement or the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties for the clergy member. However, if the information comes from a confidential confession, it’s protected by the clergy-penitent privilege and doesn’t need to be reported.
Legislative Changes: The Child Protection Act and other reforms have enhanced penalties for offenders and improved support systems for survivors. These reforms demonstrate New Mexico’s commitment to addressing clergy sexual abuse and ensuring justice and accountability.
Compensation: Victims of clergy abuse can file lawsuits to claim monetary compensation for expenses such as medical bills, therapy costs, and other related damages.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in New Mexico
The process of filing a lawsuit for clergy sexual abuse can be lengthy. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you through this process by providing the following services:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll schedule a confidential meeting with an experienced attorney to discuss your case. They will evaluate the details and advise on legal options.
- Evidence Collection: Our legal team will gather evidence, including documents, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Filing the Lawsuit: We’ll file a formal complaint in court, outlining the allegations against the clergy member and their institution.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: Both parties exchange information and evidence. This phase may include depositions, discovery, interrogatories, pre-trial motions, and subpoenas.
- Settlement Negotiations: We’ll work to negotiate a fair and just settlement for you outside of court.
- Trial: The case proceeds to trial if a settlement isn’t reached. Both sides present their evidence and arguments, and the court renders a verdict.
- Post-Trial Support: Depending on the outcome, there may be appeals or enforcement of the judgment. We’ll provide ongoing support and assistance after the trial ends.
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and start your path to justice.
Support Resources for Survivors in New Mexico
There are many legal and emotional support services available in New Mexico that focus on helping victims and providing them with a safe space to deal with their trauma.
- For immediate support, call 911
- New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs: This group connects and supports organizations across the state that help survivors of sexual assault.
- COPE, Inc.: Located in Otero and Lincoln Counties, COPE offers crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy for people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Call 575-437-2673
- Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico: This center provides crucial support, advocacy, and counseling for survivors of sexual assault. Call 505-266-7711
- Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico: They offer comprehensive support services, including counseling and advocacy, for sexual assault survivors. Call 505-325-2805
- La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services: Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling to help survivors of sexual assault. Call 575-526-3437
- Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services: This organization supports sexual assault survivors in the Silver City area with crisis intervention and other essential services. Call 866-750-6474
- Community Against Violence: They offer a wide range of services, including emergency shelter and counseling, for victims of sexual and domestic violence. Call 575-758-9888
- SANE Programs and Coordinators: These programs offer specialized forensic medical exams and support to sexual assault survivors.
- Children’s Advocacy Centers: These centers provide coordinated, multidisciplinary services to children who are victims of abuse, including forensic interviews and therapeutic support.
Notable Cases and Outcomes in New Mexico
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to New Mexico clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances pertaining to your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.
Number of Priests Listed: In New Mexico, approximately 74 priests have been accused of sexually assaulting children. This Santa Fe Archdiocese’s list of credibly accused priests included names of those who were assigned to Santa Fe Cathedral, Immaculate Conception Parish, and various schools.
Total Settlements Paid: The Santa Fe Archdiocese, New Mexico’s largest and one of the oldest dioceses in the nation, has reached a $121.5 million settlement to address around 375 abuse claims.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse in New Mexico, you’ll need a law firm to help you through the legal process.
$14.2 Million
Priest grooming and handling
$4.1 Million
Deacon assault and rape
$3 Million
Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
$2.5 Million
Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
$2.3 Million
Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
$1.5 Million
Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers stands out for handling clergy sexual abuse cases in New Mexico with a strong track record of successful outcomes. Our firm approaches each case with deep compassion, understanding the trauma survivors face. We are committed to justice and securing the rights of our clients.
Our personalized attention ensures that every survivor receives the care and legal expertise they deserve. Trust us to provide dedicated support and professional representation and hold abusers and protecting institutions accountable.
Contact Us
If you’re a victim of clergy sexual abuse looking to file a lawsuit in New Mexico, you can reach out to us for a confidential consultation to get you started with the legal process.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation, or fill out our contact form. You can also email us at info@rosenfeldinjurylaw.com.
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