List of Accused Priests in Wyoming
Wyoming has been significantly affected by clergy sexual abuse, a problem with deep historical roots that persists every day. This issue requires accountability and justice for the survivors who typically suffer in silence.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to supporting these survivors and helping them seek the justice and healing they deserve.
Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fraher | Joseph P. | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Named publicly as the subject of substantiated allegations by the diocese on its list in 2020. It notes abuse 1952-1955 and 1957-1966 reported in 1990, 2019 and 2020. Died 7/8/2020. |
Colibraro | Philip | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 6/12/2019. It notes one allegation of abuse against Colibraro, of an adolescent male in 1965. Died in 2017. |
Murray | John | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Convicted | Murray was accused of sexually assaulting a teen girl at least four times 1976-1977, while assigned to St. Anthony’s in Casper. He pled guilty to engaging in indecent liberties with a minor, and was given five years probation. |
Chleborad | Gerald | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Arrested in 1995 for public lewdness, named publicly as accused by the diocese in 2019, and retired in 2019. |
Jablonowski | Anthony Thomas | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Convicted | Ordained in Kentucky, worked in Georgia, North Carolina, Wyoming, Ohio, Arizona, and Arizona, and was sentenced to prison for abusing a 17-year-old boy. On Tucson’s list of abusive priests, referred to as a Steubenville priest, laicized in 2006, on Cheyenne diocese’s list 10/31/2018, on Glenmary Home Missioners list 10/11/2019, on Charlotte diocese’s list 12/29/2019, on Lexington diocese’s list 8/2020, on Atlanta’s list 11/2020. |
Power | James | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Accused of abusing five adolescent males, transferred to Torrington after allegations, continued to abuse, then was sent “back to Ireland”. |
Prado | Cletus A. | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 6/12/2019. Accused of abusing two adolescent males, 1958-1963 and 1977-1978. Faculties were removed and he retired. Died in 2001. |
Shelly | “Donn” | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Denis Michael Shelly was accused by the Cheyenne diocese of abusing an adolescent girl. He died in Ireland in 2007. |
Tellez | George | Diocese of Cheyenne WY | Accused | Accused of abuse of four adolescent girls, left ministry to marry, laicized, died in 2021. |
About Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse involves the abuse of power and trust by religious leaders. Such criminals exploit their position to commit sexual misconduct against minors and other vulnerable adults.
This type of abuse has devastating effects on victims, often resulting in severe emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical trauma that can last a lifetime. They suffer anxiety attacks, diminished confidence, and low self-esteem.
It is crucial for survivors to report these abuses and seek legal action to ensure accountability and prevent future abuse.
In Wyoming, the legal process for clergy sexual abuse cases involves an initial consultation with a lawyer, followed by a thorough investigation, filing of the lawsuit, and either a negotiated settlement or a trial.
Legal Support for Survivors in Wyoming
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers specialized legal services for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Wyoming. Our team has extensive experience and expertise in handling such sensitive cases with the care and attention they require.
We are dedicated to advocating for our clients, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Laws and Regulations in Wyoming
There have been substantiated allegations of clergy members abusing their status despite their clerical state. That’s why Wyoming has enacted specific laws and regulations to address clergy members’ sexual abuse, focusing on protecting victims and ensuring justice.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a specific timeframe within which they can file a lawsuit. An action for childhood sexual contact may be brought up to eight years after the victim’s 18th birthday.
If the abuse is discovered later in life, survivors have up to three years from the time of discovery to initiate legal action. This extended period acknowledges the complex nature of trauma and the time it can take for survivors to come forward.
Wyoming law mandates that any person who has a reasonable probability of child or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation is required to report it to the authorities immediately. This requirement applies to a wide range of individuals, including teachers, members of the Catholic Church, doctors, and other professionals who may come into contact with vulnerable populations. Â
There is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing these substantiated claims and ensuring survivors have the resources and support they need to pursue justice.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Wyoming
Filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Wyoming involves several essential steps:
Initial Consultation
The first step is to contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a confidential consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss the details of your case and explain your legal options.
Investigation
Our team will thoroughly investigate, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claims. This process is crucial in establishing the facts and ensuring we have a solid foundation for your lawsuit.
Filing the Lawsuit
Once we have gathered sufficient evidence, we will file the necessary legal documents on your behalf. This includes drafting and submitting the complaint to the appropriate court.
Discovery
Both sides exchange information and evidence about the case during the discovery phase. This may involve depositions, document requests, and interrogatories.
Negotiation or Trial
Many cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will proceed to trial, advocating for your rights and seeking justice on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to start your journey toward justice and healing.
Support Resources for Survivors in Wyoming
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Wyoming have access to a variety of support resources designed to aid in their recovery and provide ongoing assistance. These resources include:
Counseling Services
Professional therapy and counseling services are available to help survivors cope with the trauma of abuse. These services offer a safe space to process emotions and begin healing.
Support Groups
Joining a support group allows survivors to connect with others who have experienced similar situations. These groups provide a sense of community and mutual support, helping individuals feel less isolated.
Crisis Hotlines
Various hotlines offer immediate assistance and crisis intervention. Trained professionals can offer support, guidance, and resources in times of need.
- Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault: 1-844-264-5437
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Wyoming
Several significant cases of clergy sexual abuse have emerged within the Wyoming Catholic Diocese, underscoring the importance of legal action and accountability.
According to a newsletter published by the Wyoming Catholic Register, several clergy members who served in Wyoming have been accused, including a bishop, priests, and a member of the Catholic Church order.
- Bishop Hart faces substantiated allegations from three men who accuse Hart of grooming and sexually assaulting them as boys in the late 1970s. The alleged offender served as a bishop and auxiliary bishop in Cheyenne from 1976 to 2001.
- The newsletter listed ten priests of the Roman Catholic Church who the Diocese of Wyoming had not previously named. They are accused of sexual abuse in adolescent male victims, teen girl, children, and one vulnerable adult between the late 1950s and late 1990s.
- Other abusive priests on Cheyenne Diocese’s list include Gerald Chleborad, Philip Colibraro, Anthony Jablonowski, John Murray, Rocco Perone, James Power, Cletus Prado, and others. According to the newsletter, no clergy with substantiated abuse claims have served in Wyoming since at least 2004. Wyoming Diocese later added more names, bringing the count up to 13.
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Wyoming 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.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?
Survivors in Wyoming should choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for our compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to justice. Our firm understands the sensitive nature of clergy sexual abuse cases and provides personalized, dedicated legal support to each client.
Priest grooming and handling
Deacon assault and rape
Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest
We have a long history of successfully representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse, securing significant settlements and verdicts that reflect the severity and impact of these cases.
We recognize the emotional and psychological toll that clergy sexual abuse takes on survivors. Our team approaches each case with empathy and sensitivity, providing our clients with a safe and supportive environment.
We listen as the victim speaks, respecting their experience and advocating for their needs.
Contact Us
If you are a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Wyoming, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a confidential consultation. Our team is here to support you and help you seek justice.
- Phone: Call us at (888) 424-5757
- Email: Contact us via email at info@rosenfeldinjurylaw.com
- Contact Form: Visit our contact page to fill out a confidential contact form.