List of Georgia Priests Accused of Abuse by Diocese

When a priest abuses a member of their congregation, it can cause great psychological damage to the victim. The Catholic Church has been embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal by priests for decades. 

We believe that members of the Church in Georgia need to know which priests have been accused of abuse so they can guard themselves. Therefore, we have worked to compile a list of Georgia priests accused of abuse by diocese.

If you have been abused by a priest in Georgia, especially one on this list, contact our Atlanta sexual abuse lawyers for help.

List of Georgia Priests in the Archdiocese of Atlanta Accused of Abuse

In 2018, the Archdiocese of Atlanta, which covers the north half of Georgia, took the step of releasing the names of all clergy and seminarians who were credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. We pulled from this list to make the list of Georgia priests accused of abuse in this diocese below:

• Clarence Biggers
  
• Jacob Bollmer
  
• Richard Ry Boucher
  
• Sergio Mauricio Calle Perez
  
• Kenneth Joseph Cassity
  
• Jorge Christancho
  
• John Douglas Edwards
  
• Raymond Horan
  
• Stanley Dominic Idziak
  
• Leonard Francis Xavier Mayhew
  
• Anton Mowat
  
• Joseph William Paulantonio

Many of these men are deceased, but many are alive. All have been removed from ministry, and several have been convicted of their crimes. If you were abused by any of these men, even if it happened long ago, contact John Foy & Associates to see if you may be eligible for compensation for what happened to you.

List of Georgia Priests in the Diocese of Savannah Accused of Abuse

The Diocese of Savannah covers the southern region of the state. They also compiled a list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. The names include:

• Wayland Brown
  
• John Willis Dowling
  
• Lorenzo Garcia
  
• Michael O’Sullivan
  
• Nicholas Quinlan
  
• Joseph Reilly
  
• Robert Teoli

Almost all of these men are deceased, and all have been removed from their positions. Nevertheless, victims may still be able to seek compensation. Clergy sexual abuse is an extremely sensitive topic, but we have the knowledge and experience to handle these cases.

How To Report Clergy Sexual Abuse in Georgia

The first step in reporting clergy sexual abuse is to ensure your safety. If you’re in immediate danger, contact law enforcement right away. Your well-being is the top priority, and police are required to investigate reports of sexual abuse.

The responding officers will take your statement and begin an investigation. You have the right to have a support person present during this process. Your sexual abuse report can help protect others from experiencing similar trauma. 

You can also report abuse directly to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI handles complex cases, especially those involving religious institutions, and can coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.

Should I Report to the Church?

The Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Savannah have victim assistance coordinators who handle abuse reports. These coordinators must report allegations to law enforcement and help survivors access support services.

However, you don’t have to meet with church officials yourself. You can have a legal representative do it to ensure proper handling of your report and retain your privacy.

Remember that church investigations are separate from criminal investigations. The church may take disciplinary action against the accused, but this doesn’t replace the legal process. You should still report to the police, and we can help you make your report to them as well.

How Do I Prove a Georgia Priest Abused Me?

When making your report, try to provide as much detail as possible. Recording these common signs of sexual abuse is a good start. Important information includes the accused’s name, incidents’ dates and locations, and potential witnesses’ names.

Keep copies of your evidence, such as emails, letters, photos, or damaged clothing. If you sought medical treatment or counseling after the abuse, these records can support your case.

Your attorney can help gather additional evidence and ensure proper documentation of your report. The specifics will depend on what happened to you. 

Clergy Abuse Isn’t Limited to Minors

Much of the media attention on the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church has been on minors, but anyone could be sexually abused by someone in a position of authority. Priests hold an incredible amount of authority over their congregants, and many fear going against them.

Even if the abuse happened one time decades ago, it can still leave mental scars that affect the rest of your life. Reporting the abuse can help you find closure and get a measure of justice against the person who harmed you. We can be your advocate against the power of the Catholic Church.

My Abuse Happened Long Ago. Is it Still Worth Reporting?

Georgia law has time limits for reporting sexual abuse, but recent changes have extended these deadlines for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Don’t assume it’s too late to report–speak with a legal professional about your options.

You can make a report at any time, even if the abuse happened years ago. While immediate reporting can help preserve evidence, delayed reporting is common and understandable in clergy abuse cases.

Get Help With Your Clergy Abuse Report

This list of Georgia priests accused of abuse by diocese is only a partial list of all the priests who have been accused. We’ve limited ourselves to only those the Church has said have a credible accusation of sexual abuse.

If you’ve experienced clergy sexual abuse in Georgia, you don’t have to navigate the reporting process alone. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and want to support you every step of the way.

Our attorneys have helped many survivors report clergy abuse and seek justice. We can explain your rights, protect your interests, and help you make informed decisions about reporting. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your situation.