Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Brothers of the Christian Schools

Notes:  In separate 1995 lawsuits, 2 brothers and another man claim abuse while in elementary school by Br. Abdon and other Christian Brothers at St. Michael’s in Santa Fe and at College of Santa Fe in 1950s. Last of lawsuits settled 10/96. Woman also filed suit in 1995 alleging that she was abused by Abdon at St. Michaels. Abdon died in 1977. Stadium at St. Michael’s is Brother Abdon Field, even in 2008.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Abeywickrema, originally from Sri Lanka, was accused by 3 sisters of sexually abusing them in mid-1960s when he was at St. Bernadette’s Parish in Albuquerque and they were between ages of 6-14. The women reached out-of-court settlement with Santa Fe Archdiocese which was announced 7/1/93. He was removed from public ministry without any privileges.. He is believed to have died in late 2008.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Brothers of the Christian Schools

Notes:  In 1995 civil suit, one man alleged he was abused by Br. Alex when he was studying to join the Christian Brothers at the Junior Novitiate at The College of Santa Fe between 1955-1957. Same man also alleged abuse by Br. Abdon and by a scout master. Settled in 1996.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Sons of the Holy Family

Notes:  Accused in 1994 suit of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy daily during a 1971 car trip from NM to DC. Suit was settled in 12/95 by order and archdiocese; terms confidential. Archuleta does ‘not deny the fundamental allegations’ but says the plaintiff exaggerated. Archdiocese removed Archuleta from ministry, but he was found working as a priest in Mexico City in 2002.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Summary of Assignments:

• 1949 – 1950: Immaculate Conception Church; Las Vegas, NM
• 1950 – 1955: San Jose Church; Anton Chico, NM
• 1955 – 1958: St. John Nepomucene, a mission parish; El Rito, NM
• 1958 – 1965: Our Lady of Sorrows; Bernalillo, NM
• 1965 – 1979: Queen of Heaven; Albuquerque, NM
• 1979 – 2000: Church of the Risen Savior; Albuquerque, NM

Notes:  Woman filed suit 1/00. Alleged a sexual relationship with Baca for one year beginning 1973 when she was 15. Suit also alleged relatioship resumed in 1989 and lasted until 1990s. Woman had a videotape and transcript wherein Baca admitted “repetitive sexual contact.” He resigned. Suit was settled 6/00 for undisclosed amount of money. Settlement also covered claims by another woman who claimed Baca had a 2 year affair with her which ended in 2000.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Benedictine

Notes:  Blea was monk at Pecos Benedictine Monastery. Civil suit filed 6/10/94 alleges abuse of at least one youth during counseling sessions from 1969-1970.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Brothers of the Christian Schools

Notes:  Brouseau and two other Christian Brothers were accused in 1995 civil suits of independently molesting a young man over several years at St. Michael’s school. Man’s brother also claims abuse by one of the Brothers. Brouseau later left the order. Case settled Fall, 1996.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Summary of Assignments:  

• 1965 – 1971: St. Pius X High School (faculty); Albuquerque, NM
• 1967 – 1969: Queen of Heaven (in residence); Albuquerque, NM
• 1971 – 1972: College of Santa Fe (chaplain and lecturer); Santa Fe, NM
• 1972 – 1979: Immaculate Heart of Mary; Los Alamos, NM
• 1979 – 1987: Our Lady of the Assumption; Albuquerque, NM
• 1987 – 2005: Annunciation; Albuquerque, NM

Notes:  At least 5 men alleged abuse by Bruckner in 1970s and 1980s at middle school in Albuquerque. Several reported to Archbishop Sheehan in 1995. Bruckner was investigated in 1995 & 2004 by the review board but not removed. 3rd evaluation in 3/05 after 6th man claimed abuse in 1970s. Placed on leave and “retired” 3/05 Lost all privileges 9/05. In 1/08, he was still representing himself as a priest of Santa Fe Archdiocese.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order: Benedictine

Notes:  Burbach was accused of sexually abusing several members of parish beginning in 1960s. Affiliated with Pecos Benedictine Monastery. Two civil suits filed 1994.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Man and woman filed separate suits in mid-2013 alleging abuse by Cassidy who worked in parishes in Albuquerque, Taos and Mora. These suits were settled at some point before 5/14 per news report. Another man filed suit 5/14 alleging abuse by Cassidy at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in northwest Albuquerque in the late 1960s. In a suit filed in 11/14, Cassidy was accused of molesting an 8- to 10-year-old girl in the late 1960s on a church bus. Plaintiff says he was abused between 50-80 times as a 10-year-old boy. Diocese knew of allegations against Cassidy by 1994 but never made them public. He died in 1994.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Diocese of Burlington (VT)

Notes:  Part of the Burlington VT diocese. Civil Litigation filed in 1994. Courcy and deceased priest Joseph Anthony Gallegos are accused of abusing altar boy in New Mexico, after his first trip to the Paraclete Center. There was probably abuse in Vermont, also. Sent to NM twice, 1967 and 1969. 1993 Official Catholic Directory says on duty outside diocese.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Worked at Boys’ school run by state and then ran a boys’ ranch operated by Santa Fe Archdiocese. State of NM knew of allegations in 1971. Accused of sexually abusing and beating residents. Church ranch was closed after one boy died. At least one civil suit filed 1994 by 2 men. Archb. Sanchez received complaints 1976; sent another priest to investigate. Ranch closed shortly thereafter but Donelan remained priest until death in 1994. Lawsuit filed 5/17 by man alleging sex abuse by Donelan and Rev. Laurier Labreche in late 1980s when man was an 11- to 13-year-old altar boy, at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Esquibel (also spelled Esquivel) is alleged to have molested boys in several parishes before he was placed in job at Chancery office. Reoffended after treatment. Indicted in 10/93 and charged with abusing a 15-year-old altar boy in 1983; charges dropped by Judge 2/95 for lack of evidence. Worked as Army Reserve chaplain from 1979. Still so listed as late as 2002, likely in error. At least 2 civil suits filed in 1994.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Franciscan

Notes:  Fountain, Dean of Students at St. Catherine’s Indian School, indicted 1/87 on more than 170 counts of sexual abuse (most charges were against 1 of 3 accusers). Indictments were dismissed because a DA was alleged to have tampered with Grand Jury. Reindicted 9/87 on other charges. Apparently found not guilty because he became pastor of St. Helena Parish in Hobbs, NM (Las Cruces Diocese). A 4/25/10 church bulletin requested prayers for him as he was ill and he was no longer shown as pastor. Died 12/29/13.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Alleged to have abused at least four boys, one in each of his four assignments from 1965-1972. Apparently had his privileges suspended from 1972-1992. Was reconciled with the Church in 1992 just before dying of AIDS. At least one victim also acquired AIDS. At least 4 suits filed against estate. One suit settled in Fall, 1994 and another was settled before it reached the lawsuit stage. Named in at least one civil suit filed 8/14.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Civil suit against Griego filed in 1993 and 7 in 1994. Griego lived for a time at Archbishop Sanchez’ residence after treatment at Paracletes. Put on leave 1/93; church began laicization process 2/94. Began work as prison psychologist after passing FBI check; resigned months later. Civil suit filed 5/14 by person alleging abuse at an Albuquerque parish in 1986. Suit filed 8/15 accused Griego of sexual abuse of boy in 1980s at Griego’s home in Montezuma and at Queen of Heaven in Albuquerque. Man filed suit 5/14 against Santa Fe archdiocese; spoke publicly in 11/15 that Griego raped him when he was 17-yrs-old in 1986; had gone to Griego for guidance about possibly becoming priest. Said there were teenage boys with Griego, hanging out in rectory and drinking. Civil trial related to this case to be held 8/16. Accused in 12/17/15 suit of abuse of boy, age 14-18, at parishes in Las Vegas NM and Albuquerque parish 1975-79.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Franciscan

Notes:  Man filed complaint with Santa Fe police 1/97 alleging rape and abuse by Huff on number of occasions in early 1980s at St. Catherine Indian School. Also alleges abuse on one instance by Fr. Christopher Kerr. Huff left the order but unknown as to when. No other information found.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Civil suit filed against Isaias, Santa Fe Archdiocese, Via Coeli, Greek Orthodox Church, and Estate of Fr. Charles Rourke in 1995. Copies of petition, answer and motions to dismiss are in this file. One man says he was sexually abused by Isaias in 1974. It is believed Isaias was treated at Via Coeli prior to time he abused Plaintiff. Suit was settled and dismissed in 1996. In 1988 he was a director of the Servants of the Paraclete facility.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Franciscan

Notes:  Man filed report with Santa Fe police in 1997 alleging abuse by Fr. Kerr and Br. Dennis Huff at St. Catherine Indian School. Says that Kerr (a teacher) fondled him once in 1980 or 1981 but Huff raped him several times in early 1980s. Kerr was working inCincinnati Diocese in late 1980s. Kerr left priesthood in early 1990s and was living in Houston, TX in 1997.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  From NY. Trained as Jesuit. Ordained by Gallup. Transferred to Santa Fe. Archdiocese became aware of behavior and sent him to counseling several times; each time would transfer him to new church. Kirsch allegedly sexually abused a girl at St. Thomas Apostle Church in Abiquiu NM beginning when she was age 15, 1973-1977. She filed civil suit in 1991. He caused girl to have an abortion. He admitted sex but said she was 19 by then. Suit dismissed 1993 on SOL and dismissal upheld by NM Court of Appeals. Died 11/05.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Accused in lawsuit filed 5/17 of sexual abuse, along with Rev. Edward Donelan, of an altar boy, ages 11-13, in late 1980s at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque. Living in Albuquerque in 5/17.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Archbishop Sanchez confronted him re 2 allegations in early 1990 that Lipinski had abused a youth after getting him drunk. Lipinski denied; nothing done. Working at St. Anthony Parish in Questa, NM when criminal charges filed 10/92. He pled guilty in 1993 to two charges of molesting a 14 yr old boy after giving him alcohol. Sentenced to jail, suspended for 5 yrs. Civil suit filed by boy in 1993 and settled in 1996. 6/02 article reports he was laicized at some point.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Ordained in Valkenburg, Holland. Monsignor. Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of sexual abuse of a 6- or 7-yr-old boy in the early 1960s when pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas NM. Lomme died in 1986. Another suit filed in 12/16 claimed Lomme sexually abused 7 preteen boys at Our Lady of Sorrows 1959-1964. Died 1986 at age 79.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Multiple complaints by individuals and social services re abuse by Lynn. ArchBp Sanchez just transferred him. Four separate civil suits filed in 1994 alleging abuse of altar boys in early 1980s. Suits said Lynn was no longer a priest and no longer in the United States. Privileges revoked 1986. In 1989 Archdiocese of Santa Fe paid $554,000 settlement to one youth abused in late 1970s. Left for Great Britain after 1989. Lawsuit filed in 11/14 by a Las Vegas man claiming abuse as a boy by Lynn in 1977.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Arrested in 1998 and later charged with sexually exploiting at least 14 boys 1992-1998. Placed on leave. Indictment covered 42 charges. Charges dismissed 2/02 but refiled and in plea agreement 8/02 Malloy pleaded no contest to five lesser counts. Sentenced 9/02 to 5 yrs (less 5 days) probation. 2002 article says he had been writing anonymous, sexually explicit notes to teenage boys at St. Pius High School, offering to pay them for their semen. Served as police chaplain until 1998.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Martinez received counseling from Paracletes in 1988. In 1993, he was relieved of his duties after allegation of 1992 abuse of minor. Retired in 1994 after he was accused of sexual misconduct with a boy 20 yrs ago. Civil suit filed. In 5/94 Martinez wasfound murdered onthe road to the Paraclete retreat. The police arrested a man who claimed Martinez fondled him after they had both been drinking. The man was later sentenced to 50 yrs in prison for the murder. Lawsuit filed 8/15 alleged rape by Martinez over 2-yr. period of altar boy at Sacred Heart in Española NM in late 1980s.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Franciscans

Notes:  Civil suit filed 12/93 alleged Martinez abused one youth from 1977-1983, beginning when the plaintiff was 12 and Martinez was studing to be a Franciscan Friar. Martinez would take the boy with him on trips throughout the U.S. Martinez denied all allegations but was suspended when allegations surfaced 4/93. Some defendants dropped 4/95 after settlement with one. Remaining portion against Martinez was dismissed 5/95.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Sons of the Holy Family

Notes:  Two civil suits filed against Martinez in NM in 1994. Both allege that Martinez abused minor females. No dates for abuse are given in either suit. Martinez allegedly left the priesthood but no information on laicization. At least one suit (maybe both) settled by Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Sons of the Holy Family 12/95.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Diocese of Gallup

Summary of Assignments:  

• 1977 – 1980: St. Joseph Church; San Fidel, NM
• 1980 – 1981: St. Michael’s Mission; St. Michaels, AZ
• 1990 – 1994: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament; Ft. Defiance, AZ
• 1994 – 2003: St. Francis Church; Gallup, NM

Notes:  In 2/09 it was revealed that Mazon had been removed from ministry in Gallup diocese in 2004 because of old allegation that he had sexually and psychologically abused a girl from 1974 to 1978 while at St. John’s in Roswell. Civil suit filed 2005 against Mazon & Santa Fe Archdiocese. It was settled and dismissed 2/06. Living as of 2011 at Order’s Juan Diego Friary in Albuquerque, possibly with former Archbishop Sanchez. Mazon’s name added diocese’s list of credibly accused in 5/17.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Brothers of the Christian Schools

Notes:  In 5/17/95 civil suit, man claimed Br. McConnell, Br. Abdon and former Br. Louis Brouseau molested him on several occasions while he was in elementary school and junior high at St. Michael’s School in Santa Fe. Litigation was settled in Sept-Oct, 1996 for undisclosed amount.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Summary of Assignments:

• 1970 – 1972: San Jose; Albuquerque, NM
• 1972 – 1972: Our Lady of Mt. Caramel; Moriarty, NM
• 1973 – 1974: SS Peter and Paul; Estancia, NM
• 1974 – 1976: Catholic Church of Estancia Valley; Estancia, NM
• 1976 – 1981: St. Francis; Ranchos de Taos, NM
• Some time in the 70s/80s: St. Anthony; Penasco, NM
• 1981 – 1984: St. Gertrude; Mora, NM
• 1984 – 1986: Our Lady of Sorrows; Las Vegas, NM
• 1986 – 1989: St. Anthony’s; Questa, NM
• 1989 – 1991: Bethany on the Rio Grande; Albuquerque, NM
• 1991 – 1992: Absent on Leave
• Death: January 14, 1993

Notes:  Pastor of a number of archdiocesan parishes; started ‘Pilgrimage for Vocations’ in 1973, which were week-long walks for youth through northern NM, with sleepovers at parishes along the way. O’Brien died in 1/93 at age 48 (possibly of AIDS per Plaintiff’s attorney). In 2012 a man told archdiocese that he had been sexually abused by O’Brien at age 10-11 in mid-1980s when O’Brien was assigned to St. Anthony in Questa. The Archdiocese provided counseling for several months but it ceased when Plaintiff retained attorney. He filed civil suit 4/2/13. Three more men filed suits a few weeks later, and six more shortly thereafter. By 12/15 O’Brien was named as a perpetrator of sexual abuse vs NM boys in the 1970s-80s in 17 lawsuits, at least 9 of which had been settled.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Man filed civil suit 6/95 which alleged he was abused by Peris in Anton Chico, NM at St. Joseph Church. Suit said the plaintiff lived at the parish hall for several months so that he could ride the bus to school. Peris also lived at the parish hall and abused the plaintiff for several months in the fall of 1957. 7/95 article said Peris was believed to have returned to Spain shortly after the abuse and is believed to be dead. Archdiocese said it does not know status of Peris.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Summary of Assignments:

• 1939 – 1941: Chancery Office; Santa Fe, NM
  • Saint Michael’s College; Santa Fe, NM
• 1941 – 1966: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (Director); Santa Fe, NM
• 1950 – 1977: Immaculate Conception; Las Vegas, NM
• 1959 – 1973: Served as Vicar General for Archdiocese; Santa Fe, NM
• 1967 – 1968: Christo Rey and Christ The King; Santa Fe, NM
• 1968 – 1975: Annunciation; Albuquerque, NM
• 1975 – 1980: San Ysidro; Corrales, NM
• 1980 – 1991: Retired
• September 7, 1991: Death

Notes:  Msgr. Rieiffer (misspelled “Reiffer” in media reports) was accused in a lawsuit filed in 5/16 of sexually abusing and raping a girl beginning in 1952, when she was 6-yrs-old. The abuse allegedly occurred many times in the rectory of Immaculate Conception parish, Las Vegas. The girl was said to have been a parishioner and student of the parish school. Rieffer died 9/7/91.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Resigned from parish 3/95 after lawsuit filed which alleged he abused a 19 yr old seminarian after getting him drunk more than 20 yrs previously. After suspension, Rodriguez was sent for treatment for alcoholism. He was allowed to work under certain restrictions until 2002 when he was permanently removed.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Worked in Peoria, IL from 1966 to 1968. Worked in New Mexico between 1968-1972 and then returned to Illinois from 1972 to 1991. Peoria Bishop placed him on leave 3/93 after civil suit filed in NM which alleged he abused at least 3 boys and 1 girl there,beginning in 1968. One mom had complained to Santa Fe Archdiocese but nothing done. By 6/97 news articles were referring to Roth as a spiritual healer and former priest.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Religious Order:  Franciscan

Notes:  In 1995 suit in NM, woman claimed Ruiz started a “girls club” at church to find victims for sex and that he abused her and others in 1978 after taking them on outings and giving them money and presents. Suit includes charges against Archdiocese of Denver and Franciscan Order. Ruiz transferred from Albuquerque to Denver in 1987 and became head of Hispanic Affairs. He was abruptly removed from the post in 11/04 and his faculties were removed.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Accused in two 1994 civil suits of molesting minors. Was priest in St. Anthony of Padua Province in Chicopee, MA; requested transfer to Santa Fe for “health reasons.” Apparently incardinated into Arch. of Santa Fe in 1956 or 1957. Alleged to have abused one boy in 1967. Abuse alleged of another boy in 1971 by Rutowski and church custodian. Retired in 1991. Facilities were restricted to private celebrations of mass after accusations by one youth. Accused in suit filed 12/17/15 of abusing various boys, one from 1975-79, beginning when boy was age 9 and Rutowski was at St. Jude Thaddeus in Albuquerque.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  In suit filed 5/5/94, Sanchez, a permanent deacon, was accused of raping a 12-13 yr old altar boy. He was placed on leave.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Named in 1994 suit. Accused of non-consensual sexual acts and physical abuse of girl in 1967 as part of “cleaning ritual.” Girl and her sister lived at St. Anthony’s Boys School, an orphanage run by Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph of the Perpetual Adoration. Retired 1980 and died prior to filing of suit in 1994. Schoeppner became vice-chancellor of archdiocese immediately after ordination and, later, chancellor.

Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Placed on leave 2005. Arrested 2006 and charged with abuse of boy, age 14, in 2005 during trip to France and Portugal. Civil suit filed 3/06. Pled guilty 6/1/06. Silva was Christian Brother for 17 yrs before being ordained in 1997. Worked at O’Dea HS in Seattle 1991-94 when a Christian Brother. Studied in Connecticut. Sentenced to 5 yrs prison and 5 yrs probation 9/06. Civil suit settled 11/06. Name included on Seattle archdiocese’s list 1/15/16 of clergy and religious with admitted, established or credible allegations against them of sexual abuse of a minor.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  At least 6 civil suits filed in 1993-1994 against Smith’s estate (he died in 1987). Smith apparently abused a fellow high school semanarian in 1946. In 1959 Smith was expelled from Christ the King Seminary in New York for molesting three children. The Diocese of Santa Fe accepted Smith in 1970. After ordination, Smith molested several children at various parishes in New Mexico in 1970s and 1980s. Sent for treatment on at least 3 occasions.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Placed on administrative leave 8/94 and suspended from priestly duties pending an investigation into allegations of past sexual misconduct with minors. Archbp. Sanchez was asked about allegations against Tafoya in his 1994 deposition. He said that Tafoya had come to him to say that someone had made a statement to a nun about Tafoya and that the statement was a lie. In 1993 Catholic Directory but not in 2002 ed.

Diocese:  Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Notes:  Member of Fathers of the Sacred Heart. Caught 3 times in 1964 by Washington, D.C., police re sexual relations with boys before being sent to NM for treatment. Lived at Via Coeli Center but worked in parishes. Later resumed full time as parish priest. Man filed suit 10/11 against Santa Fe AD & Servants of the Paraclete alleging priest sexually abused him for 3 yrs in 1960s while at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Albuquerque. Suit settled 11/12. In residence at a parish per 1989 OCD. Died 1991. New lawsuit filed 5/15 in Albuquerque alleging Weisenborn abused a boy repeatedly at St. Francis Xavier beginning in 1968.