Fr. Donald W. Cramer II – Diocese of Harrisburg
Ordained: 2001
Placed on Leave: 2012
Removed from Priesthood (Laicized): 2014
Assigned as follows:
- 2001-2004 Good Shepherd (Camp Hill, PA)
- 2004-2005 St. John the Baptist (New Freedom, PA)
- 2005-2006 Leave of Absence
- 2006-2010 Christ the King Mission (Benton, PA)
- 2010-2012 St. Monica (Sunbury, PA)
Summary of Allegations against Fr. Donald Cramer:
In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security and the Postal Inspection Service investigated Donald Cramer after the agencies received information that he was communicating with a child pornographer online. Among other things, Cramer mentioned in the chats that he wanted to travel to Mexico to “rent boys.” Cramer was not arrested because authorities could not locate any child pornography or other evidence of an actual crime on Cramer’s computer.
In September 2013, Cramer petitioned the Vatican for a voluntary release from the priesthood. He was laicized in 2014.
According to the Diocese of Harrisburg’s August 2018 press release of accused priests, Cramer has not been accused of sexually abusing any children. The basis of his inclusion on its list is the DHS/PIS investigation that was ultimately closed without arrest.
Notably, most of the information contained in the August 2018 grand jury report is redacted, which means that Cramer has challenged the public dissemination of the information contained in it. An appeals court is expected to rule on his challenge, as well as those of other current and former priests who challenged the release of information, any time.
Following the release of the August 2018 grand jury report, Cramer was discovered working for Youth Education Association in the cadet drum corps based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. According to media reports, members of the marching band ranged in age from 15-25 years old. He has also worked for the Susquehanna Chorale since leaving the priesthood.
Cramer is believed to be residing in the Derry Township (Pennsylvania) area. He is 48 years old.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.