Fr. Sean Kerins – Diocese of Erie

| Jan 21, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Sean Kerins

Diocese of Erie

Ordained: 2017

Criminal Investigation/Removal from Ministry: 2018

Assigned as follows:

  • 2018: Kennedy Catholic High School (Hermitage, PA)
  • 2017 – 2018: Good Shepherd (West Middlesex, PA)

Summary of Sexual Misconduct Allegation against Fr. Sean Kerins:

Fr. Sean Kerins was ordained a priest in 2017, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Erie. According to media reports, less than a year after his ordination, the Diocese of Erie suspended him for “inappropriate communications” with a high school student at Kennedy Catholic High School, where he was assigned as chaplain.  The Diocese of Erie later clarified that Kerins was found to have sent “a series of inappropriate text messages” to the student, whose age and gender were not specified.

The Hermitage local police department was notified and conducted an investigation into the allegation. Police officials say the investigation is now closed.

Kerins’ name was included on Diocese of Erie 2018 list of clergy accused of sexual misconduct, which the Diocese defined as “…actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify that person from working with children. Such actions could include the use of child pornography, furnishing pornography to minors, corruption of minors, violating a child-protection policy, failure to prevent abuse that they knew to be happening, and — in some cases — direct physical sexual abuse or sexual assault of minors.”  The Diocese also indicated Kerins was “under investigation by law enforcement.”  His name has since been removed from the Diocese of Erie list for unknown reasons.

According to the Diocese of Erie, Kerins was last known to be residing in Naples, Florida. Some media reports indicate he continues to reside in the Erie, Pennsylvania, area.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.