Father Joseph Meighan – Diocese of Scranton
Ordained: 1968
Psych evaluation/treatment: 1970, 1990
Resigned ministry (temporary): 1990-1991
Removed from ministry: 2002
Assigned as follows:
- 1968 St. Ann (Shohola, PA)
- 1968-1970 St. Boniface (Williamsport, PA)
- 1970-1975 St. Matthew (East Stroudsburg, PA)
- 1975-1976 Student, St. Meinrad’s Seminary (Indiana)
- 1976-1981 St. Nicholas (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- 1981-1984 St. Martin of Tours (Jackson, PA)
- 1984-1987 St. Boniface (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- 1987-1990 St. Therese (Shavertown, PA)
- 1991-2001 Holy Family Residence (Scranton, PA)
- 2001 Mercy Center Convent (Dallas, PA)
- 2001-2002 St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home (Elmhurst, PA)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Joseph Meighan:
In 1970, four boys were interviewed by Diocese of Scranton officials who reported that they were forced to disrobe by Father Joseph Meighan, who then fondled their genitals. Meighan was ordered to report for a psych evaluation and suspended from his assignment at St. Boniface in Williamsport, less than two years after being ordained a priest.
In 1990, a mother interrupted Meighan forcing her 17 year old son to disrobe in the parlor of the St. Therese rectory. Meighan was again suspended (forced to resign) and sent for a psych eval and treatment. After his release, he was assigned as chaplain in a nursing home. The father of one of his victims protested the assignment because it was near where his son was molested. Meighan was immediately transferred to St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home.
According to the grand jury report, the Diocese of Scranton received additional reports of abuse in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Meighan is still alive and believed to be residing in the Dunmore, Pennsylvania, area. He is 75 years old. While his faculties as a priest have been suspended, there is no evidence that he was removed from the priesthood (laicized).
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Scranton. 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 Scranton now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Contact us at (954) 641-2100 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com today.