Fr. Roland (Owen John) Melody (Trinitarian) – Diocese of Richmond

| Feb 28, 2020 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Roland (Owen John) Melody

Diocese of Richmond

Ordained: 1962

Removed: 2003

Assigned as follows:

  • Unknown

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Roland (Owen John) Melody:

According to media reports, in 1987, Father Roland (Owen John) Melody, a Trinitarian, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl for three years, while on active duty as a Navy chaplain. The girl was the daughter of Father Melody’s close friends. He was sentenced to a 20-year suspended sentence, 10 years probation, and 5 years of therapy. His privileges were suspended in 1988.

In October 2003, Father Melody was dismissed from the Navy and the priesthood. He later married a female Navy chaplain.

In February 2019, Father Melody’s name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Richmond’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.

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