SCRANTON PRIEST ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, the Diocese of Scranton announced the resignation of Father James J. Walsh, pastor of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin, following an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault that occurred in 1979. The alleged abuse occurred while Father Walsh was serving as assistant pastor at the Church of St. Gregory in Clarks Green. The diocese said the allegation did not involve a minor and notified the district attorney’s office immediately upon learning of the incident.
The Diocese of Scranton hired a professional investigator to conduct the investigation. It was then that another allegation involving Father Walsh’s inappropriate behavior with an adult was discovered. Additionally, two prior reports of possible misconduct involving Walsh were reviewed.
Father Walsh denied all allegations, but diocesan officials deemed the allegations to be credible. When Bishop Joseph C. Bambera told Walsh he was going to remove him as Pastor, Father Walsh resigned from ministry.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims on behalf of those who were sexually abused by clergy of all religious denominations. If you or someone you know was sexually abused by a clergy member of any religious faith, please contact our law firm today at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.