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List of those credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors

November 8, 2018 [Updated 3/16/23]

The Diocese of Savannah is committed to the protection of minors, as well as to compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In a spirit of transparency and the hope of continued healing for the survivors of abuse, we have released the following list of the priests credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

The list was compiled from the best information available to us at this time and covers the period from 1944 until now. (Please note that from 1937–1956, the diocese was designated the Diocese of Savannah–Atlanta and comprised the entire State of Georgia. The Diocese of Atlanta wasn't erected until 1956.) It will be updated if new credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor are determined.

The list of credibly accused clergy has been prepared based on the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board, which is composed of members who are laypersons and not in the employ of the diocese. This board serves to advise the diocesan bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors as well as in his determination of a cleric’s suitability for ministry following an allegation of abuse. It also assists in reviews of diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors.

If you are a victim of abuse by clergy, an employee or a volunteer in the Diocese of Savannah, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Diocese Abuse Reporting Line at 1-888-357-5330.


Diocesan Priests

DIOCESAN PRIESTS WITH CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH

Name
Date of Ordination
Years of Diocesan Service
Status
Wayland Brown
07/09/1977
1977–1998
Laicized 2004;
20 year prison term in South Carolina (2018);
Deceased 6/2019
John Willis Dowling
06/03/43
1944–1947
Deceased 4/2000
Lorenzo Garcia
06/05/1997
 
1998–2008
 
Administrative leave 8/2008;
Laicized
Nicholas Quinlan
05/21/1932
1933–1972
Retired 1972;
Deceased 1981
Robert Teoli
05/03/1955
1956–1980
Deceased 12/1980

 

Name
Date of Ordination
Years as Extern Priest
Status
Michael O’Sullivan
1962–1972
Deceased 2013
Joseph Reilly
Diocese of Nashville
 
1964–1966
 
Laicized 1965

 

Religious Order Priests

RELIGIOUS ORDER PRIESTS WITH CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH

Name
Years of Service in Savannah
Status
 
Adolph J. Gall, SMA
1932–1960
Deceased
Eugene Gavigan, OCS
1958–1960
Deceased 1959
James Harold, SMA
1948–1956
Deceased
Bartholomew Keohane, SMA
1947–1961
Deceased
Austin Martin, SDS
1964–1969
Laicized;
Deceased
Robert Murphy, O.Carm.
1969–1971
Unknown
S. John Murray, SMA
1959–1960
Deceased
Joseph Smith, SDS*
1924–1952
Deceased 1952

 

* This is NOT the same Fr. Joseph Smith currently serving in the Diocese of Savannah.

 

RELIGIOUS ORDER PRIESTS WITH ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH

Name
Years of Service in Savannah
Status
 
Joseph Dean, GHM
Several assignments prior to 1962
Investigated by Praesidian (an independent investigator);
Exonerated 2004;
Deceased 2007

 

RELIGIOUS ORDER PRIESTS WITH CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH

Name
Years of Service in Savannah
Status
 
Frederick George, OSB
1990-1991
Removed from ministry
Robert Poandl, GHM
2008–2012
Recalled in 2012 by GHM for allegation filed in Cincinnati (no allegations in the Diocese of Savannah);
Began serving prison term in North Carolina (2014);
Deceased 2019