The Diocese of Erie has updated its Public Disclosure List as allegations concerning two priests and one lay person warranting further investigation have been brought forward by survivors of sexual abuse.
The list, available at https://www.ErieRCD.org/childprotection/disclosure.html, was created to publicize the names of persons who have been credibly accused of actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify each person from working with children. It also has a section for those whose allegations are under investigation. Added to the list is:
- Michael O’Brien, who worked at St. Stephen School in Oil City, incarcerated as the result of a case not related to his work with the school.
Added to the list in the under investigation category are:
- The late Father Michael Allison, who held positions at Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie and with the Shenango Valley School System.
- The late Msgr. John Hagerty, who held positions at Saint Mark Seminary, Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie and Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys.
As with all allegations, law enforcement was immediately informed. The Diocesan Review Board and the diocese’s independent investigators, the Pittsburgh-based K&L Gates law firm, were involved in the decision to put all three men on the Public Disclosure List.
Anyone who may have knowledge of these situations or who has been affected by similar improprieties is encouraged to report that information through any of the outlets listed at the end of this release.
A summary of what occurs when a person is under investigation, follows. The same information can also be found on the same webpage as the Public Disclosure List.
Explanation of investigative process for the Diocese of Erie’s Public Disclosure website
The Diocese of Erie seeks to resolve all investigations of individuals listed as Under Investigation in the most expedient manner possible in either of two ways. First, if, after a full and complete investigation, the report is corroborated and determined to be credible for purposes of this list, then the individual will be removed from the Under Investigation category and moved to the applicable Credibly Accused category above. Second, if, after a full and complete investigation, the report is unable to be corroborated, then the individual is removed from the list entirely and a public notification is given.
Statement from the Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, regarding the latest update to the Diocese of Erie’s Public Disclosure List:
The announcement of updates to our Public Disclosure List understandably causes considerable dismay. The pain and sorrow of survivors of sexual abuse continues, and Catholics, who may not have even known those under investigation, wonder when this will end. Yet the reality is, past cases continue to affect us today.
Our position remains the same as when we first published the list: The public has a right to know the names of people whom we consider credibly accused of actions that disqualify and prohibit them from working or volunteering with children or youth. In addition, publishing the names of people who are deceased is one way to encourage other victims of that person to come forward.
Making these announcements illustrates that the steps we have taken are working. People know that when they come forward, they will be taken seriously. We have a clear process involving professional, independent investigators who are equipped to determine whether or not allegations have merit.
When we first published the list in 2018, we committed ourselves to transparency, a promise that remains in place today.
Additional Note from the Diocese
Pastoral care and compassion for victims, as well as the protection of children and vulnerable adults, is a top priority of the Diocese of Erie. The diocese encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy or any employee or volunteer of the church to contact law enforcement. To report abuse to the independent investigators retained by the Diocese of Erie, email ErieRCD@KLGates.com. Victims or concerned individuals also are welcome to contact the diocese directly to report abuse at 814.451.1543. In addition, anyone can directly report suspected abuse of minors by anyone to PA ChildLine by calling 800.932.0313. The line is open 24/7, and callers may choose to remain anonymous. Counseling assistance is available for victims and/or their families through the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Gerard Tobin, at 814.451.1521.
