Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Owensboro Diocese Releases List of Priests with Credible Allegations of Sex Abuse

Lisa Autry

The Catholic Diocese of Owensboro has released the names of more than a dozen priests who have credible allegations against them for sexual abuse of a minor. 

The listincludes the names of priests who have served in the Owensboro diocese, and who have had one or more allegation of sex abuse substantiated. 

In a news conference on Friday afternoon, Bishop William Medley said while every allegation of abuse is reported, it doesn’t mean that the authorities will pursue charges.

"Often, allegations are not received until years and even decades after an incident," Medley noted. "In some cases, the accused priests have been deceased before an allegation has been made."

Bishop Medley says he decided to release the list after hearing the public’s call for more transparency and accountability in the Catholic Church.  His full statement can by read here.

The following names appear on the list.

  • Joseph Alexander
  • Gerald Baker
  • Paul Greenwell
  • Paul Haas
  • Walter Hancock
  • Gilbert Henninger
  • John Meredith
  • William Odom-Green
  • Joseph Pilger
  • Louis Piskula
  • John Speaks
  • Louis Telegdy
  • Raymond Waldruff
  • Caroll Wheatley
  • Henry Wieder

The list does not include Father Joseph Bradley who was placed on suspension last month because of an ongoing investigation. 

He recently served as a volunteer chaplain at Owensboro Catholic High School.  The investigation is looking allegations of sexual abuse by Father Bradley in the 1980s while he was principal at Owensboro Catholic High School. 

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
Related Content