Late in 2013, the Philadelphia Archdiocese wrapped up its internal investigation of over 20 priests. The investigation began after a Philadelphia grand jury issued a report revealing shocking allegations of sex abuse by priests in the Philadelphia area. As a result of the investigation, a total of 14 priests were removed from ministry, just over half of the initial 26 priests (one priest died during the investigation). Priests were removed for a variety of reasons, however most were removed for alleged violations of priest standards of behavior. Several were removed for alleged violations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Father Stephen Perzan and Father Peter Talocci were both removed due to a substantiated finding of an alleged violation of the standards of priest behavior.
Philadelphia Priest Stephen Perzan
Father Perzan is 68 years old. He was ordained in 1973. Father Perzan served at the following Philadelphia area parishes and schools:
- Saint Stanislaus, Lansdale (from 1973-1974);
- Saint Pius X, Broomall (from 1974-1975);
- Saint Elizabeth, Philadelphia (from 1975-1980);
- Saint Benedict, Philadelphia (from 1980-1985);
- Saint Rose of Lima, Philadelphia (from 1985-1987);
- Saint Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia (from 1987-1989);
- Saint Gabriel’s Hall, Norristown (from 1989-1994);
- Extern Service in the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico (from 1994-1997);
- B.V.M., Philadelphia (1997);
- Saint Hugh of Cluny, Philadelphia (from 1997-1998);
- B.V.M., Philadelphia (from 1998-2002);
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission, Puerto Rico (from 2002-2004); and
- Saint Helena, Philadelphia (from 2004-2011).
Philadelphia Priest Peter Talocci
Father Talocci is 54 years old and was ordained in 1986. He served at the following parishes and schools:
- Saint Frances Cabrini, Fairless Hills (from 1986-1990);
- Bishop Conwell High School (from 1989-1990);
- Holy Saviour, Norristown (from 1990-1995);
- Saint Donato, Philadelphia (from 1995- 1997);
- Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia (from 1997-2000);
- Saint Thomas Aquinas, Croydon (from 2000- 2003);
- Our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia (from 2003-2007); and
- Saint Patrick, Malvern (from 2007-2011).
Anyone with any information about priest abuse, clergy abuse, child sexual abuse or sexual abuse is urged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office at 215-685-3252 (Special Victims Unit).
Contacting the District Attorney’s office can be overwhelming. Mr. Kent offers free, confidential consultations to all victims of sex abuse. 800.220.7600
Related Philadelphia Priest Abuse Legal Articles:
Philadelphia Priest Sex Abuse Lawyer – Representation by a Former Sex Crimes Unit Prosecutor
Firm partner Brian Kent, is a former sex crimes unit prosecutor and now represents sex abuse victims in civil cases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Source: Archdiocese of Philadelphia press release, Background Regarding Resolutions to Seven of the Cases of Priests on Administrative Leave, December 15, 2013
Published: February 7, 2014