Archdiocese of Dubuque officials are asking that anyone with information about past sexual abuse of minors allegedly perpetrated by Father Leo Riley contact the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People. The request comes as a new allegation of past sexual abuse of a minor has been made against Riley, a priest who served in the archdiocese between 1982–2002. The latest allegation was reported to archdiocesan personnel on Tuesday, May 23; the same day the archdiocese disseminated a news release concerning a new allegation against Riley.
Lynn Osterhaus, director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, commented about the request for information saying, “When victims share their experiences with us, we listen with empathy and offer support while securing information critical to a thorough investigation of allegations. Information concerning abuse cases is treated with great care to protect the confidentiality of the victims and any others who come forward with information.”
Father Riley was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque in 1982 and requested a move to the Diocese of Venice, Florida in 2002 to be closer to family. He was incardinated into (became a priest of) the Diocese of Venice in 2005. There were no known accusations of abuse against him when his request to move was granted.
In May, before receiving this latest allegation of past abuse by Riley, the Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, informed Riley’s bishop in Florida, who then placed Riley on administrative leave, applied special measures to restrict his ministry, and prohibited all contact with minors during an investigative process. Bishop Pates also wrote a letter to parishioners at each of the churches where Father Riley served asking for those with information about any abuse to contact the archdiocese.
While the current allegations are being investigated, Bishop Pates reflected on past sexual abuses by clergy, stating, “We pray for those who have suffered from heinous abuses by the clergy, and will do what we can to bring healing in the midst of outrage and hurt. This archdiocese is committed to working diligently to ensure a safe environment for children and all vulnerable individuals in our churches and schools.”
Anyone who has any information concerning allegations of the sexual abuse of minors allegedly perpetrated by Father Riley when he was assigned for ministry in the Archdiocese of Dubuque is asked to contact Lynn Osterhaus, Archdiocesan Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, at 563-556-2580.
1982-1983 Associate Pastor Cresco, St. Joseph Parish
1982-1983 Associate Pastor Schley, Holy Cross Parish (now closed)
1982-1983 Faculty Cresco, Notre Dame High School (HS now closed)
1983-1985 Associate Pastor Dubuque, St. Patrick Parish
1985-1986 Associate Pastor Dubuque, Church of the Resurrection
1986-1990 Associate Pastor Charles City, Immaculate Conception
1986-1990 Associate Pastor Roseville, St. Mary Parish
1990-1994 Pastor Buffalo Center, St. Patrick Parish
1990-1991 Pastor Woden, Sacred Heart Parish (now closed)
1991-1994 Pastor Forest City, St. James Parish
1991-1994 Pastor Lake Mills, St. Patrick Parish
1994-1999 Pastor Postville, St. Bridget Parish
1994-1999 Pastor Clermont, St. Peter Parish
1999-2002 Pastor Rockwell, Sacred Heart Parish
1999-2002 Pastor Dougherty, St. Patrick Parish (now closed)
1999-2002 Pastor Rockford, Holy Name Parish