There have been many priests accused of abuse in Orange County, many of whom work under the Diocese of Orange County. The list below represents the ten most frequently reported perpetrators and the total number of accusations against them. While many of these priests haven’t admitted abuse, the allegations should be taken seriously.
Unfortunately, many cases of abuse don’t come to light until years after they occur. As a result, survivors sometimes file after the statute of limitations expires, giving them few legal options. Even if they have strong evidence, authorities may refuse to investigate it. This means that many priests continue to hold positions within their faith communities despite any allegations.
| Name | Number of Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| Eleuterio Ramos | 13 |
| Michael Harris | 9 |
| Siegfried F. Widera | 9 |
| Andrew Christian Andersen | 5+ |
| Richard T. Coughlin | 5 |
| Greg Atherton | 4 |
| Dennis Lyons | 4 |
| Dominic Savino | 4 |
| Franklin Buckman | 4 |
| John Peter Lenihan | 2 |
Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Attorney
At Boucher LLP, we understand that coming forward with an accusation is difficult. However, we want you to know that we’re here to help. We are passionate about helping survivors tell their stories and seek justice for the wrongs done to them.
If you know anyone abused by a priest working under the Archdiocese of Orange County, please contact us.