In 1990, an individual reported to Bishop Sklba that Lesniewski had sexually abused the individual at age 8 or 9 while at St. Joseph Orphanage and that it continued until he left the orphanage at age 18 and even on occasion after that for a number of years. Bishop Sklba offered assistance with alcohol rehabilitation. Lesniewski denied the abuse and was told he could not have any contact with minors and was to be supervised by the pastor, who was informed of the situation. This same individual filed a lawsuit in 1992 that was dismissed on the Statute of Limitations.
In 1991, an individual reported to a priest that a then deceased sibling had been sexually abused by Lesniewski as a minor at St. Joseph Orphanage in the 1960’s.
In 1992, an individual reported sexual abuse by Lesniewski that began in 1961 at St. Joseph Orphanage when the individual was 11-years-old and continued until 1990. The allegation was denied by Lesniewski, but he was told to retire and exercise no public ministry.
In 1995, the restrictions on Lesniewski’s ministry were formalized in a precept.
In 1996, the archdiocese was contacted by a hospital that they had a patient who was reporting that Lesniewski had abused the individual from 1960 to 1996, starting when the person was a minor and continuing until Lesniewski’s death. The individual and spouse were offered counseling.
Through the Independent Mediation System, five individuals, three from the above-noted previous reports and two as new reports, reached settlements with the archdiocese.
This narrative is based on facts contained in documents related to this Diocesan priest offender.
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