Diocese of San Jose Sexual Abuse Allegations

Who Are the Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of San Jose?

Records on Credible Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse in the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose

Publicly available records, including those compiled by Bishop Accountability, have documented a troubling history of priests accused of child abuse in California tied to the Diocese of San Jose.

Several priests and religious brothers associated with parishes and ministries in San Jose have been credibly accused of sexual abuse involving minors. Some were later named in civil suits, while others were quietly removed from ministry, reassigned, or left their roles without any public acknowledgment of the allegations.

The following clergy members have been linked to allegations of sexual abuse while serving in the diocese:

• Fr. Thomas Bettencourt
• Fr. L. Joseph Dondero
• Fr. Raymond V. Dunn
• Br. William C. Farrington
• Fr. Don D. Flickinger
• Fr. Robert A. Gray
• Fr. Laurent Largente
• Fr. Alexander C. Larkin
• Fr. Angel Crisostomo Mariano
• Br. John Rodrigues Moniz
• Fr. George E. Moss
• Br. Joseph P. Nu’uanu
• Fr. Noel Senevirante
• Fr. Edward M. Stretch
• Fr. Phil Sunseri
• Fr. Hernan Toro
• Fr. Benedict Van der Putten

Some of these clergy accused of sexual misconduct were also affiliated with other dioceses, including San Francisco, before or after their time in San Jose’s territory.

In several instances, allegations surfaced only after survivors came forward years later, revealing that certain priests had been quietly reassigned even after the diocese received reports of abuse. In many cases, neither parishioners nor the public were informed of these decisions.

If you recognize any of the names listed above or were impacted by their actions, you may still have time to pursue a claim. Our sexual abuse attorneys are prepared to review your report with discretion and help you understand what options may be available under California law.

Clergy Sexual Abuse Settlements Involving the San Jose Diocese

Several priests and religious brothers connected to the Diocese of San Jose and Jesuits West Province have been linked to high-value settlements involving credible allegations of sexual misconduct, including cases involving vulnerable adults and minors.

These cases reflect the widespread failure to protect those at risk and the institutional decisions that allowed clergy accused of abuse to continue in ministry or remain within the Roman-Catholic Church.

• Fr. Edward Thomas Burke

Fr. Burke had admitted in 2000 to sexually abusing a dependent adult man at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, where he had lived since 1979. Although the Jesuits moved him, no police report was filed. He later pleaded guilty to criminal charges in 2002 and was sentenced to two years in prison at age 80.

A $7.5 million settlement was reached in June 2002 covering claims against both Burke and Br. Charles Leonard Connor. Burke died in 2009 and is listed on the Jesuits West Province list as having credibly accused allegations involving vulnerable adults between 1990 and 2000.

• Br. Charles Leonard Connor

Connor was first accused in 1995 and 1997 of abusing two intellectually disabled men, also at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center. He admitted to inappropriate conduct but remained in religious life. He later served home detention after pleading no contest to charges brought in 2001. The Jesuit leaders reached a $7.5 million settlement with the alleged victims in 2002.

Connor was later accused of sexually abusing a fellow Jesuit, Fr. James Chevedden, in 1998. Chevedden, who had mental health challenges and was confined to a wheelchair, died by suicide in 2004. His family later received a $1.6 million settlement. Connor died in 2011 and is included on the Jesuits West Province list of credibly accused clergy.

• Fr. Arthur Harrison

Harrison was charged in Marin County in 2003 with sexually abusing children, including a young girl in 1961. The charges were dismissed due to the statute of limitations. He had previously been accused of child molestation in San Jose in 1988 involving two girls and having lewd conduct with their mother.

Though not charged, those claims were later part of a 2005 settlement totaling $21.2 million, which resolved multiple suits involving five priests in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Harrison died in 2006 and is named on the Diocese of San Jose list of credibly accused clergy.

• Fr. Leonel C. Noia

In 1976, two boys accused Fr. Noia of showing them pornography and inappropriate touching during a camping trip. He pleaded no contest to a felony charge, served six months in jail, and returned to ministry in 1978.

He was placed on permanent leave in 2002 after new accusations surfaced. A civil suit filed in 2003 was resolved as part of the same $21.2 million settlement with the San Francisco archdiocese. Noia died in 2005 and is listed by the Diocese of San Jose as credibly accused.

• Fr. Joseph T. Pritchard

Pritchard is one of the most widely accused clergy tied to the Diocese of San Jose, with reports from at least 19 survivors, including a family member. His alleged abuse occurred from the 1950s through the late 1970s, mostly while he served as pastor of St. Martin of Tours in San Jose.

After the Diocese of San Jose was formed in 1981, Pritchard remained a known figure in local parishes. He died in 1988. Between 2002 and 2005, more than 20 lawsuits were filed, and settlements included a $21.2 million agreement and a separate $16 million settlement for additional claims.

Two new cases were delayed due to the archdiocese’s bankruptcy, but were cleared for trial in Santa Clara County in 2025. Both cases involve men who say they were abused by Pritchard as children in the 1970s. He remains one of the most notorious credibly accused priests in California.

How Long Do Clergy Abuse Victims Have to Take Legal Action?

California’s Assembly Bill Pertaining to Child Abuse Claims

Beginning January 1, 2020, California’s Assembly Bill 218 opened a revival window that allowed survivors of clergy sexual abuse to file lawsuits that had previously been barred by time limits. That three-year window closed on December 31, 2022, leading to a wave of claims involving various dioceses, including the Diocese of San Jose.

While that specific revival period has ended, California law still gives survivors the ability to file civil suits under the extended statute of limitations for clergy sexual misconduct cases. Individuals who were sexually abused by clergy can take legal action until age 40, or within five years of realizing the emotional or psychological impact of the abuse, whichever comes later.

These timelines are especially important in cases involving child sexual abuse, where the long-term effects of trauma are often not fully understood until adulthood.

If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies under the current law, a confidential review with an attorney can provide clear guidance. At Injury Lawyer Team, we help survivors understand their rights and whether their case may still be eligible for legal action, even years after the abuse occurred.

How a San Jose Clergy Abuse Attorney Can Help

If you or someone close to you experienced sexual abuse involving the Diocese of San Jose, working with an experienced attorney can make a meaningful difference. Survivors often face years of silence, fear, or self-doubt before coming forward. A dedicated legal advocate can help you understand your options and pursue a path that prioritizes your healing.

At our California priest abuse law firm, we represent those harmed by clergy sexual abuse, whether the abuse occurred decades ago or more recently. Many of our cases involve credible allegations against priests, brothers, or others affiliated with local parishes or religious institutions. We take the time to review your history, gather supporting evidence, and explain what legal steps are available under California law.

We’re committed to holding institutions accountable for the harm they allowed or ignored. Every conversation is confidential. If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies for legal action, we’re here to provide honest answers and help you decide what’s right for you.

Book a Free Consultation

Speaking up about sexual abuse can be one of the most difficult decisions a person makes. Whether the abuse happened years ago or more recently, you deserve to be heard, and we are here to help you understand your legal options.

At our sexual abuse law firm, we provide free, confidential consultations to help you determine whether you have a case. There’s no pressure to move forward, and no cost to speak with a lawyer.

If you’re considering legal action or just want to ask questions, we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule a private consultation with an experienced attorney from our legal team.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco and Other Dioceses in Northern California Where We Can Help You File Claims

• Archdiocese of San Francisco
• Diocese of Oakland
• Diocese of Santa Rosa
• Diocese of Stockton
• Diocese of Sacramento

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.