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(Also see Ex-Marconi pastor accused of abuse for another clergy member named in the grand jury report.)
Along with Rev. Joseph Gallagher, the former pastor at St. Richard of Chichester, 18th and Pollock streets, a second priest with ties to the area was also named in the District Attorney’s Office Feb. 10 grand jury report.
Rev. Joseph L. Di Gregorio remained the senior priest at Stella Maris Church, 2901 S. 10th St., until the Archdiocese of Philadelphia relieved him of his duties yesterday pending another review of the allegations made in the report.
In 2005, a woman around the age of 54 accused Di Gregorio and another priest practicing at a Southwest Church of sexually assaulting her at age 16 on four occasions in the rectory and in his car when it was parked near the airport, according to the report. The other priest, William Santry, allegedly admitted that the claims against him were true and believed there was a similar situation between the girl and Di Gregorio although Di Gregorio denied the charges. A lie detector test allegedly found his denials to be deceptive.
In 2006, The Archdiocesan Review Board found the accusations credible, but reversed its decision about three months later noting not all board members were present at the initial vote due to inclement weather, according to the report.
“The review board determined that a reversal of its initial decision was warranted because the evidence obtained through the investigative process was not sufficient to substantiate the allegation,” according to the report.
The grand jury has recommended the Archdiocese revamp its victim assistance measures and practices for removing those accused of molestation. The Archdiocese announced yesterday that it will work to “recognize where we have fallen short and to let our actions speak to our resolve.” One action included hiring former Assistant District Attorney Gina Maisto Smith, who has prosecuted child sexual abuse for two decades.
“The Grand Jury Report makes clear that for as much as the Archdiocese has done to address child sexual abuse, there is still much to do,” Cardinal Justin Rigali said in a statement. District Attorney Seth Williams commended the Archdiocese’s actions yesterday.
“The cardinal’s strong words and recent efforts are the correct steps at this time,” he said. “I will continue my commitment to working with him to protect our children.”
Victims of sexual abused by a clergy member may call the District Attorney’s Office at 215-686-8783 or e-mail da.victimservices@phila.gov.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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