James R. Adams

Ordained: 1967
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh

From Report I of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

On July 24, 1992, then-Father David Zubik had a telephone conversation with a young man who accused Father James R. Adams of sexually assaulting him in the 1970’s when the victim was between eight and 12 years old and a member of St. Francis of Assisi. The victim said that Adams had touched his genitals while the victim was fully clothed on at least two occasions, both times, while Adams was driving the victim and other boys to outings. The victim and the other boys discussed that Adams was “strange” and fought over where to be seated in his vehicle because no one wanted to sit next to him. The victim indicated that Adams had done this to other pre-adolescent boys as well.

In light of the allegation, Adams’ ministerial faculties were withdrawn and he was sent to St. Michael’s Community in St. Louis, Missouri for evaluation and treatment.  Adams left before completing the program.

In January 2003, his faculties were withdrawn and he was permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry, referencing the publication of Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Additional information regarding the widespread sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Dioceses of Pennsylvania and the systemic cover up by senior church officials is compiled in the Pennsylvania Diocese Victim’s Report published by the Pennsylvania Attorney General following a two-year grand jury investigation.  A complete copy of the Report is available on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website.