David Scharf

Ordained: 1985
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh

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

In December, 2002 a sexual allegation (foot fetish) complaint against Father David Scharf was made to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Several males (both adults and minors) complained of Scharf massaging their feet.

In August 2003, Scharf requested a leave of absence to attend St. Luke Institute for evaluation in order to “end accusations.”  The request was granted.  In July, 2004 St. Luke’s staff wrote in Scharf’s discharge from the residential treatment program the following: “Father Scharf recognizes his practice of foot reflexology should be discontinued immediately.”

In February 2005 St. Luke’s staff noted Scharf’s discharge from the halfway house that Scharf did not successfully complete the program and was at a high risk for re-offending.

In October 2007, Scharf wrote a letter requesting re-entry into ministry. He stated that he was at peace with himself and had taken responsibility for his past actions.  He wrote another letter requesting re-entry into ministry in June 2008. Both requests were denied.

It should be noted during several St. Luke Institute Continuing Care Workshops from 2005 to 2010, Scharf admitted to massaging the feet of minors and later masturbating to the image of the minors’ feet.

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.