John J. Tamalis

Ordained:
Diocese: Diocese of Scranton

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

On February 28, 1997, a 33-year-old male reported to the Diocese of Scranton that he had been sexually abused by Father John J. Tamalis in 1976 when he was 13 years of age.  He stated that Tamalis furnished alcohol to him and performed oral sex on him.

On March 10, 1997, Tamalis was sent for an evaluation wherein he admitted that he probably abused nine boys/young men.  The Vicar for Priests was advised by professional staff that there was likely far more than nine victims. Additional victims subsequently came forward to the Diocese to report that they were sexually abused by Tamalis.  However, the statute of limitations had expired. The Diocese offered to assist with counselling services for the victims.

On December 21, 2007, Tamalis was dispensed from his obligations to the priesthood by Pope Benedict XVI.

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.