Russel E. Motsay

Ordained: 1972
Diocese: Diocese of Scranton

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

On March 16, 2012, the Diocese of Scranton received an e-mail communication from a sender only known as “Jeff” he wrote that he needed to speak with the “Bishop only” concerning sexual abuse by a clergy member.  A reply was sent to “Jeff” wherein he was encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately regarding the allegation.  After receiving no response, a copy of the e-mail correspondence was given to the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  The victim was ultimately located and the case was turned over to the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.

The Pennsylvania State Police interviewed the victim who reported that he was touched and fondled by Father Russell E. Motsay.  He explained that he would stay overnight at the rectory and sleep in the same bed as Motsay.  They would only be dressed in their underwear and Motsay would massage the victim, rubbing his inner thighs and fondling him. He reported that Motsay was sexually aroused during these incidents.

The Pennsylvania State Police subsequently identified four additional victims who experienced similar abuse. Because the statute of limitations had expired, however, no criminal action could be taken.

Motsay was interviewed and admitted to the allegations. On September 15, 2015, he was permanently removed from priestly ministry.

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.