Nearly a year after it opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against a former headmaster of Cathedral Preparatory School , the Catholic Diocese of Erie has determined the claims to be credible.
The diocese has placed the name of Monsignor John B. Hagerty , who led Cathedral Prep from 1984-89 and who died at 83 in 2013, on its publicly disclosed list of priests and laypeople who have been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse, including child sexual abuse.
The diocese in January announced that it had placed Hagerty’s name on the list as “under investigation” for sexual abuse .
The change in Hagerty’s status on the what the diocese calls its Public Disclosure List was made on Nov. 25, according to the list and to the diocese.
The diocese did not publicly announce the change from “under investigation” to “credibly accused.” But the diocese confirmed the change in a statement to the Erie Times-News after the newspaper inquired about the new status for Hagerty.
“The Diocese of Erie updated its Public Disclosure List on Nov. 25 as new allegations concerning Msgr. John B. Hagerty necessitated a change after several victims came forward to share their stories of abuse,” according to the diocese’s statement. “Prior to updating the list, the Diocese of Erie contacted pertinent parishes and schools where Msgr. Hagerty served in the past.