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INDIANAPOLIS — The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has released a list of 19 priests linked to credible claims of sexual abuse against children. 

“I pray the release of this list of credibly accused clergy will help all survivors of sexual abuse find the strength to come forward and will set them on the path to healing,” said  Archbishop Charles Thompson. “I apologize to all victims for the abuse that was done to them and for the failure of the Church to keep them from harm. I pledge to do everything within my power to protect our youth.”

The priest with the most accusations against him is Fr. Albert Vincent Deery, who had 23 credible claims of sexual abuse between the 1950’s and 1970’s. He died in 1972, long before the abuse was reported to anyone, according to the archdiocese. 

The others accused include: William Leroy Blackwell, Edward Theodore Bockhold, Conrad Louis Cambron, Jeffrey James Charlton, Samuel Thomas Curry, Jack F. Emrich, Donald J. Evrard, Micheal Howard Kelley, Joseph Stanley Kos, Laurence Michael Lynch, John S. Maung, Harold E. Monroe, Eugene Jack Okon, Roger Gerard Rudolf, Frederick Adam Schmitt, John Bernard Schoettelkotte, Myles Hale Patrick Smith and Jonathan Lovill Stewart.

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All 19 priests are connected to a total of 89 credible incidents investigated by the Archdiocese. The list of credibly accused clergy is based on the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Review Board, which is composed of five from outside the clergy and one clergy member. 

Of the 19 priests, ten are dead. Seven of the priests who are dead, died before the abuse was reported to either the church or law enforcement. The other four were removed from public ministry by the Archdiocese before they passed. 

The remaining nine priests on the list who are still alive are now longer within the clergy. 

(PHOTO: Eucalyptus/iStock Getty Images)