Notorious pedophile priest Father Oliver O'Grady is back in his old haunts in Ireland a free man after fleeing Rotterdam in Holland, where it was discovered that he was working with children and in a local Catholic church, calling himself "Brother Francis."
O'Grady abused hundreds of children during his thirty years in America as a priest. One victim was only nine months old. He served seven years out of a 14-year prison sentence before being deported to Ireland in 2003.
O'Grady was unmasked in Holland a few weeks ago after a 2006 documentary called "Deliver us from Evil" was finally shown in the country. The documentary is based on his activities while in America and the priest was immediately recognized.
According to the filmmaker Amy Berg, who made "Deliver Us from Evil" and who was contacted by local Dutch parishioners, O'Grady was "contacted by Dutch police officers that had been tipped off by his neighbors who had seen an advertisement for the film.
"O'Grady quickly disguised himself and fled, taking a train from Rotterdam to Schtipol. He managed to catch the last plane out of Amsterdam on Aer Lingus at 20:45.
"Needless to say, the community was terrified and is still in a state of panic and shock. Another family told me they had been very close friends with O'Grady and had even traveled with him along with their nine-month-old child," Berg wrote on her blog.
O'Grady was flying back to freedom. Berg called her two friends in Dublin, Irish artists and filmmakers Noel Donnellon and Daniel Holfeld.
"Within two days (after visiting his old haunts) they provided me with six photos of a bearded Oliver walking freely without a care in the world. He was perusing bookstores, cafés, and living the life of Riley," blogged Berg.
Local police in Ireland say they can do nothing, as O'Grady has not committed any crime since he was deported from America in 2003. He is due to receive a large retirement benefit from the church when he turns 65 in June, according to Berg.
Father Oliver O'Grady served as a priest at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Lodi, California from 1971 to 1978. He later served at Church of the Presentation in Stockton, California, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock, California, St. Andrew's Parish in San Andreas, California, and St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hughson, California.
In 1993 he was convicted on four counts of "lewd and lascivious acts" on two minors, the brothers John and James Howard, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Attorney Jeff Anderson said the Howards were repeatedly molested between 1978 and 1991, from age three to 13. Anderson claimed church officials knew that O'Grady had abused children as early as 1976 and 1984 but had done nothing. Police had been informed of earlier charges and had declined to prosecute.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Temerity | Aug 03, 2010, 02:12 AM EDT
I do not know the details of this sexual abuse or how either brutal insidious or painful to those involved. However there must have been a certain co operation of secrecy as I cannot imagine these children not reporting the incidents to someone else if they were subjected to brutal attacks infact there has to be a certain complicity from them. Some have said that in certain schools it was offered by the student so as to gain certain perks for themselves. Now I know that is unpleasant to contemplate but the over the top emotional reaction from others might very well be what triggers the guilt and revulson of themselves in the said victims. e.g. Any sensation of pleasure and not revulsion could very easily produce a very complex guilt reaction.in the recipient when they become aware of the reaction of the tribe.Could it not? So it then comes down to who else must bear the reponsibilty for the said damage to the now adult.recipient of childhood sexual abuse,besides the perpetrator? As I remember it sex itself is not painful? Then how do you punish one who is trapped in this insidious belief that what they do they do out of love ( really lust)and cannot help themselve and probably will reoffend .....is criminal.HOW do you protect the recipient of these advances from feeling dirty and guilty in the face of these kinds of tirades from the tribe? When often they are aware of the perfidious sexual behaviour of adults in their midst and their family? I think we should give those in the Church credit for trying to deal with it in a humane way.Believing that one of their own would overcome this sin knowing the consequence to their beloved Church.But no they really didn't undertand it did they.So hand them over to the cold hard hand of the Law?A fallen brother in Christ? Perhaps a quiet passage to the next life in a quiet religious cell soft music and a painless lethal injection might be the answer? No? Well it's just a suggestion.
Temerity | May 10, 2010, 07:31 PM EDT
Irishlassred No I am not daft but I do have my doubts about you.
murphy66 | May 02, 2010, 10:34 PM EDT
jacersisityourself, I'm too smart (or too dumb) to lapse.
jacersisityourself | May 02, 2010, 04:59 PM EDT
murphy66 – you’re probably right, though I wouldn’t bet on that and wouldn’t wish hell on my worst enemies. Are you one of the lapsed Catholics?
seanomelbourne | May 02, 2010, 03:40 AM EDT
Southernpride is correct, but the same politicians who executed the IRA are the same "free state' politician who gave the church free reign over Irish children and turned their collective backs on church abuse. Hail the hypocrisy.
murphy66 | May 01, 2010, 02:10 AM EDT
blueshield, my guess is that most of the souls in Hell are lapsed Catholics.
Watereskhill | Apr 30, 2010, 11:58 PM EDT
Southernpride hit it on the nail saying "The Irish Govt is 100% responsible for the protection of it's citizens and especially the children who are the most vunerable" There are International Laws pertaining to criminals. His dossier was forwarded on his deportation back there. Offenders of his magnitude and category are required by law to report to a Police Station in person on a regulated basis. A measure to keep track of their whereabouts and a Warrant issued on disappearance. The Irish Government was either lax or indiffernt. He not only left the country but resumed where he left off prior to imprisonment. In a Parochial setting. Nor is the resident priest in Rotterdam an innocent bystander. He provided O'Grady with an Ecclesiastical role under the guise of "Brother Francis" yet he dismissed from Catholic Ministry. What papers did he present on seeking a position there? Now that he is back in Ireland perhaps some Civil Authority vis a vis The Garda will protect it's citizens as their crest informs "Guardians of the people" This horrendous Demonic molesting among his victims a nine month old child should not have been released but strapped to an electric chair. These vermin have no conscience. The priest in Rotterdam can hoodwink his flock and the Dutch police all he wants. "Brother Francis" did not come from a Monastery to assist the parish and if so where is the signature of his Superior?
Southernpride | Apr 30, 2010, 08:12 PM EDT
The Irish goverment is 100% responsible for the protection of it's citizens and especially the childern who are the most vunerable. Childern are easily exploited by those devil worshipping homosexual paedophile priests. The goverment must pass laws to execute those vermin priests like the did back in the Irish civil war against the IRA terrorists who were running amok causing mayhem and killing innocent Irish people Here's an example of how the Irish goverment dealt with the IRA terrorists : "27 September 1922 – The Free State's Provisional Government puts the "Public Safety Bill" before the Dáil, setting up military courts which allow for the execution of IRA terrorists captured bearing arms against the state and aiding and abetting attacks on state forces. It passes by 48 votes to 18. The Irish Labour Party oppose it". This is what is needed to protect our shildern
GuinnessGrrl | Apr 30, 2010, 04:23 PM EDT
Why isn't the money from his pension being paid towards the money awarded in lawsuit settlements?
blueshield | Apr 30, 2010, 10:59 AM EDT
murphy66, here's a thought grow a sack and think for yourself instead of bending over everytime a priest walks past. I think Hell will be to full after this century with Catholic priests to be taking the rest of our sorry lot.
colkelley | Apr 30, 2010, 09:29 AM EDT
He is a great argument for execution of convicted pedophiles who it is has been proven CANNOT ever be rehabilitated by any means.
McGarryCA | Apr 29, 2010, 06:35 PM EDT
I live in California and O'Grady was a priest in my local parish, but that's not my angle. Most research on pedophiles states this is an addiction that cannot be cured. Not by castration, not by therapy. The Church has protected O'Grady and others like him for far too long. His sentence was not long when you consider the life-long devestation he caused to his victims. He should be cloistered for the remainder of his days. In California we have neither the facilities nor the finances to support his sorry ass. Good luck friends. Keep vigliant!
donal1951 | Apr 28, 2010, 11:36 PM EDT
He shoud be imprisoned in a prison or a Carthusian monastery for the rest of his natural life.
Watereskhill | Apr 28, 2010, 09:35 PM EDT
He will disappear into anonymity under another guise someplace else. This time with a hefty pension from the Irish Catholic Church on retirement. Under what credentials was he given an Ecclesiastical position in that parish in Holland---"Brother Francis" from where? The resident priest in Rotterdam is suspect in my opinion. Another spiral of clergy dismissed or no harbouring one another regardless of the community. If he was reformed and repentent Temerity why did he flee the Dutch police? It is laudable that this brave woman Amy Berg took the initiative to track his immediate journey and alerted friends in Ireland. Photos now current. There is a saying "There's no rest for the wicked". Posters should be pasted on whatever street corner or lampost in whatever neighbourhood in Dublin this anethema is presently seeking refuge. Since the Garda didn't give a damn on his being dumped or deported there call it what you may and no measures taken given his International criminal record and ever present danger to youngsters and infants they are a disgrace. Hounding folk for payment on a parking ticket and this profligate left to roam as he pleased. The Catholic Church needs to step up to the plate here. In a recent Article we were informed that it is taking strident measures to weed-out pedofiles from Seminaries. Paying them a pension having desecrated their Vocation and The Eucarist is an ignoble cheque in the mail. O'Grady will grab the money and set up another Mission around youngsters. Unless his passport is revoked he will be found in Moscow, Thailand or Argentina as 'Brother Benedict'.
knowthyself | Apr 28, 2010, 08:45 PM EDT
Well i think the Irish Maffia should take care of this Pedophile priest .Hang him upside down from a Tree by his private Parts, That will take the Fire out of this Devil.Be Jesus.
murphy66 | Apr 28, 2010, 07:57 PM EDT
Reillyfam, you're just looking for excuses to stay away. My bet is you call for a priest when you stand before the power of Hell and death is at your side.
Irishlassred | Apr 28, 2010, 06:45 PM EDT
Oh my God, Temerity, are you daff? I dare say that no one in your circle of friends or family ever suffered from abuse. This man should stoned to death or worse have done to him what he did to those children; course he'd probably like it. Thank God he won't see any of my money in that pension. May he burn in hell and the sooner the better.
Temerity | Apr 28, 2010, 06:09 PM EDT
Some might call it mercy for a man who has served a long prison sentence for his sins, and paedophiles do not get an easy time in prisons as other prisoners like so many here like to persecute those whom they consider beneath them in order to feel superior or hide their own sins. He has paid his dues and has not re offended so.let he-she who is without sin among you cast the first stone. He's just a poor pathetic sad lonely old man now. Get a life and take better care of your children with due diligence and watch the members of your own household friends and relatatives.Often these are the worst offenders.
Reilleyfam | Apr 28, 2010, 01:00 PM EDT
Very disturbing and why so many of us Catholics while not abandoning our faith must abandon this rotted institution. How bad does the Church have to get, how extreme their denials and rewards for those undefensible before enough is enough? I cannot tolerate this and must turn my back on this Church until they take responsibility for past acts, punish wrongdoers, and ensure this never happens again - a fairly reasonable request. Their response is basically indignance and hostility - not very Christian.
debra7252 | Apr 28, 2010, 11:42 AM EDT
A pension from the Catholic Church ?? What a sin ! Only in the Catholic Church...
millstreet | Apr 28, 2010, 11:39 AM EDT
post his picture every where....and keep it up. don't let this drop.
murphy66 | Apr 28, 2010, 11:13 AM EDT
Jesus loves him. So should you.
bluesunshine | Apr 28, 2010, 09:59 AM EDT
In what universe does this man qualify for a pension from the Catholic church?!
Advocate | Apr 28, 2010, 09:56 AM EDT
How is this creature still alive? The judge who sentenced We the SHEEPle to support him for 14 years, MUST be hanged! This creature should be stoned to daeth slowly... He will, however get his due from Yahweh/God, but how much more Evil will he do first? Why should the church give him a settlement? Why does the church want to do good for this creature? Obviously, he was no Clergy; he was a CrimeScumBag!
adfloatj23 | Apr 28, 2010, 09:52 AM EDT
Where are all the gunmen from the IRA when you need them,This is one serious sick excuse for a man, I have never agreed to what the Ira has done during the past, But if they were to knock this joker off They would certainly get my vote.
rgspopsrgspops | Apr 28, 2010, 09:49 AM EDT
He needs to be hung by the neck till dead and let the Good Lord handle the problem once and for ever!
candycowboy | Apr 28, 2010, 05:24 AM EDT
He should be arrested and brought back to the US so he can go back to prison FOREVER. Also, he should never receive any retirement benefits as the moneys need to go to his victims for their emotional distress. He should also be de-frocked for all of the travesties he's committed over the years.
meherbaba | Apr 27, 2010, 11:51 PM EDT
Oliver O'Grady has been laicized. So neither Neal Dowd or Oliver O'Grady should be referring to him as a priest or father. How is this for a idea? Neal Dowd offers a bounty to the first person who spots O'Grady on the street and shoots him dead.Action must be taken.
KathyCallahan | Apr 27, 2010, 09:40 PM EDT
Too bad John Walsh of America's Most Wanted isn't charged with going after O'Grady et al. He has what it takes to track him down and nail them. Walsh should start up a new show, 'Most Wanted Internationally!' It's a natural fit. John Walsh who is half Callahan on his mothers side could pull it off...No doubt. Please forward
JudyJones | Apr 27, 2010, 05:30 PM EDT
quoted: "Local police in Ireland say they can do nothing, as O'Grady has not committed any crime since he was deported from America in 2003" This does not mean that O'Grady has not sexually abused another kids since then, it just means that police do not know about it yet. Best for police and offials where he worked to reachout to other possible victims of O'Grady. He is a dangerous man who needs to be locked up and kept far away from kids.
TonydeNewYork | Apr 27, 2010, 04:44 PM EDT
sailmaker use your BRAIN, they r going to pay him because is the law. He sign a contract that is binding. The same happen when a teacher abuse his students, the board of education has a binding contract to pay him what is due.
Schwiderski | Apr 27, 2010, 04:41 PM EDT
Reach out to the families and children every place O'Grady has been in Ireland, Holland and elsewhere. Stop this clergy sex offender from harming another child !
jacersisityourself | Apr 27, 2010, 03:32 PM EDT
I agree w/ the two posts below. This man should be closeted within a monastery for the rest of his life to reflect on and atone for the harm he did to children. Sailmaker asks “how come he’s receiving a retirement check?” – well I don’t know about that, there could be all sorts of reasons for it but in the report above it sounds more like media people stirring the pot again on that account (pardon the pun). I don’t believe any man fleeing of disgrace lives the “Life of O’Reilly” (not Riley btw, just to show how media ppl get it wrong too). In any case, every Irish citizen in Ireland is by law entitled to a State-paid weekly pension payment on reaching the compulsory retirement age of 65 yrs, even criminals who’ve served prison time for whatever kind of offence. There is a policy in Ireland to try and rehabilitate all criminals where possible and assimilate them back into society.
joelle148 | Apr 27, 2010, 02:49 PM EDT
Why do they let those freaks walk free??? Can someone explain ?
sailmaker | Apr 27, 2010, 09:47 AM EDT
Can someone explain to me how/why this monster is due to collect "a large retirement check" from the Church when he turns 65? His "service" to God and Roman Catholicism was to wretchedly abuse the trust of his parishoners and that of innocent children entrusted to his care, and the Church is going to PAY the bast*rd money?? This is nuts! No wonder the Church has virtually no credibility with anyone anywhere any longer when pedophiles are rewarded for a lifetime of criminal conduct with a pension derived from the contributions of the faithful?! I'd like to hear one of our illustrious bishops explain exactly why this man is being paid Church money? Anyone? I'm listening . . . .