Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Denies Pennsylvania Misconduct Allegations

A Pennsylvania prosecutor is investigating a misconduct allegation against Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. The allegation is being investigated by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office and Pennsylvania ChildLine.

The Diocese of Harrisburg, where Rhoades previously served, confirmed to the online publication PennLive.com Thursday that an allegation of misconduct was filed against Rhoades recently. Pennsylvania authorities stress this is an allegation and Rhoades has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told another media outlet, the York Daily Record, that the allegation, was filed last month by a family member of a man who died in 1996. The family says the relationship was “odd,” but no inappropriate contact had been witnessed. The man was about 18 at the time of the alleged misconduct.

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend released a statement via email:

“Bishop Rhoades adamantly denies any validity to this accusation and the insinuation of inappropriate behavior.  He did nothing wrong, and is confident any investigation will bear this out.”

Rhoades made headlines last month after the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report of sex abuse in the church detailed Rhoades’ handling of two accused priests.

Rhoades stated last month in a press conference that he would release the names of priests credibly accused in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese of abusing children. He has yet to come public with any names.