Bransfield

WHEELING — The investigation into former Bishop Michael Bransfield has found credible allegations of sexual harassment, as well as a “pattern of excessive and inappropriate spending,” by the former bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, according to a letter released today by Archbishop William Lori.

Lori, the archbishop of Baltimore who was appointed apostolic administrator of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, stated in a letter released Wednesday that the investigation into Bransfield “determined that the accounts of those who accused Biship Bransfield of sexual harassment are credible. The team uncovered a consistent pattern of sexual inuendo, and overt suggestive comments and actions toward those over whom the former bishop exercised authority.”

The diocese will not be disclosing details of the allegations, because of privacy concerns and requests by those who allegedly were harassed.

“Without a doubt, the alleged victims of former Bishop Bransfield’s sexual harassment must be our first and constant concern. Thus, the Diocese has committed to providing counseling to them and to all priests and lay personnel at the Chancery,” Lori stated, noting a permanent program is to be developed. “For known victims, the Diocese will commit to reimbursing the costs for mental health assistance for a provider of their choosing. Further, I have mandated that a third-party reporting system for any allegation against a bishop of the Diocese be implemented. This is in process and will soon be launched, allowing also for anonymous complaints to be made.”

The letter also stated there was no conclusive evidence of sexual misconduct with minors by Bransfield.

In addition, the letter noted excessive spending by Bransfield during his 13-year tenure as bishop.

“The investigation found that Bishop Bransfield initiated and completed extensive and expensive renovations to his private residences in both Wheeling and Charleston, as well as his intended retirement residence, the construction of which was halted at my request at the time of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. The investigation further found that Bransfield misused church funds for personal benefit on such things as personal travel, dining, liquor, gifts and luxury items,” Lori’s letter states.

Lori further disclosed that he, at times, received gifts from Bransfield with a total value of $7,500, and he has returned that amount to the diocese, asking that it be donated to Catholic Charities.

“I have been in close collaboration with the leadership of the Diocese, including members of the Diocesan Finance Council, to identify how best to prevent such behaviors from occurring in the future,” Lori stated. “Clearly, despite proper checks and balances, diocesan policies and oversight procedures were subverted and we are determined to prevent this type of lapse from occurring in the future.”

Archbishop Lori also announced the bishop’s residence in Wheeling would be listed for sale. Originally owned by William E. Weiss, founder of Sterling Drug C., the home was purchased by the diocese from the Linsly Institute in 1963 for $63,000.

“I am deeply pained by and sorry for the harm that the former bishop caused to those he was charged with shepherding in a spirit of Christ-like humility, service and pastoral care and charity. There is no excuse, nor adequate explanation, that will satisfy the troubling question of how his behavior was allowed to continue for as long as it did without the accountability that we must require of those who have been entrusted with so much — both spiritual and material — as bishops and pastors,” Lori stated.

The investigation into Bransfield began last September following the former bishop’s resignation and retirement.

Lori was appointed by the Vatican to serve as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.

The investigation, conducted by a panel of five laypeople — both Catholic and non-Cathlic — was concluded in March.

Lori noted the investigation included interviews with dozens of individuals who had worked closely with Bransfield.

The archbishop submitted the preliminary investigation results to the Vatican for final judgment and suspended Bransfield’s priestly and episcopal faculties within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the Archdiocese of Baltimore.