Evansville – The Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province in Cincinnati, Ohio, have notified the Diocese of Evansville that Franciscan Father Thomas Richstatter, who is retired, has been removed from priestly ministry after an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a family friend from more than 30 years ago was found credible by the Franciscan Review Board. Father Richstatter, who served as a professor at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, occasionally provided sacramental assistance at St. John Chrysostom Parish in New Boston from 2007 to 2016.
The Diocese of Evansville will have no further comment. Inquiries should be directed to the St. John the Baptist Province of the Franciscan Friars, in Cincinnati, which determined the credibility of the allegation.
If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 812-490-9565 or toll-free at 866-200-3004.