Franciscan Friars announce Fr. David Morrier has pled guilty to sexual battery

On March 12, 2022, the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, announced that Father David Morrier, T.O.R., has “pled guilty to one count of sexual battery, a felony of the third degree, which occurred at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.” The full news release regarding his guilty plea can be found HERE. 

Previously, on April 16, 2021, the Diocese of Arlington issued the following announcement:

The Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have announced that Father David Morrier, T.O.R., has been charged by a grand jury in Jefferson County, Ohio, with one count of rape and two counts of sexual battery involving an adult. 

Father Morrier served [as a transitional deacon] in the Diocese of Arlington at St. Joseph Parish, Herndon, for seven months from late November 1997 through June 1998.

To read the full press release from the Franciscan Friars, please CLICK HERE.

Anyone with information regarding these allegations should contact the Jefferson County Ohio Sheriff's Office at (740) 283-8600.

Please keep those involved in this situation in your prayers, especially anyone who has been victimized.

The Diocese of Arlington has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. No one with a credible allegation of abuse is serving in the Diocese. The Diocese encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of any cleric or employee of the Diocese to notify civil authorities, as well as to reach out to the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530.  

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