Father Peter M. McCutcheon
Father Peter M. McCutcheon Timeline
1979: Ordained
1981–1985: Sexually abused multiple teenage boys
1986: Removed from the Ministry
1986: Criminal charges filed, he was arrested and convicted
1988: His sentence for sexual abuse was reduced.
2004: Laicized
Summary of Father Peter M. McCutcheon’s Abuse Against Minors
Father Peter M. McCutcheon is a former Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., who was convicted of sexually abusing minors in Maryland during the 1980s. Reports indicate that he abused multiple teenage boys while serving at various parishes. Multiple sources confirm McCutcheon abused boys between 1981 and 1985 while serving in Maryland parishes. The abuse was reported in 1986, after which he was removed from ministry and criminally charged. He pleaded guilty that same year.
His actions were reported to the Archdiocese in 1986, after which he was removed from ministry, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to the abuse. Multiple sources confirm McCutcheon abused boys between 1981 and 1985 while serving in Maryland parishes.
His sentence for sexual abuse was later reduced, and the Archdiocese paid at least one six-figure settlement to a survivor.
Parish Assignments
McCutcheon served in multiple parishes across Maryland under the Archdiocese of Washington.
Legal Actions and Conviction
McCutcheon was criminally charged and pleaded guilty in 1986 to sexually abusing minors.
The Archdiocese of Washington settled at least one civil suit related to his abuse in 1988, paying a six-figure sum to a survivor.
His sentence was later reduced by a judge in 1988.
Additional Resources & Articles About Father Peter M. McCutcheon
Bishop Accountability profile with timeline and assignment details:
Bishop Accountability – Fr. Peter M. McCutcheon
Washington Post coverage of sentencing:
“PRIEST’S SENTENCE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE REDUCED” – Washington Post, Jan 13, 1988
Washington Post coverage of Archdiocese settlement:
“ARCHDIOCESE SETTLES CHILD SEX ABUSE SUIT” – Washington Post, Oct 26, 1988
List of accused priests (Archdiocese PDF, search for McCutcheon):
Archdiocese of Washington – Clergy Subject of Allegation (PDF)
Yost Legal Group:
Archdiocese Pedophile List – The Yost Legal Group
Patch – Former Priest Left Off Sex Abuse List
Aftermath: Sentenced; sentence later reduced in 1988 (Washington Post article).
Clergy Sexual Abuse – Priest Sexual Abuse – Church Sex Abuse Claims