Father Arthur J. O’Brien

Father Arthur J. O’Brien Timeline of Abuse and Assignments

1983:  Ordained

1983–1984:  Assigned to St. Pius X, Bowie, MD

1984:  Removed from the Ministry

2011:  Died

Summary of Allegations Against Father Arthur J. O’Brien

Father Arthur J. O’Brien is a former Catholic priest whose name has been publicly associated with allegations of child sexual abuse. This page provides a timeline of his assignments, a summary of the abuse allegations, links to news coverage, and resources for survivors seeking support.

Multiple survivors accused Father Arthur J. O’Brien of sexually abusing minors during his tenure at various parishes. Allegations include inappropriate touching, grooming, and other forms of sexual misconduct, often occurring during parish activities or in church facilities. Survivors report lasting trauma and have sought justice through both civil litigation and public disclosure.

O’Brien was ordained in 1983 and assigned to St. Pius X parish in Bowie, Maryland. According to public records and survivor accounts, the abuse began while O’Brien was still in seminary in Boston and continued during his brief time as an active priest.

The Maryland church sex abuse allegations include:

Grooming Behavior: O’Brien reportedly established close, trusting relationships with young parishioners, often positioning himself as a mentor or spiritual guide.

Inappropriate Touching: Survivors have described incidents of unwanted and inappropriate physical contact, including fondling and sexual touching, occurring in parish settings and during church-related activities.

Exploitation of Authority: O’Brien used his role as a trusted priest to gain access to minors and manipulate them, making it difficult for victims to speak out or be believed.

Lasting Harm: Survivors have reported deep emotional and psychological trauma as a result of O’Brien’s actions, including difficulties with trust, relationships, and faith.

After the first known accusation in 1984, Father O’Brien was removed from ministry. The Archdiocese of Washington publicly named him among priests credibly accused of child sexual abuse in 2018. He was never returned to the ministry and died in 2011.

Assignments during his career in the catholic archdiocese

• 1983 – 1984      St. Pius X (Bowie, MD)
• 1984 – 1985      Christ the King (Daphne, AL)
• 1985 – 1987      Kalihi parish
• 1987 – 1988      St. John Apostle and Evangelist (Mililani Town, HI)
• 1988 – 1989      St. Rita (Haiku, HI)
• 1988 – 1989      St. Gabriel (Keanae, HI)
• 1989 – 1990      Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace (Honolulu, HI)
• 1991 – 1993      Office of the Clergy
• 1991 – 1995      Special Assignment (Office of the Clergy)

Timeline of Abuse Allegations

1984: First known accusation of sexual abuse of a boy, reportedly while O’Brien was still in seminary in Boston, MA.

1984: Removed from ministry following the accusation.

2018: Name released by the Archdiocese of Washington as one of 31 priests credibly accused of abuse (NPR, Oct 16, 2018).

Latest Articles and Documents

Washington Catholic Archdiocese Names 31 Priests… (NPR, Oct 16, 2018)

List of Priests and Brothers Accused of Child Sexual Abuse – Archdiocese of Baltimore

PA Grand Jury Report 2023 (PDF, see index for O’Brien if available)

Support for Survivors of Catholic Church sexual abuse in Maryland

If you or someone you know is a survivor of clergy abuse in Maryland, confidential help is available. Contact local support organizations or national hotlines for assistance.

Standing Up for Survivors: The Yost Legal Group

At The Yost Legal Group, we believe that every survivor of sexual abuse deserves justice, compassion, and unwavering support. Our attorneys have a long history of standing with survivors, whether the abuse occurred in a church, school, or any institution of trust.

We understand the courage it takes to come forward and share your story. That’s why we offer confidential, free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Our team is deeply committed to holding abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

If you or someone you love has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group is here to help you seek justice and begin the path to healing.

Contact The Yost Legal Group:

Call: (800)-YOST-LAW or (866)-841-4597

Text: 1-410-659-6800

Visit: yostlaw.com

You deserve to be heard. Let us stand with you.

Church Sexual Abuse Lawyers – Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers – Priest Sex Abuse Lawyers