Father Edward B. Pritchard
Summary of Catholic Church Abuse Against Minors by Father Edward B. Pritchard
Father Edward B. Pritchard’s case is a tragic example of how the Catholic Church’s failure to act on early abuse allegations allowed a predator to remain in ministry for years.
Despite being accused of molesting altar boys in the 1980s, Pritchard was sent for treatment and then allowed to return to parish work. It wasn’t until the 1990s, when more survivors came forward, that criminal charges were filed.
In December 1995, Pritchard pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three altar boys. The abuse included inappropriate touching and other acts of molestation.
He was sentenced to probation, a decision that many survivors and advocates criticized as too lenient.
The church’s decision to quietly reassign Pritchard after his initial treatment, rather than remove him from ministry and notify authorities, became a focal point in discussions about institutional cover-ups and the need for reform.
The case of Father Pritchard is part of a much larger pattern of Catholic priest abuse scandals that have rocked the church worldwide.
The public outcry over such cases has led to the enactment of new laws, such as the Child Victims Act, which extends the time survivors have to seek justice and compensation.
1974: Ordained
1986: Abuse first reported to ADW (placed on leave, evaluated and treated, cleared for return to ministry)
1995: Permanently removed from ministry after additional abuse reported
1995: Arrested and convicted
2002: Died
The Catholic Church has faced waves of scandal due to the actions of clergy accused of child sexual abuse. Among these tragic cases is that of Father Edward B. Pritchard, a former priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, whose decades-long career ended in disgrace after he was accused and convicted of molesting minors. Catholic Church Abuse Against Minors has gone on for decades and has been hidden by the church.
Timeline of Father Edward B. Pritchard’s Career and Allegations
1974: Father Edward B. Pritchard is ordained as a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
1974–1986: Pritchard serves at various parishes, including St. Mary’s Church in Washington, D.C., and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kensington, MD. During this period, the first allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors begin to surface, although they are not made public at the time.
1986: Pritchard is accused of sexually abusing boys at Holy Redeemer Parish. The Archdiocese sends him for treatment but allows him to return to ministry afterward. (Washington Post, 1995)
Late 1980s–Early 1990s: Despite prior accusations and treatment, Pritchard continues to serve as a priest. More survivors begin to come forward.
1995: Father Pritchard is arrested after new allegations emerge. He is accused of abusing three altar boys.
(Bishop Accountability profile)
December 1995: Pritchard pleads guilty to one count of child abuse and two counts of child battery. Prosecutors detail that he molested three altar boys. (Washington Post, 1996)
February 1996: Pritchard is sentenced to probation for the abuse charges. The sentence and the church’s handling of his case sparked public outrage and further scrutiny of the Catholic Church’s response to abuse allegations.
News Articles and References About Father Edward B. Pritchard
Washington Post, Feb 6, 1996: “Priest Gets Probation For Abuse”
Details the sentencing of Father Pritchard and the nature of his crimes.
Read the article
Washington Post, Feb 8, 1995: “Second Priest Had History of Pedophilia, Church Says”
Reveals the church’s knowledge of Pritchard’s earlier abuse and the decision to return him to ministry after treatment.
Read the article
Bishop Accountability: Fr. Edward B. Pritchard
Offers a summary of allegations, assignments, and outcomes.
View profile
Seeking Justice and Compensation: How The Yost Legal Group Helps Survivors
Survivors of Catholic priest abuse, like those harmed by Father Edward B. Pritchard, often face lifelong trauma, emotional distress, and barriers to justice.
The Yost Legal Group is dedicated to assisting survivors in navigating the legal system, holding perpetrators and institutions accountable, and securing the compensation they deserve.
What The Yost Legal Group Offers:
- Free, Confidential Consultations: Survivors can speak with an experienced attorney at no cost and with complete confidentiality.
- Contingency Fee Representation: There are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
- Experienced Legal Advocacy: The Yost Legal Group has a proven track record in representing survivors of child sexual abuse and holding powerful institutions accountable.
- Support Through Every Step: From filing claims under the Child Victims Act to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation, survivors receive support every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it’s never too late to seek justice. The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors, fighting for accountability and meaningful compensation. Catholic Church Abuse Against Minors must stop.
Contact The Yost Legal Group Today:
Phone: (800)-YOST-LAW or (866)-841-4597
Text: 1-410-659-6800
The case of Father Edward B. Pritchard is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and justice in the face of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.
The Yost Legal Group is here to help survivors reclaim their power and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
Priest Sexual Abuse Claims – Child Sexual Abuse Claims – Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Molestation Claims Maryland Lawyer – Father Edward B. Pritchard – Catholic Church Abuse Lawsuit