Father William E. Krouse
Timeline of Events for Father William E. Krouse
1973: William E. Krouse is ordained as a Catholic priest. Served in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and other parishes in Maryland.
1973–1987: Served in various parishes; allegations of abuse later surfaced from this period.
1987: Krouse leaves the priesthood.
1996: First report of abuse is made to the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW).
March 1996: Krouse is arrested in Florida, accused of sexually abusing a minor in Maryland during the 1970s and 1980s.
September 1996: Krouse pleads guilty to charges of sexual abuse.
November 1996: Sentenced for the abuse, which occurred while he was a priest in Maryland.
2018: Additional reports surfaced, including claims that Krouse abused other victims.
Summary of Child Sexual Abuse by Father William E. Krouse
Father William E. Krouse, ordained in 1973 and serving in parishes under the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., used his position of trust and authority to sexually abuse minors during his years as a Catholic priest.
Reports indicate that Krouse cultivated close relationships with young parishioners, taking advantage of their vulnerability and the trust placed in him by families and the Church.
The abuse, which spanned several years throughout the 1970s and 1980s, often occurred in parish settings and sometimes involved repeated incidents with the same young victims.
Survivors have described how Krouse’s actions left them with lasting emotional and psychological scars.
A Decade of Silence: The Hidden Abuse and Lasting Impact of Father Krouse’s Crimes
In at least one known case, he was accused of sexually abusing a boy on multiple occasions, manipulation that began with grooming behaviors and escalated to direct sexual assault.
The abuse remained hidden for years, as victims struggled with fear, shame, and the immense power imbalance between themselves and their abusers.
It wasn’t until 1996, nearly a decade after Krouse had abandoned the priesthood, that the first official report of his abuse was made to the Archdiocese of Washington.
This disclosure led to his arrest and eventual conviction for sexual abuse of a minor. Additional allegations have surfaced over the years, underscoring the devastating impact his actions had on multiple families and the broader community.
The case of Father Krouse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and support for survivors within faith communities. His crimes are documented in legal records, news articles, and survivor advocacy reports, serving as both a warning and a call to action for justice and healing.
Timeline of Events, Conviction, and Legal Aftermath
Krouse was convicted and served time for sexual abuse of a minor. His case is frequently cited in lists of credibly accused clergy in both the Archdiocese of Washington and Baltimore.
The case is referenced in state-level reports on clergy abuse and by survivor advocacy organizations.
Further Reading & Documentation:
Washington Post article: Former P.G. School Priest Accused of Past Sex Abuse
Washington Post article: MD. Ex-Priest Pleads Guilty to Sex Charges
Archdiocese of Washington – List of Clergy Accused of Abuse (PDF)
WBAL-TV: List of Abusers – Church Sex Abuse Report
Contact The Yost Legal Group: Support for Survivors of Priest Sexual Abuse
If you are a survivor of priest sexual abuse as a minor, please know that you are not alone, and support is available. The Yost Legal Group is deeply committed to helping survivors find justice, healing, and closure, no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.
Thanks to the Child Victims Act (CVA), the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases in Maryland has been removed. This means you have the right to come forward and seek justice, even if the abuse happened decades ago.
The law recognizes the lasting impact of abuse and ensures your voice can finally be heard.
Breaking the Silence: The Case of Father Krouse and the Call for Justice in Faith Communities
If you experienced abuse in Maryland at a parish under the Archdiocese of Washington, we encourage you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation.
Our team understands the courage it takes to take this step, and we are here to listen with compassion and respect. Your privacy and well-being are our top priorities, and you will never be pressured to move forward unless you feel ready.
You can contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529), (866)-841-4597, or by text at 1-410-659-6800. Every conversation is confidential, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.