A Minneapolis priest was charged Tuesday with failing to supervise a Franciscan brother accused of sexually abusing more than 100 children across the country over his decades-long career.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office charged the Rev. Anthony M. Criscitelli, 61, of St. Bridget parish in north Minneapolis, with one count each of criminal conspiracy and endangering the welfare of children for his handling of Brother Stephen Baker. Two other brothers — Giles A. Schinelli, 73, and Robert J. D'Aversa, 69 — were also charged with the same counts.
"…these individuals knew that Stephen Baker was a child predator and that Baker had faced allegations of child molestation in 1988 and again in 2000," the charges said. "These individuals did not report this knowledge to police. [They] engaged in efforts to protect the image and reputation of the Franciscan Friars rather than act in the best interests of children."
The move is precedent-setting because it's the first time top officials in a religious order have been charged in a sex abuse case, said St. Paul attorney Jeff Anderson, who settled an abuse claim against Baker in the early 2000s that forced Baker out of ministry.
"This is an emerging trend and an important action," Anderson said.
Criscitelli was the Minister Provincial for the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regulars, Province of the Immaculate Conception, from 2002 to 2010. He was responsible for overseeing "safety plans" for members accused of abusing children, and the assignment and discipline of all friars.
But he ignored his duty to supervise Baker, the charges said, dropping Baker's "safety plans" in the mail from his location in Minnesota and allowing a subordinate to review the plans with Baker in Hollidaysburg, Pa., where Baker lived at the monastery.
"Criscitelli ... failed to enforce those safety plans and let Baker work at a public shopping mall, engage the public at festivals held on monastery grounds, and other similar conduct," the charges said.
