Catholic Priest Charged with Sexually Abusing Minors in Charleston During 1980s (Charleston, South Carolina)

Freddy Washington, 53, has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing two minors while serving as a volunteer at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Charleston between 1982 and 1984. Washington was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center on Thursday following his arrest by Charleston Police. He faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of committing lewd acts on a child under 14.

According to affidavits from the Charleston Police Department, Washington is accused of sexually molesting two boys who were studying to be altar boys at the church during the alleged incidents. Washington was not an ordained minister at the time, as confirmed by both police and the Diocese of Charleston. The Diocese stated that Washington was a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and served as a priest in the Arch Diocese of New York at a church in Harlem. His current status with the Arch Diocese of New York is unknown.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Charleston noted that Washington was not listed on the current priest roster of the Arch Diocese of New York. The Diocese of Charleston has since clarified that Washington is not currently assigned to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, as previously stated in a video.

The first victim, who was 10 years old at the time, told police that Washington got him alone on a flight of stairs inside the church in 1982. Washington allegedly told the boy it was a ritual for all potential altar boys to have outlines of their penises drawn on pieces of paper. After the boy submitted to this request, Washington began fondling his scrotum.

The second victim, who was between 11 and 14 years old, described a similar incident inside St. Patrick’s between 1983 and 1984. According to police affidavits, Washington waited until they were alone on a flight of stairs and told the boy it was customary for prospective altar boys to have their penises measured. Washington then grabbed the child’s penis, fondled it, and performed oral sex on him.

The allegations against Washington highlight the need for accountability and justice, reflecting the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and pursue truth and fairness.

Source: Read the original report