The Archdiocese of Baltimore has recently learned of an allegation of sexual abuse against a priest who had been removed from ministry over 10 years ago after an earlier allegation of sexual misconduct. Jerome “Jeff” Toohey has been accused of sexually abusing a minor over a number of years in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The abuse is alleged to have occurred inside Toohey’s personal residence, where he provided counseling to the young Calvert Hall high school student.
This allegation was immediately reported to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office. In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, the alleged victim has been offered counseling assistance.
Jeff Toohey has been informed of this allegation.
Jeff Toohey was removed from ministry and had his faculties to function as a priest removed in 1993, when the Archdiocese received an allegation that he had sexually abused a young man in the mid-late 1980s who was a graduate of the John Carroll School. Jeff Toohey denied the allegation.
Jeff Toohey served at St. Francis of Assisi from 1977 to 1984 and as Chaplain at Calvert Hall from 1982 to 1993 and Chaplain to the Deaf Community from 1984 to 1993. During the 1980s to early 1990s, Jeff Toohey also served on the Board of Directors for the John Carroll School and assisted at St. John, Hydes.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to the openness and transparency called for in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. We encourage anyone who has any knowledge of child sexual abuse to come forward, and to report it immediately to civil authorities. If clergy or other church personnel are suspected of committing the abuse, we ask that you also call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Hotline at 1-866-417-7469.