Father Robert Lentz has been placed on administrative leave and his faculties to function as a priest have been suspended, following recent allegations that he sexually abused minors during the mid to late 1960s. These allegations have been reported to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The preliminary investigation by the Archdiocese included interviews with two individuals who reported sexual abuse by Father Lentz when they were minors in the 1960s, and a meeting with Father Lentz who was accompanied by civil and canonical counsel. Through counsel, Father Lentz denied the allegations and declined to answer any questions. He will remain on administrative leave, moving out of the rectory, while the Archdiocese investigates further.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We are deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of abuse due to the actions of clergy, and nothing is more important than protecting children. There is no place in the priesthood or religious life for those who harm children, and we will be open, accountable and consistent in keeping this commitment.
Father Lentz served at St Mark (Catonsville) from 1964 to 1973, at Cardinal Gibbons High School from 1973 to 1974, with the Catholic Youth Organization from 1973 to 1976, as the Director of the Archdiocesan Youth Office from 1976 to 1978, at St. Augustine (Elkridge) from 1978 to 1980, at Church of the Ascension from 1981 to 1983, at Prince of Peace from 1983 to 1988, at St. Pius X from 1988 to 1990, at St. Mark (Fallston) from 1990 to 1991, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help from 1991 to 1997, and at St. Dominic from 1998 to 2002.
Anyone with information concerning child abuse by a priest, employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese, should contact the Archdiocese’s Office of Child and Youth Protection at (866) 417-7469, as well as the appropriate State authorities.