What Does the Maryland Attorney General’s Report Say About Father Walter Emala?

Following several years of extensive investigations, the Maryland Attorney General released their Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2023. It details accusations of abuse against over 150 priests who served in the Archdiocese over the years. One disturbing pattern noted by the report was the repeated tendency of the Archdiocese to ignore or actively cover up credible allegations of abuse.

Father Emala’s case is a prime example of how these actions harmed multiple children and families. Following child abuse accusations that resulted in a forced leave of absence from his Diocese in Tennessee, Emala was able to move to assignments in Maryland and then Pennsylvania, where he abused several more children.

The church failed to protect the vulnerable in its midst and should be held accountable for its actions. If you were a victim of Father Emala, reach out to our compassionate religious institution sexual abuse lawyers today for a free case evaluation.

Where Did Father Emala Serve As a Priest?

The story of Father Emala is particularly infuriating because he was allowed to move to many positions across multiple states and Diocese, despite his sexual misconduct with young boys being documented in letters among members of the clergy. Although Emala had his faculties removed several times and was turned down for positions in some Diocese due to his history of allegations, he was never laicized and continued to abuse children without significant repercussions.

Individuals in positions of power in the Church, including some who were later accused of abuse themselves, helped cover up scandals by moving him to new locations and even advising him on how to avoid legal difficulties.

Diocese of Nashville and Memphis Diocese

Emala was a pastor at several locations in Tennessee from 1952-1968. During this time, he faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct from parents of boys in the church. In 1959, Nashville Bishop William Adrien wrote that the Diocese had to pay $5,000 due to a scandal involving Emala, and he did not believe that Emala should be given another pastorate unless he radically changed his conduct.

However, following a sick leave in 1959, Emala was appointed assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and became a teacher at Immaculate Conception High School in 1960. In 1967, he became the assistant pastor at St. Ann Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. During his time at St. Ann, two parents told the pastor about Emala’s inappropriate conduct with their sons and threatened to speak to authorities.

The pastor confronted Emala, and when he refused to end his association with the boys, he was told he could move out of Tennessee on a leave of absence or retire. He chose to take a leave of absence and moved in with his parents in Maryland.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

It is unclear if the Archdiocese of Baltimore was warned of Emala’s past when he transferred from Tennessee, but he quickly took on a new assignment in 1968 at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Middle River, Maryland. In 1975, the Archdiocese was informed of abusive conduct between Emala and several boys. One mother reported seeing Emala kiss her teenage son while they were parked in a car together.

This mother was angry that everyone seemed to know and joke about Emala’s relationships with children, yet he was allowed to continue his abusive behaviors.

While the full extent of the accusations at this juncture is unclear, Emala was immediately removed from his assignment and had his priestly faculties removed. However, he frequently returned to Our Lady Queen of Peace School and interacted with students until 1980, even taking some on trips. According to a 2021 interview with a nun who worked at the school during this time, at least one boy reported being sexually abused by Emala between 1975 and 1980.

Diocese of Harrisburg

Emala attempted to return to pastoral work in Tennessee in 1975 but was turned down due to his history of misconduct in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Although he was never officially granted faculties, he eventually ended up finding part-time positions in Pennsylvania in the Diocese of Harrisburg, including:

• St. Peter, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania (1981-1985)
• St. John, New Freedom, Pennsylvania (1981-1985)

Emala also taught religion at Holy Spirit School in Mount Carmel. In 1985, he was investigated by County Children’s Services due to complaints of improper conduct by multiple parents, but no criminal charges resulted because he had left the state.

What Other Organizations Was Father Emala Associated With?

Emala was affiliated with at least 22 public organizations in Maryland and presented himself as a chaplain for several years, despite not having the approval of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to do so. It was noted in the Attorney General’s report that he became close with families involved in these groups and spent significant time counseling boys and taking them on trips and outings.

Given Emala’s history, it is possible that he also abused children during his time with these organizations, which included:

• Baltimore County Volunteer Fireman’s Association
• Maryland State Police Alumni Association
• Middle River Volunteer Fire Company
• Various other political clubs and auxiliary firefighter groups in East Baltimore

The Archdiocese informed these organizations in 1995 through an announcement that Emala was not in good standing and did not have the faculties to perform priestly duties. However, they did not state that the reason for the removal of his faculties was due to multiple allegations of child sexual abuse, and they did not attempt to identify or help any potential victims.

How Can Our Law Firm Help You?

Although the Church had evidence of Father Emala’s abusive behaviors as early as 1959, they failed to warn or protect parishioners from his actions, and he continued his harmful conduct for the next 30+ years. Since 1995, at least six individuals from Maryland and Pennsylvania have come forward to accuse Emala of sexually assaulting them or their loved ones in the 1970s and 80s.

Father Emala has been listed as credibly accused by all Diocese and Archdiocese where he served, and the Church has entered into settlements with some victims.

Although Father Emala passed away in 2008, survivors of his abuse may still be able to seek justice for the harm they endured as children. Maryland has recently removed the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases, opening the door for adult survivors to bring civil lawsuits against liable parties.

However, this “lookback window” may only last for a short time. If Father Emala or another clergy member abused you or a loved one, contact the offices of Andreozzi + Foote today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options: 866-311-8640.