Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled
Died: 09/30/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD
Father William Simms was Removed from parish work in 1985. Two separate civil suits filed in 1988 accused Simms of forcing altar boys to dress in skimpy, sexually provocative briefs, act out religious fantasies and wrestle with him. One suit claimed abuse in 1982, the other in 1984-1985.
Police investigated in 1985 but agreed not to press charges if Father William Simms received counseling and was removed from contact with minors. Allowed to serve on the Archdiocesan Tribunal. Received therapy at St. Luke Institute in Suitland, MD. Both cases settled in 1989 or 1990. In 1988 the archdiocese acknowledged Simms molested boys, saying there were “only two” victims. Cardinal asked Simms to resign/retire from his administrative job with the archdiocese in 5/2002. Died in 9/2005.