Archdiocesan news

Benedictine monk arrested for stalking, resisting arrest

Father John McCusker was theology teacher at St. Louis Priory

Father McCusker

A Benedictine monk has been arrested after police found him hiding in the bushes outside of a female co-worker’s home.

Father John McCusker, OSB, has been charged with second-degree stalking and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $500.

Richmond Heights police responded to the 9000 block of Greenridge Drive Feb. 1 for a report of a man looking into the windows of a woman’s home. Officers located and apprehended Father McCusker, who was hiding in the bushes near the house.

Father McCusker was a theology teacher at Saint Louis Priory School. Abbott Gregory Mohrman, OSB, wrote in a letter to the school community that they have been in communication with police and are cooperating.

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson has removed Father McCusker’s priestly faculties, meaning he is not allowed to function or represent himself as a priest. He also was removed fromhis roles at the school immediately and is no longer residing on campus, according to Abbott Gregory.

“While we seek more information, our thoughts and prayers go immediately to the faculty member and family who have been impacted,” he wrote. “The monastic community recognizes the serious nature of the offenses for which Father John has been charged, and offers our deepest apology to those who have been affected by his actions.”

Father McCusker is a 2002 graduate of Saint Louis Priory School and was ordained to the priesthood in 2015.