TWO MEN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS STEMMING FROM THE 1990'S
State of DE - Two individuals, John Taggart, 80, and Christopher Crisona, 57, have been arrested and face multiple charges of sexual abuse alleged to have occurred between 1994 and 1996.
The charges come after an extensive investigation into abuse allegations connected to St. Thomas the Apostle School and rectory, along with other locations.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Attorney General Jennings highlighted the gravity of the case, stating, "The State's indictment alleges a pattern of gravely serious abuse against a juvenile by two adults in a position of trust. These kinds of cases keep us up at night - but they also give us purpose. The victim in this case suffered profound trauma over a period of years and deserves justice."
Jennings also acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and social workers throughout the investigation.
The investigation began following an anonymous report to the Diocese of Wilmington regarding alleged abuse by John Taggart and Father John Francis O'Brien, who is now deceased. The Wilmington Police Department's inquiry revealed evidence that Taggart repeatedly abused a victim during their time in the 7th and 8th grades at St. Thomas. The abuse reportedly continued when the victim entered high school.
Taggart served as a priest at St. Thomas the Apostle from 1987 to 1998 before being relocated to St. John the Apostle in Milford in January 1999, and subsequently to St. Helena's in Wilmington in January 2001. He resigned from active ministry in 2004 and currently resides in Georgia.
The investigation also implicated Christopher Crisona, who was a teacher at St. Thomas during the 1994-1995 and part of the 1995-1996 school years. Crisona was removed from his teaching position in 1996 following a student complaint.
He later worked at St. Matthew's, Corpus Christi, and St. Hedwig's schools, all in Wilmington, between 1999 and 2000. Crisona is currently employed as an elementary school teacher in Florida.
Charges Against the Defendants
John Taggart faces the following charges:
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
- Two counts of Dangerous Crime Against a Child
- Two counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration 3rd Degree
- Four counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse 1st Degree
- One count of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd Degree
Christopher Crisona has been charged with:
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
- Three counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse 1st Degree
- Unlawful Sexual Penetration 3rd Degree
- Two counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd Degree
Release of Information and Public Assistance
The Delaware Department of Justice is actively seeking additional information or potential victims due to the professional backgrounds of the accused.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact authorities at (302) 577-5293 or via email at ReportAbuse@delaware.gov.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting when individuals in positions of trust are suspected of abuse. Law enforcement and legal professionals continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served.
NOTE: This release discusses alleged sexual violence and child abuse and could bring up strong feelings for readers. If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, you can contact the National Rape Crisis Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) or, locally, contact the YWCA Sexual Assault Resource Center at 1-800-773-8570.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.
