Priest and teacher facing extradition on child sex abuse charges

WILMINGTON- Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with multiple counts of child sexual abuse that allegedly took place between 1994 and 1996.

John Taggart, 80, a former priest, and Christopher Crisona, 57, a former teacher, are facing felony charges following an investigation into abuse allegations at St. Thomas the Apostle School and its rectory, as well as other locations.

“The State’s indictment alleges a pattern of gravely serious abuse against a juvenile by two adults in a position of trust,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. 

“As prosecutors, and as parents, 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. I’m grateful to the police, prosecutors, and social workers who have been critical to this investigation and who are committed to getting justice.”

The investigation began after an anonymous report to the Diocese of Wilmington led to the Wilmington Police Department. 

Authorities say they found evidence that Taggart, who served as a priest at St. Thomas the Apostle from 1987 to 1998, repeatedly abused a victim during their seventh and eighth grade years. The abuse allegedly continued after the victim left St. Thomas and entered high school.

Taggart later served at other parishes before resigning from active ministry in 2004. 

Investigators also uncovered allegations against Crisona, who was a teacher at St. Thomas from 1994 to 1996. He was removed from the school mid-year following a student complaint and later worked at several other Catholic schools in Wilmington. Crisona is currently employed as an elementary school teacher in Florida.

Taggart faces multiple felony charges, including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Dangerous Crime Against a Child, and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse. Crisona is charged with similar offenses, including Unlawful Sexual Contact and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Both men are pending extradition and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Delaware Department of Justice is urging any additional victims or individuals with relevant information to come forward. 

Reports can be made by calling (302) 577-5293 or emailing [email protected].