Categories: Uncategorized

Priest and teacher facing extradition on child sex abuse charges

Christopher Crisona, 57, a former teacher, (left) and John Taggart, 80, a former priest.

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].


Source: delawarelive.com…

admin

Recent Posts

Eagles Extend T Lane Johnson Through 2027

Lane Johnson is now on the Eagles’ books through the 2027 season. The team announced…

6 hours ago

Governor Meyer urges quick approval of Senate Bill 21

Delaware State Senate passes Senate Bill 21. (Photo from delaware.gov) WILMINGTON-  Governor Matt Meyer introduces …

11 hours ago

Eagles Extend OT Lane Johnson Through 2027

Lane Johnson is now on the Eagles’ books through the 2027 season. The team announced…

14 hours ago

Eagles Sign Azeez Ojulari

The Eagles will look to a former Giant to help fill their edge rush void. Azeez…

15 hours ago

WEEKLY REPORT – PHILADELPHIA MAYOR CHERELLE L. PARKER DELIVERS HER FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET ADDRESS TO CITY COUNCIL

March 14, 2025 Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker recently presented her proposed $6.7 Billion Fiscal…

18 hours ago

Newark Police Department honors officers and staff at special ceremony

The Newark Police Department presented honors and awards Thursday. (All photos courtesy of the Newark…

18 hours ago

This website uses cookies.