Statement of the Diocese of Phoenix

Re: Arrest of teacher at St. Gregory School

February 7, 2011

The Diocese of Phoenix was notified on Saturday, February 5 that Carl Mosher, a teacher at St.
Gregory Parish School, was arrested early Saturday morning for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
The minor’s parents reported the matter to civil authorities on Friday evening, and the school was placed
on notice after that. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave.
School and diocesan officials are cooperating with the police investigation, which is ongoing. The
diocese, through its Office of Child and Youth Protection, has extended its assistance to the victim and the
victim’s family, and is prepared to extend its assistance to all who are part of the parish and school
community. The identity of the victim is being withheld as part of the police investigation.
The diocese has been advised by the Phoenix Police Department that Mr. Mosher was charged with
four counts of sexual conduct with a minor. The police have stated that Mr. Mosher engaged in a sexual
relationship with the minor between December of 2010 and February of 2011. The police have also stated
that there is nothing to suggest that other victims exist at this time.
The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to protecting all children and youth by submitting all of its
school employees to background checks and fingerprinting, and by offering classes designed to keep
children safe and prevent abuse. The Diocesan Policy and Procedure for the Protection of Minors requires
all clergy, employees and volunteers who directly serve minors to attend training on an annual basis. In
addition, all school-age children are trained with age-appropriate materials.
It is important to remember that this is an ongoing police matter, and there has been no determination
of guilt or innocence. As a matter of practice, we do not comment on the details of ongoing criminal cases,
so as to avoid interfering with any police investigations.
MORE
 The Diocese of Phoenix encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by any employee
of the Roman Catholic Church to contact the police and Child Protective Services. In addition, the
Diocese of Phoenix provides support services through its Office of Child and Youth Protection. Please
contact Paul Pfaffenberger at (602) 354-2396 or ocyp@diocesephoenix.org.
Please continue to pray for the end of all abuse and a greater respect of the dignity of the human
person.
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Please direct all media inquiries to Rob DeFrancesco, director of communications for the Diocese of
Phoenix: 602-354-2130 or rdefrancesco@diocesephoenix.org.