Former Danville Resident Among Those Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

DANVILLE, CA — A deceased Catholic priest who lived in Danville and served in churches throughout California are among 263 in the Bay Area who were accused of sexual misconduct, according to a report released this week.

Fr. Mario Cimmarrusti was accused of sexual abuse by at least 12 victims, according to the report. Between 1965 and 1993, Cimmarrusti was assigned to several churches across the state. He was part of the Diocese of Oakland and living at the San Damiano Retreat House in Danville. He died in 2013.

Jeff Anderson & Associates says, "This report is intended to raise awareness about the important issue of clerical sexual abuse, provide the public with vital information including assignment histories, and provide awareness to survivors. Assignment histories are approximations and were compiled from The Official Catholic Directory, bishopaccountability.org and media reports."

The law firm emphasizes that "the allegations should be considered just allegations and should not be considered proved or substantiated in a court of law."

Of the 263 members of the clergy:

• 135 are from the Archdiocese of San Francisco
• 95 from the Diocese of Oakland
• 33 from the Diocese of San Jose

Read the full report here.