3 priests that served Hawthorne church named in abuse report

The Reno Catholic Diocese of Reno released the names of 12 former Northern Nevada priests who had been “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors, in their press release.

In that release, the following had served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Hawthorne. Those listed are as follows:

• Eugene Braun (removed from the ministry in 1974) – Served OLPH in 1957. Braun is currently still living.

• Robert Despars (deceased) – Served OLPH in 1954

• William Duff (deceased) – Served OLPH from 1973-1974

Anyone who has been abused is urged to contact local law enforcement. Victim assistance coordinators are available from the diocese and can be reached by contacting the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Hotline at 1-844-669-8911.