Priest In Abuse Investigation Served In Tulsa In 1960s

The Diocese of Tulsa is asking anyone who has knowledge of abuse by former priest Ben Zoeller to come forward. Zoeller is being investigated in Oklahoma City after someone reported suffering abuse at his hand in 1985.

Zoeller had been removed as a priest in 2002 and was defrocked in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, the archdiocese said. The new accusation was made Friday, August 17.

8/22/2018 Related Story: OKC Archdiocese Investigating Abuse Allegation

Zoeller's first assignment as a priest, from June 1965 to June 1968, was at the Church of St. Mary in Tulsa, a news release states.

The Diocese of Tulsa said anyone with knowledge of abuse to any priest is asked to report it at the Abuse of Minors Pastoral Response Hotline at 405-720-9878 or the Oklahoma Department of Human Services statewide abuse reporting hotline at 800-522-3511.