Allegations of abuse made against Fr. Deyo

September 2, 2004

Bishop William Franklin of the Diocese of Davenport recently announced that Father Paul Deyo is the subject of a diocesan investigation of alleged sexual abuse of a minor in that diocese. In response, the Diocese of Sioux City and Catholic Schools of Sioux City released the following statement.

Father Paul Deyo served at Bishop Heelan High School from 2000 to 2003. During the 2000-01 and 2001-02 school years, he served as Dean of Students. He assumed the role of principal of Bishop Heelan for the 2002-03 school year.

When he was hired at Heelan from the Diocese of Davenport, there had been no allegations of any sexual misconduct. The Diocese of Sioux City was informed in late May 2003, that an allegation had been made against Father Deyo concerning an incident in the Davenport Diocese.

Soon after the Diocese of Sioux City was informed by the Diocese of Davenport, Father Deyo returned to his home diocese where the investigation into the allegation had begun.

During Father Deyo's three years at Bishop Heelan High School, neither the Catholic Schools of Sioux City nor the Diocese of Sioux City were made aware of any alleged instance of sexual misconduct. Consistent with its policy, the Diocese of Sioux City encourages anyone with concerns regarding clergy sexual misconduct with minors to contact the Chancery office at (712) 255-7933 or the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (712) 279-5610 or (866) 435-4397.