Honk News (Wilmington, DE) – Authorities in Delaware have taken action against two individuals, a former priest and an elementary school educator, after an inquiry into claims of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1990s.
Law enforcement authorities have announced that John Taggart, 80, a former priest, along with Christopher Crisona, 57, faces serious charges including continuous sexual abuse of a child and unlawful sexual intercourse. These charges stem from an investigation into their alleged misconduct during their tenure at St. Thomas the Apostle School and rectory between 1994 and 1996.
Authorities revealed that the claims against this duo came to light following an inquiry into Taggart and the late Father John Francis O’Brien, focusing on their tenure at St. Thomas the Apostle.
According to officials, this inquiry revealed that Taggart is accused of repeatedly mistreating a victim during the child’s seventh and eighth-grade years at the church’s school.
Officials claim that the mistreatment persisted even after the child entered high school.
Taggart served at the church from 1987 until 1998, and in January 1999, officials announced his transfer to St. John the Apostle church in Milford, Delaware.
Taggart previously served at St. Helena’s in Wilmington, Delaware, but officials noted that he currently resides in Georgia following his retirement in 2004.
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New findings have emerged regarding accusations against Crisona, who allegedly abused the same victim during his tenure as a teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School.
Crisona was employed at the schools during the 1994-1995 academic year but was dismissed the subsequent year due to a complaint from a student, according to officials.
Crisona began his career at St. Matthew’s in Wilmington in 1999, followed by a position at Corpus Christi later that same year. Officials noted that he also took on a role at St. Hedwig’s in 2000.
According to police officials, he is presently working as an elementary school teacher in Florida.
“The State’s indictment alleges a pattern of gravely serious abuse against a juvenile by two adults in a position of trust,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings in a statement. “As prosecutors, and as parents, these kinds of cases keep us up at night — but they also give us purpose. The victim in this case suffered profound trauma over a period of years and deserves justice. I’m grateful to the police, prosecutors, and social workers who have been critical to this investigation and who are committed to getting justice.”
The Diocese of Wilmington, Del., confirmed to NBC10 that Taggart was taken into custody on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Crisona was taken into custody at his residence in Orlando, Florida, on March 3, 2025, according to officials from the diocese.
Diocese representatives stated their ongoing commitment to collaborating with law enforcement authorities.
Authorities have indicated that, given the seriousness of the claims and the backgrounds of the two individuals involved, the Delaware Department of Justice is looking for additional potential victims.