TOP 10 of 2020: Bransfield Saga Stuns the Ohio Valley
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WHEELING -- Anger and disgust blanketed the Catholic faithful in West Virginia in 2020 after former bishop Michael Bransfield offered what many considered a hollow apology for his years of misconduct.
The apology came nearly two years after Bransfield retired amid an investigation into his lavish lifestyle and spending, claims of excessive alcohol and prescription use, plus accusations of sexual misconduct involving seminarians.
Pope Francis ordered the investigation in 2018. It was led by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.
The investigation reported that Bransfield had a history of sexual and financial misconduct. It revealed details of his excessive spending that included nearly $1 million in private jets and more than $660,000 in plane trips and hotels during his 13-year tenure as bishop.
He reportedly spent $60,000 in diocesan funds on jewelry at a Washington, D.C. shop. He also purchased a large TV for a clergy friend in Rome.
The investigation showed that between 2007-18, Bransfield spent $4.6 million on his Wheeling home, $737,244 on his Charleston home, and $697,106 on construction of a Wheeling retirement condo which ended before it was completed.
Bransfield's financial reach involved the diocese's Wheeling Hospital. In 2014, he established the Bishop's Fund which generated revenue through Wheeling Hospital's malpractice insurance entity, Mountaineer Freedom Risk Retention Group. Bransfield regularly helped himself to that funding
The Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston sought to recoup $800,000 from the retired bishop, however the Vatican settled on a sum of $441,000. Bransfield also was stripped of his ability to offer Mass or to reside within the diocese that encompasses the entire state of West Virginia. His Wheeling home was sold for $1.2 million, far less than he spent on remodeling it. Money from the sale was placed in a fund to aid victims of sexual abuse in West Virginia.
In August, newly appointed Bishop Mark Brennan released the text of Bransfield's apology which infuriated many within the church and communities he served.
"I am writing to apologize for any scandal or wonderment caused by words or actions attributed to me during my tenure as Bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese," Bransfield stated in his August apology. "There have been allegations that by certain words and actions I have caused certain priests and seminarians to feel sexually harassed.
"That was never my intent," he continued. "If anything I said or did caused others to feel that way, then I am profoundly sorry."
Brennan said he, like many others, believed that Bransfield "got off far too lightly."
To date, Bransfield has not been charged with any crimes.