Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Notes: Worked at Boys’ school run by state and then ran a boys’ ranch operated by Santa Fe Archdiocese. State of NM knew of allegations in 1971. Accused of sexually abusing and beating residents. Church ranch was closed after one boy died. At least one civil suit filed 1994 by 2 men. Archb. Sanchez received complaints 1976; sent another priest to investigate. Ranch closed shortly thereafter but Donelan remained priest until death in 1994. Lawsuit filed 5/17 by man alleging sex abuse by Donelan and Rev. Laurier Labreche in late 1980s when man was an 11- to 13-year-old altar boy, at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque.
Sources: Albuquerque Journal 03.01.95; Associated Press 07.17.99; Case Study by Leon Podles 04.11.09; Albuquerque Journal 05.15.17; Taos News 05.20.17; http://bishop-accountability.org/