Fr. Patrick J. Cotter: Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Minors

Fr. Patrick J. Cotter

Ordained: 1957
Assignments:
  • 1957: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Maywood, CA
  • 1958-1959: St. Gregory Nazianzen Catholic Church, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1959: St. Pius X Huigh School, Downey, CA
  • 1960: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Maywood, CA
  • 1961: St. Bernard Catholic Church, Bellflower, CA
  • 1962: St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Bell Gardens, CA
  • 1963-1964: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pomona, CA; Pomona Catholic High School
  • 1965: Holy Family Catholic Church, South Pasadena, CA
  • 1965: St. Eugene Church, Los Angeles, CA; Ireland (6-month leave)
  • 1965: St. Vibiana, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1966: St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO (Patient)
  • 1966: St. Vibiana, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1967-1970: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1971: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Downey, CA
  • 1972: Absent on sick leave, Location Unknown
  • 1973-1975: St. Ambrose Catholic Church, West Hollywood, CA
  • 1976: Retired, Location Unknown
  • 1977-2018: Unknown

Fr. Cotter was born in Ireland and ordained in Los Angeles. In 2002, a Los Angeles Times article stated that detectives investigated allegations that Fr. Cotter was involved with a girl while assigned at St. Joseph Church from 1962 to 1964. Fr. Cotter has also been accused of abuse at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in West Hollywood from 1973 to 1975. In 1975, the Archdiocese’s Personnel Board recommended that Fr. Cotter retire. At least two survivors have come forward alleging abuse by Fr. Cotter and he was named in a civil lawsuit in 2003. His name was included on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ 2004 list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors. Fr. Cotter was last known to be living in Pasadena, CA. Fr. Cotter’s status as a priest, his current whereabouts and whether he has access to children are unknown.