A man who alleges a former Diocese of Scranton priest sexually abused him can remain anonymous in court filings related to the lawsuit, a Lackawanna County judge ruled.

William Jeffrey Paulish, of Olyphant, is among several defendants named in a lawsuit Philadelphia attorney Gerald Williams filed in November on behalf of a 29-year-old man identified by the pseudonym "Richard Roe."

The suit alleges Paulish groped Williams' client on several occasions between October 2006 and May 2007. Among other assignments, Paulish served for a time at Most Precious Blood parish in Hazleton.

In addition to Paulish, the lawsuit names as defendants the diocese, current bishop the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera and retired bishops James C. Timlin and Joseph F. Martino.

Williams sought to file a copy of the lawsuit revealing the man's identity under seal. That would ensure his client would not be exposed to the "shame and humiliation" associated with being a sexual abuse victim, while providing Paulish and other defendants important information they need to defend the case.

Paulish's attorney, Harry Coleman,objected to the request.

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle granted the motion Thursday. The order also directs all attorneys to keep the man's identity confidential and remove any information that might identify him all future court filings and proceedings.

Ordained as a priest in 1988, Paulish served at several locations throughout the region, including St. Cecelia's Church in Exeter, St. Elizabeth Church in Bear Creek Twp. and Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137

@tmbeseckerTT