Former priest arrested for sexual abuse at St. Agnes

A former priest at St. Agnes School in Baltimore County is facing serious criminal charges. Father William "Bill" Mannion is accused of sexually abusing a former student over several years while the boy was in school. The alleged abuse happened in the school's monastery. The victim, now in his 40s, reported that Mannion would perform sexual acts on him. The abuse reportedly began when the boy was in second grade and continued until he was in fourth grade. The man told police that Mannion used manipulation, saying the boy must follow his orders to avoid harming his family. Mannion was arrested on Monday after the victim revealed the abuse to his therapist in 2023. He remains in custody, facing four felony charges related to child abuse and sex offenses. Court documents indicate Mannion's alleged offenses occurred mainly from 1991 to 1994. The victim said that the abuse would intensify during specific school years, but he felt relief when it stopped in fifth grade. Mannion's attorney has not commented in detail, stating they are still gathering information. This case comes after a Maryland Attorney General’s report highlighted decades of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, in which Mannion's name was mentioned but not as an alleged abuser. Police believe there may be more victims of Mannion's abuse and are encouraging them to come forward. They have provided contact information for anyone needing support or wishing to report additional information.