Fr. Richard Coughlin is Ordained a priest in the Catholic Church in Brighton, MA.  He continues to serve his first assignment in the Archdiocese of Boston for over 10 years, during which time he also earns a Masters Degree in Education.

In June of 1965, Coughlin is abruptly moved across the country to Los Angeles to continue ministering as a Catholic Priest.  Reasoning for the switch are left unspoken, but later allegations will be made by a man in Boston that he was sexually molested by Coughlin as a young boy.

Fr. Coughlin founds the All American Boys Chorus.  A choir of young boys who he will coach and develop into masterful singers.  He will also be accused of molesting many of them.

The father of one of Fr. Coughlin’s chorus boys complains to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles about possible sexual abuse suffered by his some by Fr. Coughlin.  The Archdiocese of Los Angeles takes the report but does nothing to discipline Coughlin.  The All American Boys Chorus continues.

Fr. Coughlin goes on “vacation” to the Benedictine Monastery of St Charles near Oceanside, CA.  The monastery is known as a place where accused molesters are sent to “cool off” after complaints are raised.  Fr. Coughlin’s status as a teacher at St. Michael’s Prep remains in good standing and he continues to retain permission working with the All American Boys Chorus.

A boy named Matthew Rohel complains about being sexually molested by Fr. Coughlin to the directors of the All American Boys Chorus.  The chorus takes no action.

A man from Boston, MA reports to the Archdiocese of Boston about having been sexually molested by Fr. Coughlin when he was a boy in Boston.  The Archdiocese of Boston forwards the report to Los Angeles, but no actions are taken by either Diocese to discipline or investigate Coughlin.

Fr. Coughlin is granted “Active Leave” from the Diocese of Orange to commit all of his time to the All American Boys Chorus.

The Boston man who waged a complaint to the Archdiocese of Boston, confronts Fr. Coughlin and the directors of the All American Boys Chorus about having been sexually molested by Coughlin.  Coughlin doesn’t deny the incidents.  The directors of the All American Boys Chorus take no action.

Amidst several more complaints, the Diocese of Orange begins an internal investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse by boys of the All American Boys Chorus.  Fr. Coughlin’s ministry continues during the investigation despite his retired status.

The Diocese of Orange concludes its investigation, but makes no public statements regarding its findings.  Fr. Coughlin is suspended from the Diocese and begin receiving retirement payments from them.  Meanwhile, not less than four more men come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by Coughlin.  Several lawsuits are filed but fall short of the statute of limitations.

With continued reports of sexual abuse by Fr. Coughlin from All American Boys Chorus Alumni, the Placentia Police Department opens a criminal investigation which will last for two years.  From 1997 to 1999 at least two abuse reports are made to the Placentia P.D.  Coughlin is never charged.

Coughlin is reprimanded by the Diocese of Orange for saying masses, without permission, in North San Diego County.  It is reported that Coughlin is still working with boys choirs without permission as well.

One of Fr. Coughlin’s victims, now a grown man, commits suicide.