A former Pueblo Marianist brother is listed among the 10 child abusers with the most victims, according to a group that tracks sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy.At least 40 complaints have been filed against William Mueller in Colorado, Texas and Missouri, the Pueblo Chieftain reported Sunday.
"We've only known about this guy for less than three years, and already 40 people have come forward," said David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, better known as SNAP.
"Once all is known, and I'm estimating conservatively, I'd guess that the victims number at least in the 60s. He will probably end up being one of the top 10 worst abusers we've ever seen in terms of sheer numbers."
The Society of Mary religious order has been contacted by at least a dozen more alleged victims whose cases are still being studied. They allege that while pretending to be pursuing a master's degree in psychology he asked them to submit to experiments involving, ether, heavy breathing, blindfolding and touching, the Chieftain reported.
Clohessy said Mueller's alleged abuse is almost unparalleled.
"We typically see two different kinds of abusers in these situations: Those who use terror or violence to coerce victims, and others who use manipulation. William Mueller was the worst of both worlds. Because of his use of chemicals and fear and threats of violence with weapons, he's among the worst predators."
Patrick Noaker, the Minnesota lawyer who represents Mueller accuser Bryan Bacon in a St. Louis lawsuit, said "he acted like a criminal" during a deposition, invoking his right to not incriminate himself. "We're used to seeing that kind of behavior from a street thug, not from clergy."
The Marianists have said Mueller spent time at a treatment center and left the order in 1986.
Details of his treatment were not available. He taught music at the now-closed Roncalli High School in Pueblo.
Mueller has been unavailable for comment.
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