Punta Gorda priest at center of sexual abuse cases in Sarasota, Charlotte counties dies

Father Leo Riley, a priest from the Diocese of Venice, has died. A suggestion of death has been filed in both Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

Riley was at the center of multiple lawsuits related to inappropriate conduct. In April 2024, he was arrested after four men from Iowa accused him of sexual abuse during the 1980s when they were altar boys. However, those criminal charges were dropped due to the statute of limitations.

Riley was scheduled for a trial in March 2026 in Sarasota. A plaintiff, identified as John Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against Riley and the Diocese of Venice in 2020, alleging abuse during his youth at church.

Due to Riley's death, John Doe's attorney, Damian Mallard, confirmed to WINK News that the case has been removed from the trial docket. In Florida, a lawsuit cannot be filed against a deceased individual, so Riley's estate will now be substituted as the defendant. A new trial date has not yet been set.

Mallard stated that Riley's death will not impact the case since Riley's deposition was pre-recorded and his testimony will still be presented in court.

"I'm curious to know how he passed because this all comes in the midst of a sexual molestation scandal," said Mallard. "We don't have any idea, but we will find out."

In Charlotte County, three additional civil cases were filed in 2024 by three separate individuals, also identified as John Doe, against Riley and the Diocese of Dubuque in Iowa. No trial dates are on the docket for these cases.

Riley died on Dec. 16 in Punta Gorda at the age of 69. Joe Whitehead, a retired Naples Police detective and close friend of Riley's, called Riley's death a shocking one.

"I was very surprised," said Whitehead. "I was, and it is a huge loss, and that's a person I'm used to talking to on a regular basis. Now that opportunity is gone."

Whitehead defended Riley's memory, describing the accusations made against him as unfounded and recalling Riley's generosity.

"He was a man of his word. He was charitable," said Whitehead. "There was nothing in his makeup that would have led him down the path of doing any of these ridiculous things these ridiculous accusations mentioned. He was very credible, very charitable, and put others before himself all the time."

Riley's brother, Michael Riley, also spoke out on Riley's behalf in an interview with WINK News back in April 2024: "He has devoted his life to God, and he’s a remarkable person, and how he’s being portrayed is not only misleading, but it’s criminal."

WINK News reached out to Riley's family following the news of Riley's death. Riley's brother, Chris Riley, said they were not ready to speak to the press yet and were still evaluating what to say as a family.

"I know his brothers and sister as well, and it's a loss for them, but I'm confident that there is an afterlife, and he's going to have a good place in that afterlife," said Whitehead.

Riley was ordained in 1982 in the Diocese of Dubuque and was incardinated in the Diocese of Venice in 2005. Riley began his service in the Diocese of Venice in 2002 and served as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. Father Riley also served as Pastor of San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte from 2019 to May 2023.

The Diocese of Venice released a statement mourning Riley's loss, saying funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.

"Please pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family," said Karen Barry Schwarz, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Venice, in a statement. "May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace."