Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

Former Student Files Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Portsmouth Abbey School and Former Teacher

April 9, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In late 2020, a former student at the Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming her former school teacher sexually abused her when she was a student and the school “failed to take any measures to investigate and put an end to the misconduct and protect its young student.”

Archdiocese of Chicago Agrees to Pay $1.5 Million to Settle Sex Abuse Claim

April 9, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Archdiocese of Chicago agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who claimed he was sexually abused as a child by defrocked priest Daniel McCormack back in the early 2000s. This Catholic Church settlement pushes the total to over $11 million paid to survivors who were abused by McCormack. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Archdiocese of Chicago has had to pay out millions of dollars in order to settle a sexual abuse claim against one of its clergy.

Pennsylvania Department of State Drops Ball on Constitutional Amendment

April 2, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

At the beginning of 2021, the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee overwhelmingly passed legislation focused on creating a revival window for child sexual abuse survivors. After passing the General Assembly in February, the bill should have been included on the May 2021 ballot so, if passed, the state’s constitution could be amended.

Hundreds of Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Filed in 2020 Against Catholic Church in New Jersey

April 1, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

More than 230 sexual abuse lawsuits were filed against the five Catholic dioceses in New Jersey from December 2019 to December 2020. The large number of lawsuits directly coincides with the state’s extension of its statute of limitations laws in civil actions for sexual abuse claims as well as its opening of a revival window which allows time barred claims to be brought before a specific date. The New Jersey revival window is set to close on November 30, 2021. Since it can often take years before a sexual abuse survivor feels comfortable enough to talk about being abused, extending the statute of limitations and opening the revival window gives victims an opportunity to receive some justice for what was done to them.

Diocese of Santa Fe Nearing Bankruptcy Reorganization Settlement

March 31, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In 2018, Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester announced that the Archdiocese would seek bankruptcy protection amidst the growing number of sexual abuse lawsuits. Nearly 3 years later, the committee set up to represent the survivors, along with the Archdiocese, have reached a confidential settlement.

Archdiocese of Chicago Investigating Separate Incidents of Sexual Abuse

March 29, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Archdiocese of Chicago suspended two priests from ministry within six weeks of each other due to independent allegations of child sexual abuse. Separate letters from Cardinal Blase Cupich stated that Rev. Daniel McCarthy and Rev. David Ryan were both asked to step away from ministry after the Archdiocese received allegations of sexual abuse of children against both priests.

Buffalo Diocese Sued By New York Attorney General Following Two-Year Investigation

March 24, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

After a two-year investigation, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the Diocese of Buffalo, alleging it covered up allegations of child sexual abuse and misused charitable assets by supporting predatory priests instead of following protocol and reporting them to authorities. Former Bishop Richard Malone and former Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz were also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

West Virginia Supreme Court Rules Religious Institutions Exempt from Consumer Protection Law

March 22, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In an opinion issued in late 2020, the West Virginia Supreme Court rejected Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s claim that the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston violated the state’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act (CCPA) when it hired “admitted and credibly-accused sexual abusers” to work in schools and camps without warning prospective consumers.” The majority opinion stated that the CCPA does not apply to services offered by religious institutions.

Catholic Church Parishioners Seek Financial Transparency from Dioceses

March 19, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

A survey done by Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) concludes that only five U.S. dioceses are financially transparent. According to its website, VOTF is “a lay organization of faithful Catholics. . .whose mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church.”

Texas Priest Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse

March 16, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Texas priest Father Manuel La Rosa-Lopez was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty to two charges of second-degree felony indecency with a child. The charges stem from when La Rosa-Lopez served at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe Texas in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Diocese of Scranton Faces 3 More Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

March 12, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Three sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the Scranton Diocese at the end of 2020 allege that church officials knew the accused clergy members were abusing children and instead of punishing those priests, they transferred them to other parishes.

Rhode Island Bill Seeks to Expand Perpetrator Definition Under Annie’s Law

March 10, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Rhode Island is reviewing a new bill to expand the current law’s definition of “perpetrator”, The bill is in response to state court rulings which, victims’ advocates say, have narrowed the meaning of the term “perpetrator” and has precluded victims of clergy sexual abuse from including a church or diocese in a lawsuit.

Lawyers for Sexual Abuse Victims say $300 Million Offered by Boy Scouts Falls Short

March 9, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

The Boy Scouts of America has offered to fund a trust with at least $300 million to compensate child sex abuse victims. The offer is part of a reorganization plan submitted by the Boy Scouts after filing for bankruptcy in 2020. The money will come from local councils, insurance policies and the sale of a collection of Norman Rockwell paintings.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Says Seattle Archbishop is Stonewalling Them

March 5, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Heal our Heart, the citizen-led group of prominent Catholics in Washington State discussed last April, are continuing their call for a public review of the “Seattle Archdiocese’s private records on clergy abuse.” The alliance remains resolute that a ‘truth and reconciliation’ approach to the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal will bring healing through transparency.

Illinois Priest Michael Pfleger Faces Sex Abuse Accusations

March 4, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

A popular Chicago priest is facing accusations he molested two brothers back in the 1970s when they were boys. The men, who now live in Texas, accused Father Michael Pfleger of sexually abusing them in his bedroom at the churches he served at on Chicago’s South Side. The brothers have chosen to remain anonymous since they still have family in Chicago and don’t want them to receive any backlash from Pfleger’s supporters.

Oakland Diocese Reaches Settlement with Sexual Abuse Victim

March 2, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In December of 2020, the Diocese of Oakland announced it reached a $3.5 million dollar priest sex abuse settlement with a former seminarian who asserted Father Michael Van Dinh raped him in 2017 at St. Michaels Parish in Livermore, CA. The seminarian did not wish to be identified and will be referred to here as ‘John Doe’

Priest Sexual Abuse Case in PA Could Open the Door for Other Survivors

February 26, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In Oct. 2020, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court heard oral arguments virtually and live-streamed via YouTube, for the Rice v. Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, et. al, case. This important legal battle could have major implications for priest and clergy abuse survivors regarding potential lawsuits.

Diocese of Charleston Faces Two Priest Abuse Lawsuits

February 24, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In a matter of seven days, the Catholic Diocese of Charleston found itself having to defend itself against two allegations of priest sexual abuse. The allegations of abuse span from 1961 through the mid-1970s.

Maryland Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

February 19, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

How long you have to file a clergy abuse lawsuit in Maryland is a common question. For some Maryland clergy abuse survivors, it may take years, even decades, to recall the abuse since traumatic events suffered as a child are often suppressed. Even survivors who haven’t repressed those memories often still need many years to process the pain and receive treatment or counseling before they are ready to share their stories.

Augustinians Agree to Settlement of $1.4 Million for Sexual Abuse Claims

February 18, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

A $1.4 million dollar settlement was reached with the Augustine Order involving sexual abuse allegations against deceased Rev. John J. Gallagher. The settlement compensates 11 survivors, 10 females and 1 male whom Gallagher abused between 1974 and 1978 during his time at St. Mary’s School in Lawrence, MA.

Pennsylvania Revival Window Moves Closer to Reality

February 6, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made headlines in August of 2018 with the release of the Diocese Victim Report, which came after a two-year grand jury investigation into sexual abuse and cover-ups in six of the eight Pennsylvania Dioceses. In its wake, Pennsylvania legislators took aim at updating laws involving sexual abuse and a survivor’s ability to pursue a civil action against an abuser and the institutions that covered it up.

Dioceses of Camden Files for Bankruptcy

February 5, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

On Oct. 1, 2020, the Diocese of Camden filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A press release subsequent to the filing cited COVID-19, payments already made through the Victims Compensation Program, and state legislative changes regarding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims as the reasons the Diocese sought bankruptcy protection.

What Does it Mean When a Priest or Clergy is ‘Credibly Accused’?

January 27, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Dioceses have been publishing lists of ‘credibly accused’ priests or clergy regarding child sexual abuse since 2002. However, many people may wonder what it means if a priest or clergy member has been credibly accused of sexual abuse. What standards, if any, are in place for a name to be added to a particular list? A look at the history and process of how these lists came to be may help show what it means if a name is on an ‘accused’ list.

Deadline Set for Filing Clergy Abuse Claims Against Diocese of Buffalo

January 25, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Chief Judge Carl L. Bucki of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of New York set the bar date for victims with claims of sexual abuse against the Diocese of Buffalo at August 14, 2021. A bar date is the date by which creditors (victims) need to submit proof of a claim. This means that victims have until August 14, 2021 to submit a claim against the Diocese of Buffalo in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The diocese will be required to notify the public of the August 2021 bar date via notices through mailings, publications, and postings.

Fr. Gary Carr Accused of Sexual Misconduct in Missouri

January 20, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In April, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau issued a press release stating that an allegation of physical/sexual misconduct against Father Gary Carr met the criteria for publication. In July, the diocese issued a second release finding that three more allegations against Carr also passed the threshold for publication. All four allegations were made by men who claim that Fr. Carr made inappropriate physical/sexual contact with them when they were boys.

Diocese of Phoenix Faces Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuits

January 13, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In 2020, child sexual abuse claims against two priests who served in the Diocese of Phoenix made headlines. Alleged claims of sexual abuse of children against Father John “Jack” Spaulding and Father John P. Doran are a bleak reminder of the scale of clergy abuse not only within the Diocese of Phoenix, but the Catholic church as a whole.

Survivors Step Forward Alleging Sexual Abuse at St. Anthony’s Home for Boys

January 11, 2021 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Three separate lawsuits have been filed by former residents against St. Anthony’s Home for Boys alleging childhood sexual abuse. The orphanage, which housed more than 6,000 boys in its 68 years of operation, was run for many years by the Sisters of St. Francis and closed its doors in the early 1980s.

Allegations of Sexual Abuse Emerge Against Two Priests Who Served in the Diocese of Greensburg, PA

December 16, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

Allegations of sexual abuse by two priests who served in the Greensburg Diocese were brought to light recently by the State Attorney General’s office and the diocese itself. Father Emil Payer’s name was released by the diocese as part of a report by Bishop Edward Malesic. The report stated that Payer’s name was being added to the diocese’s list of priests who served within the diocese and had one or more “credible and substantiated” allegations of child sexual abuse brought against them. The second priest, Father Andrew M. Kawecki, was arrested and charged with several sexual abuse crimes against a former altar boy.

How Long do I have to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit?

December 2, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Each state sets their own laws which govern how long a survivor has to file a claim, and the differences between states can be dramatic. Many clergy sexual abuse survivors are concerned about how long they have to file a lawsuit. Find general and state specific information regarding laws for filing a claim.

Sex Trafficking Charges Filed Against Northern Ohio Catholic Priest

November 25, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The sad reality is that clergy abuse is still an issue for the Catholic Church. Several parishes in northern Ohio, including those in the Toledo, Finlay, and Van Wert areas were reminded of that reality when on August 18, 2020, Father Michael Zacharias was arrested and charged with sex trafficking.

Judge Rules Clergy Abuse Survivors Can File Lawsuits Against Archdiocese of Santa Fe

November 23, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Bankruptcy Judge David T. Thuma is overseeing the Chapter 11 reorganization of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Thuma’s recent ruling would allow lawyers for clergy sex abuse survivors to file lawsuits against the diocese claiming it fraudulently transferred an estimated $150 million to avoid paying it to survivors. Lawyers for survivors allege the transfer of Archdiocese real estate and assets to parishes is an attempt to avoid bigger payouts to victims.

Number of Clergy Abuse Lawsuits Filed in Pennsylvania Surge

November 20, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Over the last few years, many states have passed reform bills to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse hold their abusers, and the institutions responsible for the abuse, accountable. Several states, including New York and California, have passed laws setting up what are commonly referred to as ‘revival windows.’ These ‘revival windows’ create a time frame for previously expired claims to be brought on behalf of the survivor.

Lexington KY Diocese Releases Accused Priest List

November 19, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

The Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky released a list of 20 priests who served in the diocese and have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor. The list was compiled after an independent investigation that reviewed all priest and church files, among other documents. The diocese notes in its official report that “the investigators were granted unlimited and unfettered access to all files and documents, all personnel, and all policies and procedures”.

Concordia Preparatory School Student Alleging Sexual Assault

November 12, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

A federal lawsuit filed by a former Concordia Preparatory School student contains several sexual assault allegations dating back to 2018 when she was a student. The lawsuit alleges the school looked the other way and failed to act even though the student repeatedly reported the incidents. The alleged assaults took place at the private school in Towson, MD, just north of Baltimore.

Diocese of Covington, KY Release List of Accused Clergy

November 9, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Diocese of Covington, Kentucky has released a list of priests who have served in its diocese and have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. The list comes after two former FBI agents spent almost a full year reviewing diocese records dating back to 1950. The comprehensive list contains the names of 59 priests and 31 others affiliated with the diocese dating back almost 70 years.

Survivor Payments Suspended by Camden Diocese IVCP

November 5, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Survivors who chose to seek clergy abuse compensation from the Diocese of Camden through the Independent Victim Compensation Program (“IVCP”) will have to wait a little longer. In July, the diocese suspended making new payments through its Independent Victim Compensation Program (“IVCP”). Camden diocese officials told program administrators Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille Biros the suspension was necessary because of a “precipitous decline in revenue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic”.

How Long Do I Have to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in New Jersey?

November 4, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

How long you have to file a clergy abuse lawsuit in New Jersey is a common question. For some New Jersey clergy abuse survivors, it may take years, even decades to recall the abuse since traumatic events suffered as a child are often suppressed. Even those who haven’t blocked those memories often still need many years to process the pain and receive treatment or counseling before they are ready to share their stories.

New York’s Child Victims Act Extended – Again

October 30, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits

For the second time since the law was initially passed in 2019, New York’s Child Victims Act (“CVA”) has been extended, providing more time for child sex abuse survivors to pursue legal claims, both criminally and civilly. The extension moves the new deadline to August 14, 2021.

New York’s Diocese of Rochester Files for Bankruptcy

October 30, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In September of 2019, the Diocese of Rochester filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Rochester. At the time of the filing, the petition noted the Diocese had $50-$100 million in assets, with liability estimates totaling $100 to $500 million. The Diocese of Rochester was the first New York diocese to choose Chapter 11 reorganization, however the Dioceses of Syracuse, Buffalo and Rockville Centre have all since filed as well. The Rochester diocese covers 12 upstate New York counties where an estimated 360,000 Catholics live.

Pontifical Secrecy Rule Lifted in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

October 26, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

In December of 2019 the Vatican issued an instruction called On the Confidentiality of Legal Proceedings which essentially removed the pontifical secrecy rule related to clergy sexual abuse or misconduct cases. The directive by the Vatican should help ease communication between church officials and civil authorities around the globe regarding abuse cases.

Connecticut Diocese Resolves Clergy Abuse Case

October 23, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Religious Institutions Sexual Abuse & Assault

Rev. James Kowalski, the former dean of New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, reached an agreement with the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to resolve an allegation of clergy sexual abuse against him which dates back to 1984. A young woman alleged Kowalski sexually abused her when he came to visit her during her freshman year at college. Kowalski’s connection to the alleged victim started when he was a newly ordained priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, Connecticut, when the complainant was in middle school. At the time of the alleged abuse, Kowalski was serving at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Hartford.

New York’s Rockville Centre Diocese Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

October 22, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Rockville Centre Diocese in New York, which covers the Long Island area, and is one of the largest dioceses in the country serving 1.4 million Catholics, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. The petition was filed on October 1 at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The filing was done to help the diocese manage legal expenses and facilitate settlements with sexual abuse survivors.

Lawyers Battle to Properly Value Dozens of Buffalo Diocese’s Properties

October 21, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Diocese of Buffalo filed for bankruptcy in February of this year in the wake of mounting clergy sexual abuse claims. The diocese opted for bankruptcy protection after seeing no other viable option to continue operating given the potential total future obligations the pending sexual abuse lawsuits could entail. The diocese continues to believe that bankruptcy doesn’t hurt abuse survivors, but only helps them by creating a compensation process that equally divides up funds among all abuse survivors, instead of favoring those who filed first.

Defrocked Priest Ronald Paquin Sentence Upheld In Maine

October 15, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld 10 of the 11 convictions against defrocked priest Ronald Paquin, who is currently serving out a 16-year sentence in Maine. Ronald Paquin was charged with abusing two boys during trips to Maine in the 1980s.

How Long do I have to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in Illinois?

October 14, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

How long you have to file a clergy abuse lawsuit in Illinois is a common question. For some Illinois clergy abuse survivors, it may take years, even decades, to recall the abuse since traumatic events suffered as a child are often suppressed. Even survivors who haven’t repressed those memories often still need many years to process the pain and receive treatment or counseling before they are ready to share their stories.

Additional Clergy Abuse Cases Filed Against Archdiocese of Newark

October 7, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Archdiocese of Newark is facing nine new sex abuse lawsuits that were recently filed. In total, four priests and three clerics from two different religious orders were named. One of the clerics, from the Xaverian Brothers, was accused of for the first time.

How Long do I have to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in California?

October 2, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

How long you have to file a clergy abuse lawsuit in California is a common question. For some California clergy abuse survivors, it may take years, even decades to recall the abuse since traumatic events suffered as a child are often suppressed. Even those who haven’t repressed those memories often still need many years to process the pain and receive treatment or counseling before they are ready to share their stories.

Lawsuit Alleges Former Cardinal McCarrick Involved in ‘Sex Ring’

September 30, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

A lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey Superior Court against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick for what’s being called a ‘sex ring’. The lawsuit is being brought by one of the survivors, who chose to remain anonymous, but is referenced as “Doe 14” in court documents. The complaint alleges Doe 14 was groomed to be part of a sex ring scheme that was headed up by then Bishop McCarrick. The complaint notes the scheme perpetuated over dozens of years and included multiple minors, some of which were seminarians, or those studying to become priests.

Multiple Clergy Abuse Lawsuits Filed against the Diocese of Ogdensburg New York

September 24, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Diocese of Ogdensburg was named in 20 lawsuits claiming clergy sexual abuse. Of those 20 filings, 7 new clergy members have been publicly identified for the first time. According to the Diocese of Ogdensburg website, since August 2019, 71 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against the Diocese.

Over $800k Awarded to British Columbia Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivor

September 22, 2020 / by Brett Katsma / Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge awarded clergy abuse survivor Rosemary Anderson $844,140 on August 25th, 2020 at the conclusion of her case. After the passing of her father in 1976, Rosemary Anderson sought out the Roman Catholic church for comfort. She was only 26. It was during that time she was sexually assaulted by priest Erlindo “Lindo” Molon. In her lawsuit against the Kamloops Roman Catholic Diocese, she claimed Erlindo Molon raped her 75 -100 times over many months.

1 2 3

HOW CAN WE HELP?

FREE Confidential Review

Need assistance with this form?

Why Choose Us?

Here is what one of our clients had to say:

“MOST OF ALL…..Thank you for the personal attention you and your firm have extended to me. I’m really just “Joe Citizen” and to receive this personal level of follow-up and personal attention is absolutely unprecedented in my 30 years of dealing with various attorneys and their respective firms. FEENEY LAW FIRM is undoubtedly a leader in the client relations category. No matter what the outcome….your group is a #1 and worthy of any qualified referrals I come across!!” Rich – Pekin,

Michael Feeney 2018-2020