Diocese of Trenton Facing Multiple Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Posted on: July 14, 2020 Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
The Diocese of Trenton is facing at least 10 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse; all filed by the same attorney. Over the almost last two decades since the Boston Globe expose in 2002, the public has become more aware of the Roman Catholic Church’s ongoing cover-up of child abuse. What the Diocese of Trenton is facing is the increased pressure from state officials , state office, and plaintiff attorneys seeking accountability and justice.
At the center of two lawsuits is Francis McGrath. He served as a priest in the Diocese of Trenton at Saint Anthony’s in Hamilton and as a teacher at McCorristin Catholic High School, now known as Trenton Catholic Academy. McGrath is currently removed from ministry.
Other clergy abuse lawsuits involve:
- Gregory Vaughan, a former priest at St. Raphael’s in Hamilton, NJ who has been removed from ministry.
- Douglas Hermansen, a former Notre Dame High School Chaplin in Lawrenceville, NJ who has been removed from ministry
- Frank Iazettta (deceased), a former Notre Dame High Faculty member in Lawrenceville, NJ
- Ronald Becker (deceased), a former Diocese of Trenton priest
New Jersey has taken some positive steps in supporting Catholic clergy sex abuse survivors. In 2018, the state created a Clergy Task Force which investigates sexual abuse claims. New Jersey legislators also created a ‘revival window’ which gives child sex abuse victims the ability to file claims against their abuser even if there statute of limitations had previously expired.
In 2019, The Diocese of Trenton publicly announced that 31 of its former clergy members had been deemed ‘credibly accused’ of sexually abusing a minor. In addition, the Diocese of Trenton also setup an Independent Victim Compensation Program (IVCP) although some argue it does more to benefit the Diocese. Sexual abuse victims’ attorney, John W. Baldante, in a quote to The Trentonian, stated that the IVCP is a “thinly veiled effort to settle atrocities cheaply.” Others argue it give sexual abuse survivors options which include not having to file their case in court or go through the ordeal of a trial.
The entire article can be viewed here.
Looking for a Sexual Abuse Lawyer for a Claim Against the Diocese of Trenton?
If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Trent or any other New Jersey diocese, contact our firm today. Our firm handles New Jersey sexual abuse lawsuits and can help you understand how long you have to file a clergy abuse claim in the state of New Jersey. Call us now at 1-800-941-7209 for a FREE and PRIVATE consultation. Don’t wait; your time to file a claim may be limited.