Parker Waichman LLP

Major Sexual Abuse Cases Within Church

The Boston Archdiocese scandal is the latest in a series of cases that involve sexual abuse by priests. Here are some of the major cases: 1985: Louisiana ” In what is considered the first public case of its kind, the Rev. Gilbert Gauthe admitted he sexually abused altar boys and members of the Lafayette Parish […]

Major Sexual Abuse

The Boston Archdiocese scandal is the latest in a series of cases that involve sexual abuse by priests. Here are some of the major cases:

1985: Louisiana ” In what is considered the first public case of its kind, the Rev. Gilbert Gauthe admitted he sexually abused altar boys and members of the Lafayette Parish Boy Scout troop. Gauthe was eventually sentenced to 20 years in prison. In the following years, the church paid at least $18 million to an estimated 70 victims and their families. Church officials admitted Gauthe was reassigned to a third parish church after suspicions were raised as early as 1974 about his behavior with young boys at two parishes he served.

1990: Minneapolis ” A jury awarded $3.5 million to a man who sued church authorities. He said he had been sexually abused by a priest when he was a boy. The man and his parents alleged that the church officials showed willful indifference by failing to remove the priest from duty though they knew of his 20-year history of abusing boys. The archdiocese changed the way it screens candidates.

140 sexual-abuse lawsuits were filed against the archdiocese.

1991: New Mexico ” A long-running scandal began in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Eventually 17 priests were implicated, many of them who were sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, a retreat that specializes in the treatment of pedophiles. More than 140 sexual-abuse lawsuits were filed against the archdiocese. Diocesan officials say the total settlement cost about $50 million.

1992: Chicago ” After apologizing for a priest whose sexual misconduct continued after he was transferred to another parish, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin appointed a committee of lay people to review archdiocesan policies, including allegations made against some 50 priests over the past 40 years. A nine-member board, including six laypeople, was created to review all complaints and determine accused priests’ fitness to serve.

1997: Dallas ” Former altar boys who claimed to have been molested by a priest won a record $119.6 million settlement. They said several Diocese of Dallas officials, including two bishops, knew of the abuse for years but did not take appropriate action. The plaintiffs accepted $23.4 million a year later rather than risk the chance the diocese would have filed for bankruptcy.

2001: Los Angeles ” The Orange County Diocese and Los Angeles Archdiocese announced a $5.2-million payout to an alleged victim of sexual abuse by a well-known priest. The dioceses also agreed to 11 rules, including a rule that says priests cannot be alone with minors in social situations, but it doesn’t apply to routine church activities.

Need Legal Help Regarding Major Sexual Abuse Cases?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I wanted to thank Ms.Benita Rollis, of Parker Waichman LLC for seeing me through this entire process. Your professionalism in seeing me through this case was exemplary. Ms. Rollis is a 10 in my book. Thank you and regards
Avril Kendall
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Thankyou for all the hard work and time you put in for helping me with my case Christina "Tina" Morace I really appreciate all you have done MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY stay safe
thomas smith
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP is a very Professional and knowledgeable in the work that they do. They worked tirelessly in bringing my case to a Great outcome. I am satisfied with their work and I recommend their services. Thank You Benita Rollis for your hard work and dedication. YOU MADE IT HAPPEN FOR ME.
Pamela Wilkes
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038