Members Resign From VA Diocese Panel

Five Members Resign From Virginia Diocese Sex Abuse Panel Over Priest’s Reinstatement

The Diocese of Richmond lost all five lay members of its sexual abuse panel when they resigned to protest the reinstatement of a priest accused of abusing teenage boys in the 1970s. The panelists had recommended in June that the Rev. John E. Leonard be removed from duty and hospitalized for counseling. But Bishop Walter […]

Four men accused Leonard of improper sexual behavior

Four men accused Leonard of improper sexual behavior when he was principal of the St. John Vianney Seminary, a boys high school in Goochland County that closed in 1978. A fifth man told the Virginian-Pilot newspaper of Norfolk this week that Leonard raped him while he was a student at the school in 1974.

The investigative report concluded the accusers were believable, while Leonard’s responses were not, according to The Virginian-Pilot, which obtained a copy.

Goochland County prosecutor Edward K. Carpenter began a criminal investigation Monday.

Leonard, who was put on leave in May when the investigation began, has denied the allegations. His lawyer, James C. Roberts, declined to comment Friday on the panel members’ resignations.

Sullivan is on vacation and could not be reached for comment, the Rev. Pasquale J. Apuzzo, diocese spokesman, said Friday.

The case is among the latest in a series of scandals involving priests accused of sexual abuse that has rocked the Roman Catholic church in the United States and abroad.

Need Legal Help Regarding Virginia Diocese Handling of Sex Abuse?

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).

My experience with Parker Waichman was very professional and thorough from the first day I met with Gerard Ryan regarding my 9/11 claim. He explained in detail how the process works. The paralegals on my case were wonderful in instructing me how to gather my information and what to do at the different stages of the claim. I first worked with Christina Morace followed by Shelly Davis and concluded with Gina Viti. Each of these women was very detailed and helpful in instructing me on what I needed to do. They were very professional, kind and pleasant in all my telephone conversations with them. I must give extra credit to Christina the first person that communicated with me after meeting with Gerard. At a certain stage Shelly Davis began working with me and I found her to be very professional, pleasant and detailed in her instructions. The final stage of the claim I worked with Gina who was also very kind and pleasant. It would have been a pleasure if I had met them in person. Thanks to each of them my case was successfully filed and accepted. Thanks Parker Waichman. Great job Gerald, Christine, Shelly and Gina. No hesitation in recommending you.

Edna Ellis

a year ago

Excellent law firm. I never had to leave the house. The researchers went to both the hospital and my own home to collect all the required information and followed up on the entire process. Don't make a bad decision by choosing this firm. The solution was convenient and quite fast compared to other nearby experiences. Linda and Jorge were very attentive to the entire process and were very concerned about a prompt resolution. Many thanks to your firm and your excellent secretaries and legal representatives Linda and Jorge from the Parker Waichman LLP firm. Congratulations on your efficient service.

Cristal N. Aguasvivas

a week ago

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Benita Rollis for the exemplary manner in which my case was handled from the inception to the end. Ms. Rollis was compassionate, friendly, understanding, professional, accurate, informative and patient. She took the time and effort to explain the process, timeline, the various documents involved and how to go about obtaining certain forms. She was definitely on point. If I had to go this route again, I would hands down, choose and highly recommend Ms. Rollis because she is highly competent in getting the job done. She is a definite asset to Parker Waichman LLP. On behalf of myself and my family we thank you for a job well done. Be well and be blessed. Margarita R. Mitchell

Margarita Mitchell

3 years 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.