Parker Waichman LLP

Man Files Lawsuit Against Stockton Catholic Dioceses

A Lawsuit Against Stockton Catholic Dioceses. A man who says he was molested by a now-deceased priest is suing the Catholic Diocese of Stockton and its former leader, Cardinal Roger Mahony, accusing Mahony of violating federal anti-racketeering laws by allegedly covering up the assault. The victim, identified in court papers only as Joe Doe, accuses […]

Stockton Catholic Dioceses

A Lawsuit Against Stockton Catholic Dioceses. A man who says he was molested by a now-deceased priest is suing the Catholic Diocese of Stockton and its former leader, Cardinal Roger Mahony, accusing Mahony of violating federal anti-racketeering laws by allegedly covering up the assault.

The victim, identified in court papers only as Joe Doe, accuses the Rev. Ferdinand Villalobos of sexually assaulting him between 1980 and 1983 while Villalobos was at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Stockton church officials said Villalobos died in the mid-1980s.

Mahony served as bishop of the Stockton diocese for five years before he was promoted to archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1985. He was named a cardinal in 1991.

“This has to do with a repressed-memory sort of thing,” said attorney Gaspar Garcia II, who represents the man who is now in his mid- to late 30s.

“He became a friend, apprentice or whatever of the perpetrator, who built his trust, lured him in and did these things which caused serious harm to his psyche,” Garcia said of his client.

A Stockton diocese spokeswoman, Sister Barbara Thiella, said Friday church leaders had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Los Angeles Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg also declined comment, saying church officials there had not seen the action either.

sex-abuse cases

Garcia said the lawsuit lists several other clergy sex-abuse cases to show former Stockton church leaders had a common practice of concealing sexual criminal acts.

The lawsuit, filed Jan. 31 in San Joaquin County Superior Court, is one of three to be brought against the Stockton diocese in recent days.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday by a 38-year-old woman accuses church leaders of covering up allegations a priest molested her nearly 30 years ago. Nancy Sloan of Fairfield says she was molested by Oliver O’Grady during a summer youth church camp in 1976 when she was 11.

In 1999, the diocese agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two brothers who claimed they were molested by O’Grady, who spent seven years in prison after pleading guilty to molestation charges. He was deported to his native Ireland in 2000.

A lawsuit filed Jan. 30 alleges a 43-year-old man listed as John Doe was sexually abused by a priest while attending St. Anne’s School in 1969-1970. The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of knowing about the assaults and failing to stop them.

The suits were brought under a new state law that suspends the statute of limitations on actions charging sex abuse. Previously, victims had until their 26th birthdays or three years after discovering their emotional problems were linked to molestation. The new law lifts those restrictions until the end of this year.

Need Legal Help Regarding Stockton Catholic Dioceses?

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
Positive: Professionalism Mr. Silverstein and Ms.Michelle Josama were excellent! Both were very knowledgeable about the case that we brought to them. We were very comfortable throughout this process and would retain their services in the future.”
Jason Bivens
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would highly recommend Parker Waichman for legal services. As part of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, I had some concerns about the process for applying for an award. This firm and especially Tina Morace made it quite easy. Tina handled all the detail professionally, sensitively and with compassion. I cannot overstate the confidence I had in her and this firm. They made a difficult situation much more comfortable.
Craig Evans
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness I had the pleasure of working with Parker Waichman and especially Christina Morace who did a professional and fantastic job keeping me updated with everything. I am truly happy wit tge firm and Christina Morace.
angela Walker
2 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.
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