New Child Sex Abuse and Coverup Lawsuit Filed
Against Archdiocese of Miami
Suit Names Well-Known Priest, Former Host of Archdiocesan
TV and Radio Programs
Suit Claims Priest Admitted to Abusing Kids in 1980, More Than
A Decade Before Abuse of this Victim
WHAT
A news conference to announce the filing of a new child sexual abuse and coverup lawsuit against the ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI for alleged sexual abuse by RICARDO CASTELLANOS, the former host of Archdiocese TV and radio programming who was removed in 2002 amidst other allegations of abuse
WHEN/WHERE
TODAY, MAY 2, 2012, 1:00pm, at the offices of Herman, Mermelstein and Horowitz, P.A., 18205 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2218, Miami (building entrance around the corner from Starbucks, elevator to second floor)
DETAILS
JEFF HERMAN, a nationally recognized advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, announces the filing of a new lawsuit against the ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI for the alleged sexual abuse of a young boy by FR. RICARDO CASTELLANOS, former parish pastor of SAN ISIDRO parish in Pompano.
The lawsuit claims that John Dorman was sexually abused by CASTELLANOS in the rectory and offices of San Isidro parish, where CASTELLANOS was also a popular Archdiocesan radio and TV personality. The suit claims that CASTELLANOS ingratiated himself with the Dorman family and, in a time of family crisis, seized upon an opportunity to sexually abuse John more than 150 times. The abuse is alleged to have occurred between 1994-1997, starting when John was about 10 years old. The suit claims that John was also forced to watch on multiple occasions as CASTELLANOS sexually abused a mentally disabled boy from the parish.
CASTELLANOS was removed from ministry in 2002 in the wake of allegations that he abused young boys during the Mariel Boatlift, allegations that were corroborated by another Archdiocesan priest who says that CASTELLANOS admitted to having sexual contact with at least one boy when confronted in approximately 1980. CASTELLANOS retired in 2004 and continues to reside in the Miami area.
Dorman v. Archdiocese of Miami, Inc.was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court early Wednesday morning. Copies of the Complaint will be available at the news conference.
The alleged victim, John Dorman, will be present at the news event via telephone and will give a brief statement to reporters.
CONTACT
Jeff Herman, Esq: 305 931 2200 (office); jherman@hermanlaw.com
Jessica Arbour, Esq: 305 931 2200 (office); jarbour@hermanlaw.com