This week, nine lawsuits were filed against the Catholic Church amidst allegations of child sex abuse. The lawsuits claim that two priests were allowed to remain in clergy for years after church officials were made aware of the alleged abuse.
The accused clerics include four archdiocese priests and three members of religious orders.
The priests are Joseph Rice, Gerald Sudol, Kenneth Martin and John Capparelli and all 4 were named on a list of credibly accused clerics the archdiocese issued last year.
The lawsuits also include allegations against John Dagwell and Peter Russell, two members of the Xaverian Brothers religious order. They both worked at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale in the 1980s.
According to an archdiocesan newspaper article, Contardo Omarini, of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers, was accused of sexually abusing three young siblings at St. Bernard parish in Plainfield in the late 1950s – 1960s.
The lawsuits were filed under the Child Victim Law, which suspends the statute of limitations for two years. These lawsuits are among the dozens of other lawsuits already filed against the state’s five Catholic dioceses.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, Herman Law may be able to help you achieve justice. Jeff Herman is a trailblazer in the representation of victims of sexual abuse, devoting 100% of his practice to the cause. Renowned for his aggressive and tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients, and his determination to help his clients heal through the litigation process, Jeff understands the unique issues involved in the representation of survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Jeff Herman and his team only handle sexual abuse cases and have represented over 2,000 victims since 1997. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis. Now is the time to reach out, seek justice and begin to heal.
Please contact us today to discuss your options.
The Child Victims Act has a one-year window in some states, some more, some less, for adults who were abused as children to come forward against their perpetrators. Now is the time to act and empower yourselves and begin the healing process.
