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Free CASE REVIEWS
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Father Alan J. Martineau was ordained in June 2018 for the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts. Following his ordination, he served as associate pastor at St. Anne’s Parish in Shrewsbury and later as administrator of St. Paul Parish in Warren and St. Stanislaus Parish in West Warren.
In January 2022, he was placed on administrative leave following an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. In December 2022, following an independent investigation and a recommendation by the Diocesan Review Committee, Bishop Robert J. McManus determined that the allegation was credible under the Diocese’s internal standards. In February 2023, Father Martineau was criminally charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person aged 14 or older.
According to public reporting, in September 2025, he was placed on probation for one year. Pursuant to an Alford plea — a legal disposition in which the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that sufficient facts exist for a finding of guilty — he entered a plea on a reduced charge of assault and battery, and the three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person aged 14 or older were dismissed. The Diocese has stated that Father Martineau no longer has priestly faculties and is not permitted to act as a priest. These proceedings reflect both criminal adjudication and internal church determinations regarding his status.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
When allegations of sexual misconduct arise against clergy, survivors may face both personal trauma and public scrutiny. Criminal proceedings address potential violations of law, while civil court provides a separate forum in which survivors may seek accountability and compensation.
In Massachusetts, survivors of sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims independent of any criminal outcome. A plea agreement or probationary sentence does not prevent a survivor from filing a civil action. Civil litigation operates under different standards of proof and focuses on liability and damages rather than criminal punishment.
Civil claims may also examine whether institutional oversight was adequate — including how allegations were handled, whether appropriate restrictions were imposed in a timely manner, and whether safeguards were sufficient to protect minors. Even where priestly faculties have been removed, civil accountability may extend to the institution responsible for supervision and placement.
Massachusetts law recognizes that reporting abuse can be difficult and that survivors may come forward at different stages of the legal process. Civil proceedings may provide financial compensation, and they also create a formal record and promote transparency.
For many survivors, civil court may offer acknowledgment of harm and a structured path toward accountability that is distinct from both criminal sentencing and church discipline.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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