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Father Alfred C. Graves faced multiple credible claims of sexual abuse spanning more than three decades. One claim was included in the August 2004 settlement in which the Diocese of Springfield resolved allegations brought by 45 survivors against 18 priests, paying approximately $7.5 million total. Graves had been removed from all priestly duties by the Diocese by the 1990s, and in July 2002, Bishop Dupre imposed further restrictions under the zero-tolerance guidelines adopted by U.S. bishops, barring him from any priestly functions. The Diocese found the allegations against him credible.
In December 2004, a separate lawsuit was filed by a man who alleged Graves had sexually abused him over a period of approximately two years beginning when he was approximately 15 years old, during the period 1969 to 1971. His laicization — permanent removal from the priesthood by the Vatican — was announced on December 1, 2006. An additional claim against Graves was included in a 2008 settlement. In September 2009, a new lawsuit was filed on behalf of a survivor who alleged Graves had sexually abused him between 1982 and 1984, further accusing two former bishops of knowingly allowing Graves to continue in ministry despite their awareness of his prior conduct. After trial had already commenced, the case settled for $500,000. Graves is included on the Diocese of Springfield’s official list of credibly accused clergy.
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.
The documented history of Father Alfred C. Graves illustrates how survivors may need to pursue civil legal action years or even decades after the abuse they suffered and how that process can be long and difficult. Graves was named in at least four separate legal proceedings spanning from 2004 to 2012, with each representing a different survivor seeking accountability.
The 2012 settlement of $500,000, reached only after trial had already commenced, reflects the protracted path survivors often face when seeking civil accountability from institutions. The fact that the 2009 lawsuit named two former bishops — accusing them of negligent supervision despite their awareness of Graves’s prior conduct — highlights that responsibility in these cases may extend beyond the individual abuser to those in positions of institutional authority.
For survivors who came forward, the civil settlements and Graves’s laicization represent a degree of institutional response, even though — consistent with standard diocesan practice — settlement payments did not constitute an admission of liability by the Diocese or the individuals named. Each survivor who pursued a claim contributed to a documented record that placed increasing pressure on the Diocese to address the conduct of clergy like Graves.
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by Father Alfred C. Graves, you may have legal options. Herman Law represents survivors of clergy sexual abuse in civil litigation and may be able to help you understand your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
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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