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Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father C. Melvin Surette was ordained in 1956 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston. Allegations of abuse against him first came to the archdiocese’s attention in 1993. Surette had succeeded Father Bernard J. Lane as the person in charge of Alpha Omega, a program in Littleton, Massachusetts that housed youths with serious behavioral problems. Survivors alleged that he sexually abused several youths in that setting.
One case was settled for $50,000; that settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing. Additional settlements were reached prior to May 2002. In May 2002, three more men filed lawsuits alleging abuse at the Alpha Omega program. Surette’s personnel file was released in December 2002 as part of court-ordered disclosures of archdiocesan personnel records.
Despite earlier allegations against him, Surette was assigned to the office of Cardinal Law’s delegate responsible for overseeing and reassigning accused priests, where he reportedly assisted in placing Father Ronald Paquin — himself accused of multiple counts of abuse — in chaplaincy positions in the late 1990s. Surette’s name appeared on the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 list of accused clergy, where he was listed in Category C: living archdiocesan clergy publicly accused of sexual abuse of a child, on administrative leave with a canonical case in process.
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.
Survivors of sexual abuse by Father C. Melvin Surette may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Archdiocese for negligent supervision and retention of clergy despite allegations of misconduct. Even when a priest’s canonical proceedings have concluded or remain unresolved, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records, including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations, which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. In Surette’s case, court-ordered disclosures have already made archdiocesan personnel records and internal communications available to the public. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness — including what church leadership may have known, and when — and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to continue.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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