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Father Charles F. Dewey was a Catholic priest ordained in 1939 who served in the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts. He later became a monsignor, retired in 1987, and died on September 15, 1996.
According to public records, Dewey was named in a 2005 civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of minors at St. Mary’s Parish in Dedham between 1971 and 1975. The suit involved multiple plaintiffs and named multiple priests as defendants. Attorney Carmen Durso, who brought the claims, reported that almost all claims associated with the case were settled. The August 2011 Archdiocese of Boston list included Dewey in its category for deceased clergy, noting that no formal determination of guilt was made, as Dewey died either before a canonical investigation could be initiated or before one then underway could be completed.
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 Charles F. Dewey may be able to pursue civil claims against the Archdiocese of Boston even though Dewey died in 1996 and no formal canonical determination was made. The 2005 civil lawsuit naming Dewey as one of multiple defendants, in which Attorney Durso reported that almost all claims were settled, reflects that survivors connected to his ministry have previously pursued civil accountability through the courts.
Civil litigation may compel the Archdiocese to produce internal records and personnel files related to Dewey’s assignments, clarifying what officials knew about his conduct and whether any concerns were ever documented or addressed. His elevation to monsignor and decades of active ministry raise questions about the oversight provided throughout his career and whether warning signs were present but not acted upon.
Civil proceedings may provide an independent forum for survivors to present evidence and testimony, seek compensation for therapy and long-term psychological harm, and create a formal public record of their experiences — something the absence of a completed canonical investigation denied them through official Church channels.
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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