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1 800 686 9921
Father Charles R. McGahey was ordained in 1959 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston. Although Father McGahey died on September 9, 2004, his name was publicly disclosed as an accused sexually abusive priest on May 7, 2019, when Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced a list of clergy members accused of sexual abuse — several of whom had not been previously named publicly. Father McGahey was not listed on the Archdiocese of Boston’s own website at the time of this disclosure.
This type of public naming, years after an accused priest’s death, may prompt survivors to come forward who had not previously done so. It can also be a source of renewed trauma or, for some, a form of validation after years of silence.
Individuals who had contact with Father McGahey during his ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston and who experienced harm may have legal rights under Massachusetts law, regardless of whether criminal proceedings were ever initiated.
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.
For many survivors, the decision to come forward is deeply personal and often delayed for years or decades. Civil court provides an avenue independent from church proceedings where allegations can be examined according to Massachusetts legal standards.
In civil cases, courts may review evidence, documentation, and testimony related to both individual conduct and institutional response. Even when an accused priest is deceased, legal claims may proceed against the institution responsible for his oversight and assignment.
Public disclosure by an attorney or advocacy organization may provide important context, but it does not replace the civil justice process. Civil litigation can address questions about how allegations were handled, whether warnings were ignored, and whether institutional policies were followed.
Massachusetts law recognizes that survivors of childhood sexual abuse frequently delay disclosure. Legislative changes over time have expanded survivors’ ability to file claims that strict time limits might have previously barred.
Civil proceedings may provide financial compensation for harm suffered. They also create a public record and may offer a measure of accountability. For some survivors, having their experience formally acknowledged within the legal system can be a meaningful part of the healing process.
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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