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Father Gilbert J. Simoes served as a priest within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, with assignments that included St. Michael’s in Fall River, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Bedford, Santo Christo in Fall River, and St. John the Baptist in Westport. In March 1986, the Diocese suspended him and removed his faculties following allegations of sexual clergy sexual abuse. By the time the 1993 Catholic Directory was published, he was listed as absent on leave.
Despite his suspension from ministry, Simoes subsequently lived in the Falmouth area and reportedly worked as a substitute teacher at Falmouth High School from 1989 until approximately the 1997–1998 school year. School officials reportedly denied any knowledge of his prior history within the Diocese. By September 2002, at least six allegations of sexual abuse had been documented. In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River included Father Simoes on its published list of credibly accused priests. He died in 2009.
Father Simoes’s name has also been publicly linked to the late Father Jose Avila — himself accused of widespread abuse across the Diocese — with advocates alleging that the two priests worked together at multiple parishes over several decades.
The public disclosure of his name came years after many of the reported events. For survivors, the timeline of institutional action and his subsequent employment in a school setting raises difficult questions about oversight and accountability.
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 clergy sexual abuse by Father Gilbert J. Simoes may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Diocese of Fall River for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Diocese for negligent supervision. Even though Father Simoes is deceased, civil proceedings may still 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. Understanding what the Diocese knew, and when, may be central to any civil claim.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy costs, 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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