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Father John C. Chaisson was a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston whose history with allegations spans decades and reflects how the Church’s response to abuse claims has evolved over time. Although allegations surfaced as early as 1974 — when, according to archdiocesan personnel files, a Danvers police chief reported that Chaisson admitted to sexually assaulting a child — he was permitted to remain in active ministry and was subsequently cleared by an internal church investigation, a finding that was later revisited.
In 2003, following a review of case files, Archbishop O’Malley set aside the prior internal exoneration, determined that Chaisson’s case warranted further examination, and placed him on administrative leave pending a new investigation. Public archdiocesan records indicate that Chaisson’s ministry privileges remained restricted in the years that followed. Father Chaisson died on December 27, 2019.
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 John C. Chaisson face a particularly complex institutional history that illustrates how the Church’s handling of allegations has shifted over time. The fact that allegations surfaced in 1974, resulted in an internal exoneration, and were then reopened nearly thirty years later demonstrates that determinations of credibility are not static — and that survivors may find validation long after initial claims were dismissed or minimized.
The Archdiocese’s decision to place Chaisson on leave in 2003 may suggest that earlier investigations were inadequate, particularly given that a prior internal inquiry had cleared him despite a reported admission to law enforcement in 1974. The fact that the case was deemed to warrant fresh scrutiny after so many years raises legitimate questions about what information came to light and why it had not been more fully considered earlier.
For survivors whose claims were dismissed or minimized, Massachusetts civil law may offer an alternative path to accountability. Civil litigation operates independently of church investigations and does not require a canonical finding of guilt. Survivors who were harmed by clergy may be able to present evidence of abuse and institutional negligence directly to the civil justice system, seeking accountability from the institution that employed and supervised the priest. The availability of civil legal claims depends on individual circumstances, including applicable statutes of limitations — speaking with an attorney is the best way to understand your options.
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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