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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father John Kevin Connell was a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston who faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse alleged to have occurred over a period spanning more than a decade. In 2002, a lawsuit was filed accusing Connell of sexually abusing a twelve-year-old boy during a trip to Florida in 1975 or 1976, and on additional occasions in Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1984, Cardinal Bernard Law personally appointed Connell as chaplain and faculty member at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers — a role he held until 1994 or 1995, when church officials received a complaint against him and removed him from the position. A lawsuit relating to those allegations resulted in a $45,000 settlement.
Connell transitioned to retirement status in December 2001. In June 2005, the Archdiocese of Boston announced his voluntary laicization. Father Connell died in 2007. The Archdiocese of Boston’s list, published in August 2011, confirmed that his case had been concluded canonically by laicization. In November 2021, another lawsuit was settled in the high five figures; that claim also named Father Brian Gallagher as an accused abuser.
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 who were sexually abused by Father John Kevin Connell may be able to pursue civil claims grounded not only in the abusive conduct itself but also in the institutional decisions that allowed continued ministry following earlier complaints. Discovery processes often examine personnel files, psychological evaluations, and internal communications that may reflect how Church leadership responded to reports of misconduct.
Massachusetts law recognizes the lasting harm associated with clergy sexual abuse and, in appropriate cases, provides legal avenues for survivors to pursue damages related to emotional trauma, mental health treatment, and life disruptions caused by abuse. Financial recovery, while significant, represents only one dimension of the civil process.
Equally important is institutional transparency. Lawsuits can compel disclosure of records that might otherwise remain confidential, bringing patterns of concealment or minimization into public view. Survivors who come forward contribute to systemic accountability while affirming their own experiences. Through civil action, they may assert their right to recognition, responsibility, and justice in the face of harm inflicted under religious authority.
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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