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Father John R. Hanlon was accused of sexually abusing at least 10 boys during a 14-year period of ministry. He was convicted of raping one youth and sentenced to three concurrent life sentences in March 1994. Hanlon also abused his victim’s brother and was known to take boys to nude beaches as part of a deliberate pattern of desensitizing them to sexual contact. A civil suit filed by two of his victims settled in 1996 for an undisclosed sum.
Despite his criminal conviction and incarceration, the Archdiocese of Boston continued to list Hanlon as a Senior Priest in retired status as recently as March 2005. His voluntary laicization was not announced until June 10, 2005. Hanlon remained imprisoned as of May 2011 and was included on the Archdiocese’s official list of accused clergy on August 25, 2011. He died in October 2016, having served more than two decades in prison.
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.
The case of Father John R. Hanlon is among the most well-documented instances of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston. His criminal conviction and three life sentences demonstrate that prosecutors can pursue justice even against clergy who exploited positions of trust and authority — and that the courts can hold individual abusers accountable for the harm they caused.
The pattern of sexual abuse described by survivors, including Hanlon’s practice of taking boys to nude beaches to desensitize them, reflects the calculated and predatory nature of his conduct. His abuse of at least 10 boys over 14 years illustrates how a single offender operating without institutional intervention can cause lasting harm across an entire community of children. The Archdiocese’s decision to continue listing Hanlon as a Senior Priest for more than a decade after his conviction reflects the kind of institutional indifference that civil litigation is designed to address.
For survivors of clergy abuse, criminal proceedings and civil litigation each serve a distinct purpose. Criminal cases hold individual offenders accountable under the law. Civil litigation may allow survivors to seek accountability from the institutions — including dioceses, parishes, and other religious organizations — whose failures enabled abuse to occur and continue. While no legal outcome can undo the harm caused, civil claims may provide survivors with a measure of justice and recognition of what they endured.
If you or someone you love has been abused by Father Hanlon or by another member of the clergy within the Archdiocese of Boston, you may have legal options. Contact Herman Law today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights and potential claims.
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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