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Father Leonard E. Pelletier was a priest within the Archdiocese of Boston who faced allegations of sexual abuse that dated back more than two decades before they were formally reported. In September 2002, the Archdiocese placed him on administrative leave following a report of abuse. Available records suggest there was a single alleged victim. The long delay between the alleged incident and its formal report reflects a pattern common among survivors of clergy abuse, for whom coming forward can take years or even decades.
Pelletier’s name was added to the Archdiocese’s publicly available list of accused clergy in August 2011. He remained on administrative leave while canonical proceedings were ongoing — still in process as of 2015. Those proceedings concluded in 2019 when Father Pelletier was dismissed from the clerical state, the formal canonical penalty that ended his status as a priest. The Archdiocese’s decision to place him on administrative leave and the subsequent canonical proceedings, which resulted in his dismissal in 2019, reflect the institutional steps taken in response to the allegations against him.
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 Father Pelletier’s alleged sexual abuse may have avenues under Massachusetts civil law to pursue justice, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. Civil litigation may provide recognition of the abuse and may hold both the individual and the institution accountable for any failures in supervision and oversight.
Legal action may also help clarify institutional responsibility. In cases where an institution may have been aware of allegations and failed to act decisively, civil claims may allow survivors to document and challenge any negligence or inaction that contributed to continued risk or harm. In some cases, settlements or judgments may provide both tangible compensation and a measure of acknowledgment for the trauma survivors have endured.
For some survivors, pursuing legal recourse may offer a means of taking an active role in seeking accountability and accessing practical remedies for what they have endured. Documentation from these proceedings may help ensure that the historical record reflects the gravity of the misconduct, reinforcing accountability and supporting broader reforms in Church oversight.
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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