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1 800 686 9921
Father Maurice T. Lebel was ordained in 1967 as a priest of the Jesuit order. He later left the Jesuits in 1991 and became a priest of the Diocese of Portland, Maine. He retired in 2003 but remained active in ministry in Maine. In June 2007, he was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor that allegedly occurred in the early 1980s, during his time ministering in Massachusetts as a Jesuit — including his years of service in the Diocese of Fall River. Following a canonical trial, church authorities determined in February 2011 that the allegation was “unproven,” and he was reinstated to public ministry. Father Lebel died on January 16, 2023.
Although the canonical proceeding reached a particular conclusion, civil standards differ from church tribunals. Survivors who experienced harm during his time in ministry, including during his years connected to the Diocese of Fall River, may still have legal options under Massachusetts law.
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.
When allegations of clergy sexual abuse arise, survivors may face significant emotional and psychological consequences that persist long after the events themselves. Civil court offers a separate forum from church proceedings, applying different standards of proof and procedural rules.
In Massachusetts, civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse may examine both individual conduct and institutional oversight. Even when a canonical trial finds an allegation “unproven,” that determination does not necessarily control the outcome of a civil case. Civil courts consider evidence under their own standards and may evaluate whether a religious order or diocese exercised appropriate supervision or responded adequately to concerns.
For many survivors, the opportunity to bring a civil claim provides more than financial recovery. It may allow their experiences to be formally documented and placed into the public record. Transparency can serve as an important component of institutional accountability.
Massachusetts law recognizes that individuals harmed as children often delay disclosure for many years. The legal system includes provisions that may permit survivors to pursue civil remedies when they are prepared to come forward. Civil litigation may offer acknowledgment, accountability, and a structured process for addressing past harm.
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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