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1 800 686 9921
Father Richard Degagne was placed on administrative leave in November 2019 after allegations surfaced regarding misconduct that allegedly occurred prior to his ordination. Before entering the priesthood, he worked as a junior high school music teacher. In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River included him on its publicly available list of accused clergy, designating his case as still in process at that time.
A survivor reported that Father Degagne allegedly sexually abused him in 1972–1973 while Degagne was working as a camp counselor at Cathedral Camp in Freetown, Massachusetts — before he was ordained. Additional allegations led to a civil lawsuit filed in July 2022, which claimed sexual abuse of a boy aged 12–13 in 1988, occurring in New Bedford and during an overnight trip to Maine. That matter was resolved through a settlement in May 2023.
Following an investigation and review by its Ministerial Review Board, the diocese determined in December 2021 that the allegations against Father Degagne were credible and confirmed that he would not return to ministry in any capacity.
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 Degagne, or any clergy member, may have the right to pursue justice through civil court. Depending on the circumstances, survivors may be able to file a civil lawsuit even decades after the abuse occurred. Civil litigation may allow survivors to hold offenders and institutions accountable while seeking financial compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they suffered.
Filing a civil claim may also allow survivors to bring evidence into a legal record, documenting the sexual abuse and contributing to broader institutional accountability. Civil proceedings may involve gathering personal testimony, testimony from corroborating witnesses, and reviewing church or diocesan documents that reveal prior knowledge or inaction. These cases often result in settlements which, while not criminal convictions, can provide acknowledgment of harm and help survivors access therapy, education, and other recovery resources.
Legal representation helps ensure that survivors’ voices are heard and that their claims are presented as effectively as possible — allowing them to confront their abuser and the institution that may have enabled or failed to prevent misconduct. Courts recognize the long-term impact of clergy sexual abuse, and civil remedies offer an important pathway toward justice, healing, and personal closure.
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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