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1 800 686 9921
Father Richard G. Johnson retired from active ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston in 1997. At age eighty, he was working part-time for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida, in 2003 when he was suspended from priestly ministry after that diocese learned he had been accused of sexually abusing teenage girls dating back to the 1950s. Despite these allegations, Cardinal Law had certified in 1998 that Johnson was in good standing — despite a written allegation from 1994 claiming that in 1963, Johnson had entered into an eighteen-month relationship with a fifteen-year-old girl.
Johnson’s personnel files were released in February 2003. The Boston Archdiocese’s August 2011 list of accused clergy stated that the allegations against him were found to be unsubstantiated, but his priestly privileges were nonetheless restricted. The certification of good standing issued to Johnson allowed him to continue his ministry in Florida without the Diocese of Palm Beach being aware of his history.
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.
If you or someone you love was sexually abused by Father Johnson or by the institutional failures surrounding his ministry, you may have legal options. Civil litigation in clergy abuse cases often examines not only the conduct of the individual priest but also the communications between dioceses when priests transfer or seek to minister in new locations. The institutions that certified Johnson’s good standing despite documented allegations in his personnel file may bear civil responsibility for any harm that resulted.
Depending on the circumstances, Massachusetts civil law may allow survivors to bring forth claims, potentially offering a path to acknowledgment, accountability, and emotional closure. These processes can help survivors confront the long-term psychological and emotional consequences of abuse — including trust issues, anxiety, and trauma — while reclaiming a measure of agency over their lives.
Pursuing civil remedies also creates a documented record that highlights patterns of misconduct and institutional responsibility — contributing to accountability and the prevention of future 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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