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1 800 686 9921
Father Robert Turnbull was an Augustinian priest who served for many years at Austin Preparatory School in Reading, Massachusetts, where he taught physics and statistics and served as athletic director. He is accused of sexually abusing minors during his time there, with alleged incidents occurring at the school, at the North Meadow Tennis Club, and at a cabin at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.
A civil lawsuit filed in late 2000 alleged that Father Turnbull sexually abused two brothers from Tewksbury, Massachusetts. The younger brother, who was approximately 12 years old when the alleged abuse began, was not a student at Austin Prep; his older brother was. According to the complaint, Father Turnbull allegedly befriended the family and used that access to perpetrate abuse over the course of approximately three years, until he was transferred to Florida in 1981. The lawsuit named Austin Preparatory School and the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston as defendants.
Father Turnbull died on February 21, 2000. Despite his death, civil proceedings continued against the institutions alleged to have employed and supervised him. In December 2002, documents from his personnel file were released as part of broader disclosures regarding clergy sexual misconduct. His name also appeared in a March 2003 New Hampshire Attorney General’s report that examined clergy sexual abuse cases connected to institutions in the region. In 2011, the Boston Globe reported that Father Turnbull had been omitted from Cardinal O’Malley’s official list of publicly accused clergy — a list that excluded a number of religious order priests. More than 15 civil cases involving Father Turnbull are reported to have been settled.
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 Robert Turnbull may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Augustinian order, Austin Preparatory School, and the Archdiocese of Boston for their alleged failure to protect children in their care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against these institutions for negligent supervision of clergy. Even though Father Turnbull is deceased, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records, including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations, which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to continue.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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