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Rev. Stephen A. Fernandes was a priest of the Diocese of Fall River assigned to Our Lady of Fatima Parish in New Bedford. In November 2004, he was arrested and placed on leave after a computer repair technician discovered child sexual abuse material involving men and boys on his laptop computer and reported it to the Diocese. Fernandes was also charged with exhibiting or posing at least one child engaged in a sexual act.
Fernandes pleaded guilty to the charges. In November 2005, he was sentenced to eight months in jail, four years of probation, and a $20,000 fine. The Diocese of Fall River included Fernandes on its list of credibly accused clergy in January 2021. In 2008, he was laicized, formally removing him from the priesthood.
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.
For survivors of sexual abuse by Father Stephen A. Fernandes, the path to justice involves both acknowledgment and accountability. Fernandes’s criminal conviction represents a rare instance of the legal system holding an abuser directly responsible for his conduct. Survivors seeking civil remedies may also be able to pursue claims against the Diocese of Fall River for institutional failures that may have enabled Fernandes’s ongoing access to minors during his years of ministry across multiple parishes.
Massachusetts law recognizes that religious organizations owe a duty of care to minors in their programs and parishes. When they breach that duty through negligence in hiring, supervision, or retention of abusive clergy, they may be held liable. The extent of Fernandes’s conduct and his years of service across multiple parishes raise important questions about whether any survivors have yet to come forward.
Survivors who come forward not only seek personal healing but also help prevent future abuse by requiring institutions to confront systemic failures. The legal process may allow survivors to seek compensation for the profound psychological, emotional, and spiritual harm caused by clergy sexual abuse. Each survivor who pursues accountability contributes to a broader culture of transparency, demonstrating that institutions can be held responsible for the harm caused by clergy under their supervision.
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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