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Father William F. Maloney was ordained in 1959 and served in the Archdiocese of Boston. In 2002, he was accused of sexually abusing an individual in the late 1960s while assigned to St. Theresa’s Parish in North Reading. According to available records, the same complainant also accused the pastor at the time, Father John J. Lane, in connection with the same parish.
Father Maloney went on to serve as a Navy chaplain from 1968 to 1973. According to the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 list of accused clergy, he was laicized in 1974; the abuse allegation was not made publicly until 2002, after his laicization. The Archdiocese lists him in the category of priests who were already laicized when publicly accused.
The reported allegation concerns conduct that is said to have occurred while Father Maloney was stationed at St. Theresa’s, prior to his military service. Survivors connected to his ministry at St. Theresa’s in North Reading, or at other parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston where he served, may have legal rights under Massachusetts law, independent of any church disciplinary actions.
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 arise involving clergy who later transitioned to other roles, survivors may have questions about supervision and institutional oversight during the period of alleged abuse. For eligible survivors, civil court may provide a forum separate from church processes for addressing these concerns under state law.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims that address both individual conduct and institutional responsibility. Courts may consider whether church leadership responded appropriately to complaints, whether adequate safeguards were in place, and whether decisions regarding a priest’s assignments or transitions may have exposed individuals to risk.
Even when a priest has been laicized, civil accountability may still be pursued. Laicization addresses ecclesiastical status but does not resolve questions of civil liability. Civil litigation may result in financial compensation and, in some cases, may create a public record that promotes transparency regarding institutional decision-making.
Massachusetts law recognizes that disclosure of childhood abuse is often delayed, and survivors may come forward years or decades after the alleged events. Whether legal remedies remain available depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Survivors are encouraged to consult with an attorney to understand what options, if any, may be available to them.
For some survivors, civil proceedings may provide a measure of acknowledgment and a formal record of the harm suffered. The legal system offers a structured avenue for accountability that is separate from internal church determinations.
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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