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For decades, Father John A. Koonz, a credibly accused priest, served in the Diocese of Springfield, ministering in parishes and schools where he had direct access to minors. Allegations later revealed repeated sexual abuse of teenage boys under his supervision, prompting civil action and public acknowledgment by Church authorities of multiple credible claims.
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.
John Anthony Koonz was ordained in 1963 and served approximately thirty-nine years across several parishes within the Diocese of Springfield. In September 2002, three men came forward alleging that Koonz had sexually abused them during their teenage years. The Diocese’s Misconduct Commission found those allegations credible, and Koonz was removed from ministry that same year. In December 2003, a civil lawsuit was filed by a survivor alleging that both Koonz and Father Edward Kennedy had sexually abused him when he was a minor.
In August 2004, a settlement provided more than $7 million to forty-five survivors of clergy abuse, with three of those claims involving Koonz. Additional lawsuits followed in 2005 and 2008, raising ongoing questions about institutional oversight and accountability. Koonz died on November 27, 2013.
The Diocese of Springfield has listed Koonz among its credibly accused clergy, confirming more than one substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. In November 2024, the Diocese’s Review Board validated an additional credible claim against him — a finding that reflects the enduring impact of clergy abuse on survivors.
Cases like Koonz’s highlight serious questions about transparency, oversight, and the protection of children within institutional settings. Survivors may have legal options to pursue civil claims against the institutions responsible for the conduct of their clergy. Legal action not only can bring important truths to light but may also help prevent 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.
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Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
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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