Diocese of Ogdensberg Accused Priests

In November 2018, 28 priests of the Diocese of Ogdensburg faced credible accusations of sexual abuse with a minor. The Bishop of the diocese released the names of priests specifying which ones are deceased with a letter read at Masses across the diocese. However, the diocese didn’t release any information about the priests, evidence against them, where they served, or anything else helpful to victims seeking to file child sex abuse claims.

Between September 2019 and December 2020, victims filed civil and criminal lawsuits against the Diocese of Ogdensburg under the New York Child Victims Act, accusing 39 members of the clergy and a teacher in the diocese of sexual abuse.

The New York Child Victims Act includes a look-back period that allows victims to pursue charges even after the statute of limitations has passed. This window created an opportunity for child sex abuse survivors to come forward, no matter how old they currently are or how long ago the abuse happened.

In August 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended this look-back period to August 14, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning you can still potentially file a claim today. This deadline expires soon, so you must contact a sex abuse law firm today to determine if you can and when you need to file a claim.

Despite the large number of sex abuse claims filed against clergy members, as of August 2019, the Diocese of Ogdensburg had not received credible allegations of sex abuse in the 20 years prior. As of October 2018, approximately 37 victims of sexual abuse resolved their claims against the diocese and received almost $5.5 million in compensation, with two claimants considering accepting payment from the independent advisor.

The growing number of child sex abuse lawsuits led to a two-year independent reconciliation and compensation program that created counseling options for victims and compensation financed by a line of credit and a long-term loan. The program launched in March 2018 to express remorse and recompense to victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members and help them find a sense of healing.

The Diocese of Ogdensburg set up a Diocesan Review Board, made up of current and former law enforcement, judges, social workers, psychologists, educators, and clergy members, who receive allegations after preliminary investigations. The goal of the Board is to assess the credibility of the complaints received and advise the Bishop about any actions the diocese should take. If the Board finds an allegation is credible, the Bishop removes the clergy member accused of child sexual abuse from the ministry, and the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator offers immediate pastoral care for the victim bringing the claim.

It’s important to contact a sex abuse attorney if you’re considering filing a case against the Diocese of Ogdensburg and need help navigating the legal system or simply want your story heard. Having someone who understands the legal system advocating for you, who’s also well-versed in different trauma experiences, helps make the claim process less daunting. An attorney experienced with handling sex abuse cases, specifically those brought against the Diocese of Ogdensburg, will know how to ensure proper filing, the appropriate facilitation of evidence collection, and the swift and adequate navigation of the legal process, all while fighting for you.

The legal team at Herman Law can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering. Nothing can take away the pain you endured by the Diocese of Ogdensburg and your abuser, but you don’t have to go through the healing process alone. We are here to fight for you every step of the way.