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	Suit against Archdiocese Accuses Ex-Priest of Abuse Church Didn't Protect Kids, Lawyer Says By Madeline Baró Diaz Sun-Sentinel [Miami FL] January 4 2007 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/miami/sfl-dpriest04jan04,0,6619399.story?coll=sfla-news-miami A former Broward County priest awaiting trial on sexual molestation charges was accused of abusing another young parishioner in a lawsuit filed Wednesday against the Archdiocese of Miami. The suit accuses the Rev. Neil Doherty, former pastor of St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Margate, of abusing the man when he was 14 years old. The abuse began in 1999 and took place on several occasions over a year, said Jeffrey Herman, who represents the man identified only as John Doe No. 28. He is the 28th of Herman's clients to file an anonymous lawsuit against the archdiocese. The archdiocese was notified that Doherty had abused boys before 1999 and even settled a claim in 1992 involving sexual abuse accusations against the priest, the suit filed in Broward Circuit Court alleges. "This is a classic example of a harm that never should have happened," said Herman. "They did nothing to protect kids. This isn't ancient history. This is a recent case." In a statement, the archdiocese said the only information it had about the lawsuit came from the news media. The archdiocese said it offers to help abuse victims by providing counseling. It also reports sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement. "If this allegation is true, a great sin has been committed; such behavior is never acceptable for any member of the church," the statement said. Doherty is awaiting trial on charges he molested, drugged and raped a boy from the time he was 7 until he was 14, ending in 1999. In January, Doherty was arrested and charged with eight counts of sexual battery, lewd and lascivious acts and molestation. He pleaded not guilty and is free on $70,000 bond. According to a statement by the alleged victim in the criminal case, Doherty gave him money after each episode of abuse. The latest lawsuit also accuses Doherty of giving John Doe money after abusing him. Other lawsuits have accused Doherty of drugging and raping young boys in incidents dating to 1973. Doherty retired in 2002 and is not allowed to wear clerical garb, celebrate the sacraments or have an assignment, the archdiocese said. Madeline Baró Diaz can be reached at mbaro@sun-sentinel.com or 305-810-5007.
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