Delaware Diocese Settles First Lawsuit Filed for Priest Abuse, by Beth Miller, News Journal, May 15, 2008

Delaware: Diocese Settles First Lawsuit Filed for Priest Abuse

By Beth Miller
News Journal
May 15, 2008

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080515/NEWS01/80515024/1002

WILMINGTON — A 40-year-old Wilmington man today settled his 2004 child sexual abuse lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, marking the end of the first case filed against a Delaware priest since the clergy abuse scandal emerged nationally in 2002.

With the settlement, Eric Eden — formerly Eric Mazzetti — received an undisclosed sum from the diocese, according to his attorney, Thomas S. Neuberger. Eden had claimed the diocese conspired to cover up the abuse.

Eric Eden -- formerly Eric Mazzetti -- received an undisclosed sum from the diocese.

Diocese officials confirmed the settlement today, and planned a statement later today.

"I want to thank my wife for standing behind me over the last four long difficult years," Eden said in a prepared statement. "When no one first believed me, she did. I also thank Judge Calvin L. Scott Jr. and the Delaware Supreme Court. Justice is available in Delaware, even when it first looks hopeless."

Eden had settled for an undisclosed sum in March with Salesianum School and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for abuses he said he suffered over a nine-year period from a former principal of the school, the Rev. James W. O'Neill.

According to the lawsuit, the abuse started in 1976, when Eden was a student at the school. Eden alleged O'Neill visited the Mazzetti home to tutor him, but instead would have the boy sit on his lap so he could fondle him.

The suit also alleged that O'Neill molested Eden during family vacations, at the priest's residence and in the school office.

As part of the settlement in March, Eden received an apology from the Oblates, and O'Neill was permanently removed from ministry and assigned to live at the Oblates' retirement community in Childs, Md.

Other cases alleging childhood sexual abuse by priests are pending against the diocese, as well as several parishes and area Catholic schools. The most recent case was filed last week by a Wilmington man who alleged he was abused by a Capuchin friar while a student at St. Edmond's Academy.