9 Victims of Sexual Abuse by 7 Philadelphia Archdiocese Priests Filed New Lawsuits Today

Jeff Anderson & Associates
September 18, 2012

http://www.andersonadvocates.com/Files/726/JAA-Press-Release-PA-news-conference.pdf

[full text]

[Complaint McDonnell]

[ Complaint JD 203]

[Complaint JD 196]

[Complaint JD 197]

[Complaint JD 198]

[Complaint Dale]

[Complaint Druding<]

[Complaint JD 195 and Jane Doe 190]

(Philadelphia, PA) At a news conference today in Philadelphia, attorney Jeff Anderson and co-counsels Marci Hamilton and Dan Monahan announced the filing of eight new lawsuits for nine survivors of clergy abuse against the Philadelphia Archdiocese, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Msgr. William Lynn and the seven individual priests accused of the sexual abuse. The filing of these lawsuits brings the total number filed against the Archdiocese by Jeff Anderson & Associates to 16 complaints on behalf of 17 survivors.

Speaking at the news conference, Michael W. McDonnell, whose complaint alleges abuse by two of the named priests, said in part: “As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by the clergy, I can tell you that there is no doubt that the conspiracy to cover-up the grave moral actions by the clergy started long before these tragedies ever became public. It was protocol. It is today that courage brings me here, it is today that more will be revealed.”

Co-counsel Marci Hamilton said, “It is not easy for these survivors to come forward. But, after have been frustrated by the Archdiocese's persistent failures to protect children and its ongoing failure to take responsibility for the horrendous abuse suffered by so many at the hands of its priests and employees, their courage is surely demonstrated today.”

Also attending the news conference was victim/survivor Andy Druding, who said he was sexually abused by Msgr. Francis Feret at St. Timothy in Northeast Philadelphia, “a place that was sacred to my family and grandparents, who were married in that church.”