Man Sues, Alleging Victimization by Convicted Priest

WLS
December 12, 2013

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/chicago_news&id=9357224

[with video]

A 27-year-old Chicago man on Wednesday filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Chicago, alleging he was a victim of convicted priest Daniel McCormack.

Darryl McArthur also came forward to speak of the alleged abuse, choosing not to file his suit as a "John Doe," because he said he wanted "to put a face to the abuse and a voice to victims."

The abuse allegedly occurred while he was a student, altar boy and an athlete at St. Ailbe, where McCormack, convicted in several similar cases, was an associate pastor in the 1990s, McArthur said. It began in fourth grade, continuing through sixth grade, McArthur said.

"He gained my family's trust, as a priest and a coach, and he used those opportunities to sodomize me," McArthur said.

Today, a businessman running his own as well as a family business, McArthur said he never told his family until recently, after seeking legal help and counseling. It was difficult for them, but they have been supportive, he said.

By coming forward, McArthur said he wanted to send a message to other victims, particularly victims of child sexual abuse in the African-Anerican community, where he said the topic is still considered taboo.

"When you've been abused and victimized, there is nothing but shame. But you can be helped with the shame, to deal with it," McArthur said.

"You can come forward and be private. You don't have to do what I did," he said of revealing hits identity. "What I did I did for me."

The suit seeks a jury trial and financial damages. McCormack is currently in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services.