Diocese of Norwich Settles Priest Molester Suit for $1.1m

By John Barry
Norwich Bulletin
March 23, 2015

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20150323/NEWS/150329807

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich has agreed to pay $1.1 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a Massachusetts woman who claimed she was molested dozens of times as a child by a diocese priest.

The settlement was reached Monday, the day before a trial was scheduled to start in Hartford Superior Court.

"We hope that the recent settlement reached in the case of the late Father Thomas Shea brings some healing and closure to those who may have been affected by his misconduct so many years ago," said Director of Communications Michael Strammiello in a statement representing the Norwich diocese. "Sexual abuse, such as that alleged in this case, was and is inexcusable in all times and circumstances, and is especially heinous when it occurs at the hands of a person in a position of trust."

The settlement followed a three-day mediation session March 18-20 conducted by Superior Court Judge William Bright.

The woman, known as Jane Doe #2, claimed she was molested about 60 times from age 3 to 16 by Thomas Shea, a parish priest, according to a news release from New London attorneys Kelly Reardon and Robert Reardon, who represent her.

"Now, we must continue to focus all of our time and energy on ensuring that something like this never happens again, in the church, in our schools, or in our families," Strammiello's statement continued.

Shea kissed, fondled and touched the girl inappropriately, the news release said. She was one of 15 girls molested by Shea in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Six other women were prepared to testify Shea had molested them, but the diocese had done nothing about their complaints, the news release said.

In 2013, the diocese paid the same amount, $1.1 million, to another woman molested by Shea, also represented by the Reardons, the news release said.

“My client has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression since childhood,” Kelly Reardon said in a statement. “She has been living a nightmare for over 40 years.”

The diocese and former Bishop Daniel Reilly were represented by attorneys Gary Kaisen and Wesley Horton.