More Settlements in Brother Baker Case

We Are Centra
April 16, 2015

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/more-settlements-in-brother-baker-case/54176/OvCWetwWz0mPzUy02FYkDQ


Three former Bishop McCort students abused by Brother Stephen Baker have reached settlements with the Altoona Johnstown Diocese.

That brings the total number to 91 settlements. In this case, each of the men will be receiving $50,000.

Mitchell Garabedian has represented 82 of the brother baker victims in three states. He said 37 of them are from Pennsylvania.

He told us that four more victims have come forward; the diocese is still reviewing those cases.

He said victims of clergy sexual abuse have a hard time coming forward because of when they're young; they feel some sort of blame attached to what happened. And many like the three men in this case, don't come forward until the statute of limitations has already run out.

Garabedian said the statute of limitations is part of the real issue in Pennsylvania because it runs out at the age of 30. So for these victims, the money isn't what matters most.

"Receiving a settlement is really not about the money per se, the settlement represents validation and the fact that the abuse was not the victim's fault and in that sense, maybe the victim can try to heal knowing that.”

Garabedian said what stuck out to him the most was the fact this went on for 15 years at the school. He said it's very important for parents to stay vigilant.