Fr. James R. Burnett

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet IL

Accused in 2/2006. Denied. Removed. Not on diocese’s 4/2006 list of accused. Suit filed in 5/2006 claiming abuse 1978-1982, when plaintiff was ages 8-12. Diocese found first allegations “not credible” but couldn’t resolve the credibility of second set. Second suit filed in 2007. First suit dismissed due to the statute of limitations in 9/2007. Diocese reopened investigation in 2010. Remained on leave. Added to Joliet list 3/2013. Third case settled in 3/2013 for $600K and release of personnel files of several priests. Charges substantiated. Personnel files released 4/30/2014. Per 12/2018 updated list, permanently removed from ministry. Died in 2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes five “reported survivors.”


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