Fr. John M. Cotter
First accused publicly in a 1993 lawsuit of repeatedly molesting a boy 1968-1975 from age 7, including oral, digital and anal rape. Boy Scout leader William Reynolds was also accused of abusing the boy. Many other victims came forward, male and female. The Archdiocese is alleged to have known by 1974. CYO, Boy Scouts and confession were used in abuse. In 1994, the first plaintiff sent a letter about the abuse to Pope John Paul II. In 1995-1998, 7 settled for $575K; 4 others for $361K. Cotter died in 1989. Victims continued to come forward. Included in 8/2011 on the Archdiocese’s list.
- Boston Globe 02.26.89
- Boston Globe 08.05.93
- West Roxbury Transcript 09.01.93
- Statement by Robert Costello 02.10.94
- West Roxbury Transcript 11.29.95
- Boston Globe 01.28.02
- Boston Herald 02.16.02
- Boston Globe 12.13.02
- City of Angels 01.17.09
- Boston Globe 05.01.11
- National Catholic Register 08.25.11
- Boston Archdiocese List 08.25.11
- Salem News 08.26.11
- Boston Globe 07.05.13
- Crux 12.22.14
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