Sexual Abuse Cases That Have Gone to Trial

Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuits That Have Gone to Trial
Last Updated December 6, 2010

Thousands of civil suits have been filed in the United States relating to alleged sexual abuse by Catholic priests, but very few have gone to trial. BishopAccountability.org has reviewed the evidence and documented 43 civil suits that have been tried since the mid-1980s.

Short statutes of limitations in many states and delaying tactics by dioceses have combined to limit severely the number of civil suits that could come to trial. The small number of trials among eligible cases reflects the bishops' fear that juries might award significant compensatory or punitive damages, as in the landmark 1997 Kos trial, and even more, their abiding concern that information might become public in a trial, either by release of documents or through testimony by the bishop himself or his managers.

Whenever dioceses have filed for bankruptcy, upcoming civil trials have been a factor in the decision, and one case was settled after weeks of trial, shortly before a retired bishop was to take the stand (cf. the Freitas case). Legal scholar Marci Hamilton suggests that a trial offers survivors a chance for vindication within their community and places the responsibility for the abuse "exactly where it belongs." This outcome is one that the bishops have avoided wherever possible.

Date	Priest	Diocese	Source	Comment
2/7/86	Rev. Gilbert Gauthe	Lafayette LA	Jury awards $1.25 million, UPI (2/7/86)	A jury found for the plaintiff, who alleged that Gauthe had molested him as a boy at St. John's church in Henry LA. They awarded the victim $1M and his parents $250K.
12/11/87	Rev. Gilbert Gauthe		Church ordered to pay $1.8 million, UPI (12/12/87)	A jury found for the plaintiff, who alleged that Gauthe had molested him as a boy at St. John's church in Henry LA more than 30 times. They awarded the victim $1.55M and his parents $250K.
1989	Rev. William N. Cramer	Paterson NJ	• Rodimer, Abuser Priest Meet, by John Chadwick, The Record (6/19/02)	Cramer pled guilty in 1988 to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was later found liable in a civil trial, and fined about $75,000 in damages and interest.
12/7/90	Rev. Thomas P. Adamson	Winona and St. Paul-Minneapolis MN	• “Don't Tell Anybody ... You'll Get in Trouble, and So Will I,” by Bob Ehlert, Star Tribune (12/11/88) • The Sins of the Fathers, by Jason Berry, Chicago Reader (5/24/91) • Ex-Altar Boy Found Courage to Air Priest's Betrayal, by Dan Moffett, Palm Beach Post (6/10/88) • Jury's Award Reduced in Priest Molestation Suit, Chicago Tribune (5/2/91)	A jury awarded the plaintiff $3.55M, of which $2.7M was in punitive damages. The award was later reduced to $1.042M. The judge left intact the award of $855,000 in compensatory damages for expenses, suffering, and humiliation. But the judge reduced punitive damages against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis from $2 million to about $50,000, and punitive damages against the Diocese of Winona from $700,000 to about $137,000.
4/21/94	Rev. Francis Luddy	Altoona-Johnstown PA	• Jury Awards $1.5 Million to Priest's Accuser, by Tom Gibb, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (4/22/94) • Church Not Liable for Molestation, by Jon Schmitz, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (9/6/96) • Court Puts Diocese Back into Molestation Case, by Tom Gibb, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (11/25/99) • Verdict Against Diocese Stands, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (1/26/00) • Mixed Ruling in Luddy Case, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/26/00) • Court Won't Hear Molestation Appeal, by Tom Gibb, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/4/01) • Diocese Finally Pays Victim of Sex Abuse, by Tom Gibb, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/17/01) • $1 Million Penalty Is at Issue in Church Suit, by Joseph A. Slobodzian, Philadelphia Inquirer (9/10/02) • Priest-Abuse Damages Suit Goes Ahead, by Susan Evans, Tribune-Democrat (10/23/03) • Supreme Court Sends Altoona Abuse Case Back to Lower Court, Associated Press (3/23/05) • Pennsylvania Supreme Court Says Plaintiff Can Get Punitives for Negligent Supervision, Lawyers Weekly (4/11/05) • Diocese Ordered to Pay $1.7 Million in Damages to Man Abused in 1970s, by Joe Mandak, Associated Press (3/24/06) • Diocese Won't Appeal Damages, York Dispatch (4/17/06) • Lawsuit Interest Reduced in Priest Sexual Abuse Case, by Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror (10/6/06)	A jury ordered the diocese and Bishop Hogan to pay $1.28M, Luddy to pay $236,840, and the parish to pay $58,900 (total $1,575,740). Verdict overturned 9/5/96 by state superior court. On 11/24/99 the state Supreme Court put the diocese back in the case, and affirmed its decision on 1/24/00. On 10/25/00 the Superior Court ruled against punitive damages but let stand $869K in other awards, including a $50K punitive judgment against the priest, the Rev. Francis Luddy, $519K in compensatory damages against Luddy and the diocese, and delay damages that totaled >$300K as of 1994. On 9/28/01 the state Supreme Court refused to review the awards, and on 3/22/05 it ruled that the Superior Court erred in disallowing punitive damages. On 3/22/06 the Superior Court ruled that the diocese must pay $1.7M in punitive damages.
6/29/94	Rev. Robert Lutz	Chicago IL	• The Sins of the Fathers, by Jason Berry, Chicago Reader (5/24/91) • Boy Says Abuse; Priest, Ex-Nun Say Slander, by Harvey Berkman, Chicago Lawyer (1/94) • Jury Clears Priest, Principal, by Andrew Fegelman, Chicago Tribune (6/30/94) • State Appellate Court Decision (6/25/96)	Jury found in favor of the defendant priest. Affirmed on appeal 5/10/96.
1995	Rev. Earl Bierman	Covington KY	• $5.2m Church Deal May Be Just Beginning, by Kevin Eigelbach, Cincinnati Post (10/13/03)	A jury ordered the diocese to pay $737K to a man Bierman abused in the 1970s.
3/28/95	Revs. James Buser, Gale Leifeld, and Jim Wolf	Milwaukee WI	• Jury Rejects Sex Abuse Suit Against Capuchin Priests, by Jim Schaefer, Detroit Free Press (3/29/95)	Jury found against the plaintiff on statute of limitations grounds.
1/29/96	Rev. Ronald Provost	Worcester MA	• Jury Clears Harrington and Diocese, by Gary V. Murray, Telegram & Gazette (1/30/96) • Unholy Acts, by Paul Wilkes, New Yorker (6/7/93)	In porn case, jury found that Provost's negligence contributed to boy's emotional distress, but also found that diocese was not negligent. Boy was not awarded damages because "physical manifestation" of his distress was not demonstrated. Provost had previously been convicted in a criminal trial.
2/7/96	Rev. Robert Kapoun	St. Paul-Minneapolis MN	• Man Wins $550,000 in Sex Assault by Priest, by Chip Johnson Saint Paul Pioneer Press (2/8/96) • Archdiocese Fined More Than $1 Million, by Leslie Wirpsa, NCR (3/1/96) • Court Dismisses $ 1 Million Abuse Suit, by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune (5/28/97) • Archdiocese, Priest Unlikely to Collect Legal Costs in Child Molestation Case, by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune (6/10/97) • Lawyer: Archdiocese Not Billing, by Clark Morphew, Saint Paul Pioneer Press (6/13/97) • Latest Polka Padre Ruling Hits Sour Note with Juror, by Doug Grow, Star Tribune (6/18/97)	Jury awarded plaintiff $550K in compensatory damages, and on 2/13/96 awarded $600K in punitive damages. On 5/27/97 the state appeals court overturned both awards on SOL grounds. The archdiocese filed a motion to recover costs from the plaintiff, then disavowed the effort.
3/25/96	Rev. Robert Kapoun	St. Paul-Minneapolis MN	• Archdiocese Admits Liablity for Abuse by 'Polka Padre', by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune (3/20/96) • No Damages in Priestly Abuse, by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune (3/26/96)	After the archdiocese in its opening statement accepted responsibility for its handling of Kapoun, the jury found that the plaintiff had past and future therapy costs of $100K but on SOL grounds did not award damages.
4/4/96	Msgr. Cordell J. Lang	Mobile AL	• Jury Clears Priest: Man's Lawyers Vow to Appeal Verdict in Lawsuit over Alleged Sexual Abuse, by Jean Lakeman Helms, Mobile Register (4/5/96)	Jury found for the priest defendant. Affirmed on appeal 5/2/97.
4/97	Rev. Felix H. Maguire	Hartford CT	• A Predatory Trail, a Futile Pursuit, by Edmund H. Mahony and Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant (8/11/02)	Jury awarded plaintiff $262,803 in a trial closed to the public by Judge Linda Lager. Amount was later reduced as part of confidential settlement to keep Maguire from appealing the verdict. Suit was under seal from 1993, shortly after filing, until after verdict.
7/24/97	Rev. Rudy Kos	Dallas TX	• Kos Jury Awards $ 119 Million: Diocese Found Grossly Negligent, by Ed Housewright and Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News (7/25/97) • 3 Kos Plaintiffs Accept $7.5 Million Settlement, by Ed Housewright and Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News (3/6/98) • Diocese, Kos Victims Settle for $ 23.4 Million, by Ed Housewright and Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News (7/11/98)	Jury awarded 11 plaintiffs $119.6M, of which $18M was in punitive damages against the diocese. To avoid appeals, 3 plaintiffs settled for $7.5M on 3/4/98, and 8 plaintiffs settled for $23.4M as announced on 7/10/98, reducing the original award to $30.9M.
8/26/97	Rev. Laurence F.X. Brett	Bridgeport CT	• Diocese Took Decades to Suspend Molester, by Gerald Renner, Hartford Courant (8/13/97) • Jury Awards $ 750,000 in Priest Misconduct Case, by Denise Lavoie, Associated Press (8/27/97) • Judgment in Sex Case Involving Priest Overturned, by Gerald Renner, Hartford Courant (11/12/99) • Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Settled, Associated Press (4/4/00) • Diocese Settles Lawsuit Alleging Abuse by Priest, Orlando Sentinel (4/5/00)	Jury awarded plaintiff $750K and deemed him eligible for punitive damages, limited to legal fees and associated costs. Judge Arterton fixed punitive damages at $250K. The judgment was overturned on SOL grounds on 11/10/99. The parties settled for an undisclosed but "substantial" sum on 3/21/00.
7/16/98	Rev. Oliver O'Grady	Stockton CA	• Jury Awards $30 Million to Brothers Molested by Priest, Associated Press (7/17/98) • Holy Hypocrite, by Ron Russell, New Times (5/16/02) • L.A. Cardinal's Role Outrages Abuse Victims, by Don Lattin, San Francisco Chronicle (4/19/02)	Jury awarded 2 plaintiffs $24M in punitive damages and $6M in compensatory damages. Later reduced by judge to $8M punitive and $5M compensatory. In 1999, plaintiffs settled for $7.65M. O'Grady had been criminally convicted in 1994 of molesting the plaintiffs.
3/1/99	Rev. James Gummersbach	St. Louis MO	• Jury Hits Archdiocese with $1.2 Million Verdict, by Tim Bryant, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/2/99) • Court Overturns Jury Award to Man Who Claimed a St. Louis Priest Abused Him, by William C. Lhotka, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/29/00)	Jury awarded plaintiff $498,280 in compensatory damages and the same amount in punitive damages, and awarded his wife $200K for damages to the couple's marriage. Appeals court overturned the verdict on statute of limitations grounds on 3/28/00.
6/14/02	Rev. Daniel Herek	Omaha NE	• Jury Awards $800,000 for Abuse, by Joseph Morton, Omaha World Herald (6/15/02)	Jury awarded $750 to the plaintiff and $50K to his mother. The archdiocese admitted negligence shortly before the trial began. In 1998 Herek had been convicted of sexual assault on a child and manufacturing child pornography.
10/3/02	Rev. Thomas Teczar	Worcester MA	• Jury Rules Teczar Committed Abuse, by Kathleen A. Shaw, Telegram & Gazette (10/4/02)	The jury ruled that Teczar committed "reckless infliction of emotional distress" on the plaintiff and caused him harm, but judged that it was not intentional, and did not award damages, apparently because the connection between distress and harm was not established.
10/15/03	Rev. Edward L. Ball	San Bernardino CA	• Judge Awards Brothers $26 Million in Priest Sex Abuse Case, NBC 4 (10/17/03) • Priest Fined Millions in Molestation Case, by Tim Grenda, Press Enterprise (10/17/03) • Diocese to Pay $2.1M in Sex Suit, by Chris T. Nguyen, San Bernardino County Sun (6/30/03)	When Ball failed to show up for the scheduled start of his trial, the judge presided over a one-day hearing, heard testimony from the victims, and awarded $26M total to two brothers. A $4.2M settlement between the brothers, the diocese, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart had been announced 6/30/03. Ball pled guilty to abusing the brothers in 1999.
11/24/03	Rev. Robert Freitas	Oakland CA	• Ex-Priest Pleads Guilty to Sex Charge, by Yomi S. Wronge, San Jose Mercury News (12/7/02) • Calif. Priest, Victim Agree to $16 Million Settlement in Molestation Case, by Terence Chea, Associated Press (11/25/03) • Former Priest, Diocese Settle Abuse Suit, by Robert Airoldi, Oakland Tribune (11/25/03) • Diocese, Priest Agree to Pay Man in Abuse Case, by Dana Hull, San Jose Mercury News (11/26/03) • Priest Owes Molestation Victim Millions, KGO (10/28/04)	After two weeks of trial and just before former bishop Cummins was scheduled to testify, the diocese settled with the plaintiff for $1M plus $50K for counseling. Freitas agreed to pay the plaintiff $16M. On 12/6/02 Freitas had pled guilty to abusing the plaintiff. Part of the law used to prosecute Freitas was judged unconstitutional in the 2003 Stogner decision.
3/24/05	Rev. Joseph Pritchard	Oakland CA	• Jury Awards Victim $437,000 from San Jose Priest's Sex Abuse, by Lisa Leff, Associated Press (3/25/05)	The San Francisco archdiocese was ordered by a jury to pay $437K to the plaintiff.
4/15/05	Rev. Robert Ponciroli	Oakland CA	• Update: Jury Finds Oakland Diocese Negligent in Sexual Abuse Case, KPIX (4/15/05)	A jury awarded two brothers a total of $1.93 million in compensatory and punitive damages. One brother was awarded $875,000 in compensatory and $875,000 in punitive damages, and the other brother was awarded $180,000 in compensatory damages.
4/20/05	Rev. Joseph Pritchard	Oakland CA	$6 Million Verdict for 4 Victims in Church Trial, by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle (4/21/05)	The jury awarded a total of $5.954M to four victims: $1.58M to John Salberg; $1.581M to Kenneth Archambault; $1.323M to John Doe; and $1.47M to Jane Doe.
5/9/05	Rev. James Janssen	Davenport IA	• Diocesan and Other Documents in Wells v. Janssen • Sex Abuse Trial Slated for Janssen, by Todd Ruger Quad-City Times (5/1/05) • Jury Awards Janssen Nephew $1.9M, by Todd Ruger, Quad-City Times (5/9/05) • Appeal Deadline Lapses in Janssen Case, by Todd Ruger, Quad-City Times (7/20/05) • Ex-Priest Janssen Held in Contempt for Hiding Funds, by Ann McGlynn, Quad-City Times (11/7/07) • Defrocked Priest Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail, by Ann McGlynn, Quad-City Times (1/9/08) • Judge Tells Ex-Priest's Sister to Hand over Assets, by Ann McGlynn, Quad-City Times (1/9/08)	An 8-member jury unanimously awarded the plaintiff $632K in punitive damages and $1.26M in other damages, for a total of $1,892,000, to be paid by Janssen.
10/7/05	Rev. Gerald Vosen	Madison WI	• Priest's Accuser Tearful on Stand, by Mike DuPre, Janesville Gazette (8/3/05) • Case Report for Gerald Vosen v. John Doe (10/7/05)	Jury found for the defendant in a defamation suit brought by the accused priest.
9/18/06	Msgr. Thomas J. Feeney	Davenport IA	• Diocese, Late Priest Sued over Sexual Misconduct, Quad City Times (7/30/05) • Out of the Shadows, by Ann McGlynn, Quad-City Times (8/6/05) • Former Altar Boy Testifies Priest Forced Oral Sex, by Brian Krans, Quad-Cities Online (9/13/06) • Diocese Must Pay $1.5M to Abuse Victim, by Dustin Lemmon, Quad-City Times (9/19/06)	A jury awarded the plaintiff $1,536,800, more than double the $744,000 requested in closing arguments.
12/20/06	Rev. Eric Swearingen	Fresno CA	• Priest Molest Civil Case Ends in Mistrial, by Pablo Lopez, Fresno Bee (12/21/06) • Priest's Case to Be Settled: Abuse Trial That Ended in Toss-Up to Go into Private Binding Arbitration, by Chris Collins, Fresno Bee (5/5/07)	The jury voted 9-3 that Swearingen molested the plaintiff, but the judge declared a mistrial when the jury voted by only 7-5 to clear the diocese of wrongdoing. On 5/4/07 private binding arbitration was agreed to, instead of a second trial.
3/30/07	Rev. Edward J. Smith	Wilmington DE/MD	• Archmere Grad Gets $41 Million in Abuse Suit, by Beth Miller, News Journal (3/31/07)	The jury awarded $41M to the plaintiff, $6 million in compensatory damages and $35 million in punitive damages. Smith is the sole defendant, but the plaintiff hopes to bring the school and the diocese back into the case.
5/16/07	Rev. Michael Sprauer	Portland OR	• Jury Rules Priest Sexually Abused 2 Boys, by Alan Gustafson, Statesman Journal (5/17/07)	The jury awarded $695K to one plaintiff and $690K to another, for a total of $1,385,000. Sprauer was cleared of accusations that he abused a third man.
5/18/07	Matthew Maiello, youth minister	Rockville Centre NY	• At Trial on Long Island, Priest Defends Hiring of Worker Who Later Abused Teenagers, by Bruce Lambert, NY Times (4/17/07) • Sexual Tormentor Testifies, But Victims Can't Bear to Listen, by Bruce Lambert, NY Times (4/25/07) • Abuse Victim Suing Church Testifies He Is Still in Pain, by Bruce Lambert, NY Times (5/1/07) • 2 Raped by Minister Are Awarded $11.45 Million, by Bruce Lambert, NY Times (5/19/07) • LI Diocese Loses Sex Abuse Suit, WINS 1010 (5/19/07)	The jury awarded the two plaintiffs $11.45M: $2.5 million to each victim for injuries and suffering to date, as well as $250,000 annually to the woman for the next 12 years, and $115,000 annually to the young man for the next 30 years. Her total would be $5.5 million, and his would be $5.95 million. The jury attributed 70 percent of the blame to Maiello, who did not contest the suit and has few assets. Maiello pled guilty in 2003 to raping and sodomizing four minors, including the two who sued. He served two years in prison.
6/25/07	Rev. Alfred Willis	Burlington VT	• Church Child Molestation Case Goes to Trial Today, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (6/20/07)	Judge declared a mistrial because of the questions diocesan attorneys posed to the plaintiff.
12/4/07	Rev. Alfred Willis	Burlington VT	• Surprise Witness Backs up Priest Sex-Abuse Claim, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (11/30/07) • Man Suing Vermont Diocese Takes Stand, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (11/29/07) • Jury Issues Split Decision, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (12/5/07) • Supreme Court Overturns First Diocese Verdict, Burlington Free Press (10/9/09) [with decision]	In retrial of case in which a mistrial was declared on 6/25/07, a jury ruled that the diocese did not adequately supervise Willis but that the victim filed his lawsuit too late to receive a damage award. The jury awarded $15K to be paid by the diocese if the judge rejects the jury's SOL finding. The Vermont Supreme Court on 10/9/09 reversed on SOL grounds, but found one juror biased in favor of the diocese, and affirmed the lower court's order that the diocese pay in full the $112K legal costs of the plaintiff.
5/13/08	Rev. Edward Paquette	Burlington VT	• Plaintiff in Priest Sexual Abuse Case Testifies, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (5/9/08) • Verdict: Jury Awards $8.7 Million to Plaintiff, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (5/13/08) • Diocese to Appeal, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (5/15/08) • Judge Puts $10M Lien on Church HQ, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (5/17/08)	Jury awarded $950K in compensatory damages and $7.75M in punitive damages for 40-100 instances of abuse by Paquette of an altar boy in 1976-78. The $17.65M settlement on 5/13/10 included commitments to settle three verdicts that were on appeal, including this one. The amount of each additional settlement was not announced. The total deal was stated to be worth over $20M, with the three additional settlements totaling more than $2.35M and averaging $784K.
5/14/08	Rev. Titian Miani SDB	Los Angeles CA	• Salesian Order Embattled in Civil Suit, by Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times (5/9/08) • Salesians Settle Final L.A. Archdiocese Priest Abuse Case, by Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times (5/15/08) • Salesian Order Settles, Associated Press (5/15/08)	After jury was seated, the Salesians settled with 17 complainants, including the four plaintiffs in the case before the LA County Superior Court, for $19.5M.
8/13/08	Rev. Edward Paquette	Burlington VT	• Latest Priest Sex Abuse Trial under Way in Burlington, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/14/08) • Priest Testifies against Diocese, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/19/08) • Diocese Tries to Use Confidential Records to Aid Its Case, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/20/08) • Plaintiff Testifes at Priest-Abuse Trail, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/21/08) • Witness: Ex-Altar Boy Shows Signs of Abuse, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/22/08) • Hung Jury in Clergy Sex Abuse Case Leads to Mistrial, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (8/28/08)	Case brought by former altar boy who was abused by Paquette 20 to 50 times in 1977 and 1978 was declared a mistrial after jury could not decide on a verdict.
8/27/08	Rev. Raymond Kownacki	Belleville IL	• Man Alleging Sex Abuse Sues Retired Priest, Belleville Diocese, by Robert Goodrich, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (10/26/02) • Belleville Diocese Leaders Failed to Investigate Priest Sex Abuse, Former Vicar General Testifies, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (8/21/08) • Schwaegel: Priest Transferred to St. Henry's Parish in Belleville Despite Prior Compliants of Sexual Abuse, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (8/21/08) • Despite Complaints about Molestations, Diocese Put Priest near Two Belleville Schools, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (8/22/08) • Testimony Shows Gregory Gave Review Board Only One Personnel File, by George Pawlacz, News-Democrat (8/22/08) • Testimony: Gregory Released Priest File Missing Information on Other Victims, by George Pawlacz, News-Democrat (8/23/08) • Former Belleville Bishop Gregory Says Key Documents about Sex Abuse Were Kept from Him, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (8/27/08) • Jury Awards $5 Million to Former Altar Boy in Belleville Priest Abuse Case, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (8/28/08) • $5 Million Verdict Upheld against Diocese in Sex Abuse Case, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (11/1/08) • Belleville Diocese Appeals $5 Million Verdict in Sex Abuse Case, by George Pawlaczyk, Standard-Freeholder (11/27/08) • Belleville Diocese Posts $5.9 Million Bond to Cover Court Settlement, by George Pawlaczyk, News-Democrat (12/10/08)	Jury determined that the diocese fraudulently concealed evidence of molestation. This finding, in accord with Judge Lloyd Cueto's 8/3/08 ruling in an otherwise time time-barred case, allowed the jury to deliberate on the cause of action. Jury awarded $2.4M in compensatory damages and $2.6M in punitive damages. Verdict upheld 10/31/08. Diocese filed notice of appeal on 11/26/08. • 10/24/02 Suit filed • 02/27/04 Diocese held in contempt • 07/01/05 Appeals court orders diocese to turn over medical records • 03/23/06 IL Supreme Court hearing • 06/02/06 IL Supreme Court finds that medical records are private and see decision • 08/03/08 Cueto's 'fraudulent concealment' ruling • 08/07/08 Diocese requests 'supervisory order' vs. Cueto ruling • 08/18/08 IL Supreme Court denies requests for "supervisory order" and trial postponement • 08/27/08 Jury finds for plaintiff
12/17/08	Rev. Edward Paquette	Burlington VT	• Jury Awards $3.6 Million in Abuse Case, Burlington Free Press (12/17/2008) • Plaintiff Awarded Millions in Priest Sex Abuse Case, WCAX-TV (12/17/2008) • Diocese Seeks Retrial in Abuse Case, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (1/6/2009) • Dioceses Faces More Suits, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (7/9/2009)	Jury awarded $192,500 in compensatory damages and $3.4M in punitive damages. Victim offered to use money to finance Catholic educations in diocese if the diocese agrees to defrock abusers, terminate their retirement pay, and post names of credibly accused priests on its web site. Diocese has appealed the verdict to the Vermont Supreme Court. The $17.65M settlement on 5/13/10 included commitments to settle three verdicts that were on appeal, including this one. The amount of each additional settlement was not announced. The total deal was stated to be worth over $20M, with the three additional settlements totaling more than $2.35M and averaging $784K.
4/3/09	Msgr. Anthony Herdegen	Fresno CA	• "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" Appeals Court, Citing Mahony Mahony, Reinstates Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, California Catholic Daily (5/27/08) • Mahony Testifies at Molestation Trial, by Paula Lloyd, Fresno Bee (3/17/09) • Fresno Diocese Cleared in Molest: Church Not Liable for Priest's Actions Because Officials Didn't Know at the Time, Jury Finds, by Pablo Lopez, Fresno Bee (4/3/09) • Santillan Granted Re-Trial, CBS 47 (6/15/09) • Priest-Molest Plaintiff Gets New Trial, by Chris Collins, Fresno Bee (6/15/09)	Jury agreed that Herdegen molested two brothers from 1959 to 1972 but ruled that diocese was not liable because it didn’t know at the time. In a decision made public on 6/15/09, the court granted one of the victims a new trial but denied a new trial for his brother.
10/9/09	Rev. Edward Paquette	Burlington VT	• Priest Abuse Trial Opens in Burlington, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (9/30/09) • Fourth Sex Abuse Case against Diocese Goes to Trial, WCAX (9/29/09) • Altar Boy Takes Stand in Priest Sex Abuse Trial, Burlington Free Press (10/1/09) • Alleged Priest Abuse Victim Takes Stand, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (10/1/09) • Bishop: Hiring Paquette Was "Wrong", by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (10/6/09) • Burlington Priest Molestation Case Nears End, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (10/7/09) • Jury Awards $2.2 Million in Damages, by Sam Hemingway, Burlington Free Press (10/9/09)	Jury awarded plaintiff $2.2M in compensatory damages; no punitive damages were awarded. The $17.65M settlement on 5/13/10 included commitments to settle three verdicts that were on appeal, including this one. The amount of each additional settlement was not announced. The total deal was stated to be worth over $20M, with the three additional settlements totaling more than $2.35M and averaging $784K.
11/24/09	Rev. Francis L. Norris	Wilmington DE	• Jury to Begin Deliberations in Priest-Abuse Suit: Attorneys Say Order Put 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' in Classroom at Salesianum, by Sean O'Sullivan, News Journal (11/24/09) • Delaware: Oblates Won't Pay in Priest Abuse Lawsuit: Salesianum School's Operators Liable under Law, but Jury Awards No Damages, by Sean O'Sullivan, News Journal (11/25/09)	Jury finds Salesians liable but awards no damages.
12/1/10	Rev. Francis DeLuca	Wilmington DE	• Defrocked Priest, Parish Ordered to Pay in Sex Abuse Case, by Sean O’Sullivan, News Journal (12/1/10) • $30 Million Is Awarded over Abuse by Priest, by Laurie Goodstein, New York Times (12/2/10)	The jury awarded $30 million in compensatory damages, with the parish where the abuse occurred, St. Elizabeth's in Wilmington, to pay $3 million of the damages. The perpetrator is liable for the rest. On 12/6/10, the jury hears evidence on punitive damages.