Diocese of Portland, Maine settles child sex abuse case for 1.2 million dollars

By Elle Ousfar
WLBZ
August 15, 2016

http://www.wlbz2.com/news/local/12-million-dollar-settlement-reaced-in-the-diocese-of-portland-maine-scandal/298344170

Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland

BOSTON, Massachusetts (NEWS CENTER) - - The Law Office of Mitchell Garabedian confirmed that a 1.2 million dollar settlement has been reached between Diocese of Portland, Maine, and six childhood victims of sexual abuse of Fr. James Vallely.

According to the press release, the Diocese of Portland, Maine, and Bishop Daniel J. Feeney had knowledge of multiple accusations of sexual abuse of minor children against Fr. James Vallely for decades but fraudulently concealed it.

“As a result of litigation in an earlier case against Fr. James Vallely and the Diocese of Portland, Maine, the diocese produced a copy of a letter written by a currently-retired priest in 2005 which revealed that the Diocese of Portland, Maine, and Bishop Daniel J. Feeney had knowledge of multiple accusations of sexual abuse of minor children against Fr. James Vallely as far back as 1956,” said Garabedian.

the press release said Fr. James Vallely was assigned to St. John's Parish in Bangor, Maine, in the 1950s. Instead of removing him from priestly ministry and notifying the public, Bishop Daniel J. Feeney transferred Fr. James Vallely to another parish where children were placed at risk of further sexual abuse by a serial pedophile priest. 

The Law Office of Mitchell Garabedian will hold a press conference on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 11:30 am. In Boston, MA.  announcing the 1.2 million dollar settlement of six fraudulent concealment lawsuits between the Diocese of Portland, Maine, and six plaintiffs and childhood sexual abuse victims of Fr. James Valley.