WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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ALABAMA CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting For Survivors Sexually Abused by Alabama Clergy
For decades, religious institutions have held positions of immense trust and moral authority, serving as cornerstones of their communities. Yet, beneath this facade of reverence, there exists a darker narrative—one marked by allegations of abuse, secrecy, and systemic failures to protect the most vulnerable.
If you or someone you love was abused by Alabama clergy, Levy Konigsberg can help you in your fight for justice. We can help you find out what your compensation options are, and get you everything you deserve.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse by Alabama Clergy
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ALABAMA
The Episcopal Church of Alabama is no exception to abuse allegations. Revelations of sexual abuse by episcopal priests have cast a harsh light on the institution’s troubling history and its struggle to confront these grave violations.
- In August 2023, sexual abuse allegations were thrown against Richard R. Losch, a retired Episcopal priest from Alabama. A New Hampshire grand jury indicted him for the alleged 1976 rape of a youth at a Boy Scout camp. The now-60-year-old victim claimed that while serving as camp chaplain, Losch took several boys to the camp, directed them to swim and walk around naked, and arranged to share a bed with one of the youths.
In 2014, former priest Franklin Huntress, admitted to having assaulted a 14-year-old boy in New Hampshire during the 1980s.
- In July 2023, a former priest from Mobile, Alex Crow, took off to Italy with an 18-year-old girl who had just graduated from high school.
In a letter penned for Valentine’s Day while she was still 17, Crow told the teenager she was his wife and made allusions to their plans to set up a house in Italy.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ALABAMA
The Catholic Church, through the Archdiocese of Mobile and the Diocese of Birmingham, has also been forced to confront its own history of clergy sexual abuse. Over decades, revelations have emerged detailing the misconduct of priests and church leaders, leaving a trail of broken trust and profound harm to survivors.
Archdiocese of Mobile
The Catholic Church has published the following list of 29 priests, deacons, and other men who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct in the Mobile Archdiocese since 1950.
- Thomas J. Cullen (deceased).
In 1950s, he allegedly committed sexual abuse.
- Vernon Dahmen (deceased)
In the mid-1970s to early 1980s, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Timothy Evans
In 1998, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Joseph Gill (deceased)
In the late 1960s, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- James A. Havens (deceased)
In 1989, he allegedly accused a 10-year-old at the victim’s home.
- Patrick J. L. Nicholson
In 1984, he allegedly pressed a female freshman at Air Force Academy into an improper sexual relationship after she had gone to him for counseling. The relationship resumed briefly in 1999.
In the 1970s, he also allegedly abused a 15-year-old girl.
- Arthur C. Schrenger
Prior to 1985, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- John Alex Sherlock (deceased)
Prior to june 1997, Sherlock ws allegedly involved in three incidents of sexual abuse that Alex.
- Edward Eugene Smith
In 1984, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- John J. Walton (deceased)
In the 1970s, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Cordell Lang (deceased)
- Robert L. Nouwen
In December 2012, he pled guilty 12/12 to possession of child pornography (boys).
In May 2013, he admitted to raping two children.
- Susai Arul
In 1989–1990, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Joseph Brown
In 1965–1968, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Gregory Furjanic (deceased)
In 1987, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Robert Grabowski
In 1979, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- John Hardman (deceased)
In 1972–1978, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Timothy Keppel
In 1977–1981, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Anthony Kiel (deceased)
In 1955–1958, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Edward Lawler (deceased)
In 1972, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Edward A. Leary (deceased)
In 1970–1972, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Gerald McMahon
In 1967–1970, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Robert Michele
In 1963, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Norman Rogge (deceased)
In 1979–1981, he allegedly committed misconduct
- John Rutledge (deceased)
In 1968, he allegedly committed misconduct.
- Barry Ryan
In the 1990s, he allegedly committed misconduct
- Nelson Ziter (deceased)
In 1974–1979, he allegedly engaged in physically and sexual abuse.
- Nicholas Vic Bendillo (deceased; members of religious orders who are not priests)
Bendillo is accused of misconduct going back to 1963.
- Ralph McGarry (deceased; members of religious orders who are not priests)
In 1960–1961, he allegedly committed misconduct
Diocese of Birmingham
The diocese released a list of clergymen credibly accused with sexual abuse:
- Charles V. Cross (deceased)
In the 1960s, he allegedly sexually abused at least four teenagers, including Robert Wilford.
- John “Jack” Ventura
- Charles Bordenca (deceased)
In the 1960s, he allegedly molested a 12-year-old boy.
- Kevin Cooke
In the 1990s, he allegedly engaged in inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old girl.
- Jonathan “John” Franklin (deceased)
- Roger Lott (deceased)
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have A Case?
You may have a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church if:
- You were sexually abused as a minor or an adult within the Church.
- The abuser was a priest, clergy member, or some other Church volunteer or employee.
- Your abuse occurred at any time in the past.
As with civil sexual abuse cases, claims filed with the bankruptcy settlement fund are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse. Instead, they focus on holding the Archdiocese liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime.
Determining whether you have grounds to pursue a claim can be challenging, which is why our team at Levy Konigsberg is readily available to help.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Alabama Sexual Abuse Attorneys
There is very limited time to file a child sex abuse lawsuit under current law in Alabama. However, a new law is currently being considered that would extend the time to file child sex abuse cases in Alabama and possibly open up a revival window that would permit cases to be filed for a limited time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse by Alabama Clergy.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.