WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF IN NEW YORK?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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NEW YORK STATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Student Sexual Abuse at NY State Schools
New York State School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits detail cases where students were allegedly abused by teachers, staff, and clergy across New York schools.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that students at New York schools were sexually abused by educators, staff, or clergy in positions of authority.
Schools across New York State, including private and religious institutions, have been the subject of allegations involving sexual abuse by faculty members, administrators, and affiliated clergy. Reported cases describe patterns of misconduct spanning decades, including incidents of inappropriate contact, grooming, coercion, and institutional failures to respond to complaints or prevent further harm. Lawsuits have also raised concerns about inadequate supervision and alleged efforts to conceal or ignore reports of abuse within school environments.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at NY State Schools
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse within New York State Catholic Schools, include the following:
St. Francis Preparatory School
- In November 2024, allegations revealed that Fr. Michael Melendez, former religion teacher at St. Francis Preparatory School in New York sexually abused minors in the 1990s.
- In August 2019, six alumni of St. Francis Preparatory School filed lawsuits, alleging decades of cover-up and sexual abuse by staff members dating back to 1969.
A football coach allegedly targeted a 14-year-old former student in the shower.
A school principal allegedly drugged and raped another former student in 1977.
Rodney Alejandro, former teacher, allegedly repeatedly raped, twice impregnated, and forced abortion both times on a 15-year-old former student between 1987 to 1989.
A Franciscan brother allegedly repeatedly molested a former student between 2003 and 2004 inside offices and classrooms.
- In September 2013, a former student filed a lawsuit against St. Francis Preparatory School in New York, alleging negligent supervision and sexual harassment in 2006 by former teacher Br. Ben O’Reilly.
St. Anthony’s High School
- In November 2023, a lawsuit was filed in Brooklyn Federal Court alleging that Trevor J. Anderson, a former guidance counselor at St. Anthony’s High School in New York, sexually abused a girl for a decade.
Anderson allegedly molested the victim and took nude photographs of her.
The abuse allegedly occurred in several locations, including on campus.
- In August 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Br. Harold Harvers, former teacher at St. Anthony’s High School for allegedly abusing a 12-year-old in 1969.
In February 1998, a former student filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleging sexual harassment by Harvers. The school and the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn allegedly failed to properly supervise Harvers and did not properly respond to complaints regarding his behavior.
In January 1995, a former student filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse and harassment by Harvers. He allegedly grabbed the victim in the hallway, brushed up against her, kissed her, and made inappropriate comments.
Archbishop Stepinac High School
- In January 2020, a former student filed a lawsuit against Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York, alleging he was sexually abused in the late 1960s by Fr. John Vincent.
- In May 2017, it was reported that the Archdiocese of New York reached settlements ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 each with several victims who were allegedly sexually abused as children during the 1970s and 1980s.
The lawsuit named clergy affiliated with Archbishop Stepinac High School, including Rev. John O’Keefe.
- In November 2013, Amanda Iles, a former religion teacher at Archbishop Stepinac High School, was arraigned on charges alleging sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student between June and July 2013.
- In 2020, Fr. Donald T. Malone, former principal of Archbishop Stepinac High School was named in two child sexual abuse lawsuits.
In April 2019, the Archdiocese of New York included Malone on its list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse.
Malone allegedly solicited sex from a teenage boy in 1988.
In 1979, he was arrested for public lewdness.
At least one individual who was allegedly a victim of Malone died by suicide.
Chaminade High School
- In August 2019, lawsuits were filed within the Diocese of Rockville Center, which implicated several schools including Chaminade High School in New York alleging child sexual abuse by Br. James C. Williams, former president of the school.
- In February 2018, a former student of Chaminade High School in New York alleged he was groomed and abused by a layman and staff member in the early 1970s.
The staff member allegedly took photographs of the abuse and used them to silence the victim.
- In May 2016, it was reported that Fr. James Williams, former president of Chaminade High School, was suspended following credible allegations of child sexual abuse.
One former student alleged the school covered up the abuse.
Iona Preparatory School
- In April 2019, a former student of Iona Preparatory School in New York alleged sexual abuse by faculty member Fr. Salvatore Ferro in the 1970s.
- In March 2019, a former student of Iona Preparatory School alleged he was sexually abused in the 1960s by faculty member Br. Robert Pavlica.
LK is Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims in Catholic Schools in the State of New York
Levy Konigsberg is investigating cases of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Catholic Schools in the State of New York.
You may have a potential claim if you were sexually abused in these or any other Catholic Schools in the State of New York:
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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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
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 grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
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
New York School Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.
In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at private schools, who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at public schools, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse at a New York State Catholic school, our team is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse in New York schools.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in schools. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
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.