Maryland Priests Accused of Abuse

The scandal of priest abuse has been ongoing in Maryland for decades, and in 2018, the Baltimore Archdiocese released a list of priests accused of abuse in Maryland with almost 100 clergy named as credibly accused. Survivors of clergy abuse continue to come forward, and the list has grown longer as these brave individuals seek accountability for their abusers.

Maryland Lawsuits and Priest Abuse Settlements

Many lawsuits have been filed against priests accused of abuse, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore began paying large settlements in 2011 to survivors who filed claims against the diocese. Many of these cases involved A. Joseph Maskell, who allegedly abused multiple victims. The amounts of these settlements were not disclosed.¹

The Diocese of Wilmington paid a settlement of $77 million dollars to 150 survivors in 2011, for cases in Delaware and Maryland, and was required to turn over documents of priest abuse to the courts. This Diocese, which covers parts of Maryland, filed for bankruptcy which limited the amount paid to survivors of clergy abuse in Maryland.²

Time Limits to File a Lawsuit for Maryland Clergy Abuse

Victims have until the age of 38 to file a civil lawsuit against Maryland priests accused of abuse. The statute of limitations also incorporates a three-year extension for specific allegations against the accused. If the accused is found guilty of an offense linked to the victim’s mistreatment, the victim is then entitled to an extra three years to initiate a civil legal action.

Survivors who are over age 25 who file a civil lawsuit against someone other than their alleged abuser, for example the Catholic Church or Diocese, must prove that there was negligence on their part in failing to stop or prevent the abuse. 

There is no statute of limitations to pursue criminal charges for child sexual abuse in Maryland.

The List of Priests Accused of Abuse in Maryland

The below names are from the website BishopAccountability.org, which keeps updated lists on priests accused of abuse in Maryland and throughout the United States.³

Taking Action Against Maryland Priests Accused of Abuse

In late 2022, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh’s investigation of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore identified more than 600 young victims, over a more than 80-year period.⁴ Many survivors participated in the investigation, providing valuable evidence against their abusers and those who looked the other way or moved priests and clergy around in an attempt to cover up their crimes.

The attorney general’s findings provide a solid backdrop for many survivors to take legal action of their own against their abuser or those who failed in their duty to stop the abuse.

How Survivors of Clergy Abuse Move Forward

The damage of child sexual abuse can last a lifetime, and can impact family, friends, and relationships. There is no amount of money that can reverse what has happened or fully compensate victims for what they have endured. However, many survivors find closure by pursuing criminal charges against their abuser, or civil lawsuits to hold accountable the organizations that protected these predators.

If someone you know is being abused or is in danger, this is an emergency and you should call 911 to take immediate action to stop the abuse and protect the victim. Even after many years have passed, reporting the crime against you or a loved one helps protect future victims and supports the health and safety of the community. Taking meaningful action can be a profound step toward healing and recovery.

Advocating for Victims of Maryland Clergy Abuse

There are many Maryland priests accused of abuse and many of these accusations are credible and documented by previous investigations. It might seem that these cases would be relatively easy to file and win in court, but the Catholic Church has the resources to fiercely defend against lawsuits with their own dedicated legal team. 

Victims and survivors may need their own strong advocates and legal representation to take on the Catholic Church and win their case or receive a settlement. At Saunders & Walker, P.A., we have helped hundreds of victims of clergy abuse understand their rights and navigate the legal process. You can call our team of clergy abuse attorneys today for a free and completely confidential case evaluation to better understand your options.

 We know that taking this step is difficult, and we will support you throughout the process if you decide to file a lawsuit or seek a settlement. We will protect you from intimidation, empower your personal choices, and help guide you to the best decision for your situation. Let us stand beside you as you take on the tragedy of clergy abuse.

Sources:

1. https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-maskell-settlements-20161115-story.html
2. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-church-abuse/wilmington-diocese-agrees-to-77-million-abuse-settlement-idUSTRE7126WT20110203
3. https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused-by-state-md/
4. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/us/baltimore-priest-sexual-abuse.html