Priest Abuse In Maryland

Maryland Clergy Abuse Lawsuits

In Maryland, multiple survivors of priest abuse have brought clergy abuse lawsuits against their abusers. Some of these lawsuits also name the Archdiocese of Baltimore and other Catholic orders as defendants.

In November 2021, an anonymous survivor filed a lawsuit against former priest Francis P. Gillespie. The survivor claimed Gillespie abused him between 1996 and 1997. The survivor was eight years old when the abuse began.

The alleged abuse continued through the year 2000. At the time, Gillespie was a member of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus in Baltimore. The lawsuit includes the Society of Jesus as a defendant, alleging acts of negligence.

Several lawsuits have also named A. Joseph Maskell, a former priest at Archbishop Keough High School. The survivors who filed the lawsuits accused Maskell of repeated child sex abuse. As a counselor, Maskell used his position in the school to abuse primarily female students with a history of sexual abuse. However, one incident in the 1950s involved a male victim at a religious camp.

Beginning in 2011, the Archdiocese of Baltimore began paying settlements to the victims of Maskell. Many survivors of child sexual abuse have been able to obtain compensation by suing their abusers as well as the responsible dioceses.

Clergy Abuse Settlements In Maryland

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has paid settlements to more than a dozen survivors of priest abuse. Many of the settlement amounts remain undisclosed.

2016 | Baltimore Archdiocese Pays Dozens of Settlements

Between 2011 and 2016, the Archdiocese of Baltimore paid settlements to many of the victims of A. Joseph Maskell. Some of these settlements included additional stipulations.

For example, in a settlement agreement, survivor Donna Von Den Bosch agreed not to sue the archdiocese for any claims regarding Maskell in the future. The settlement also specified the Archdiocese of Baltimore does not admit liability for the abuse done by Maskell.

2011 | Wilmington Diocese Pays $77 Million Settlement

In 2011, the Diocese of Wilmington, which covers parts of Delaware and Maryland, agreed to a $77 million settlement. The payout provided compensation for nearly 150 survivors of priest sex abuse. The Diocese of Wilmington was also required to give documents to the courts detailing the internal handling of abusive priests.

Maryland Diocese Bankruptcy

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has not filed for bankruptcy amidst the ongoing lawsuits. However, Delaware’s Diocese of Wilmington, which serves some areas of Maryland, did file for bankruptcy protection in 2009.

The announcement coincided with lawsuits from roughly 150 survivors of child sex abuse.

By filing for bankruptcy, Catholic dioceses are often able to protect their assets. In some cases this means reduced compensation for victims. Bankruptcy may also shield a diocese from having to release sensitive documents further exposing its negligence.

Child Sex Abuse Statutes Of Limitations In Maryland

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. Survivors must follow the relevant statutes to take legal action against an abuser.

Statutes of limitations vary based on the jurisdiction, the type of injury and the intended legal action (i.e., criminal charges versus a civil claim). State lawmakers can reform these legal deadlines through legislation.

Civil Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Maryland

Beginning October 1, 2023, a new law will allow survivors of child sex abuse in Maryland to file lawsuits against their abusers no matter how long ago the abuse happened. The law repeals the previous statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases, which gave survivors until the age of 38 to file.

Maryland’s “Look Back” Window

The law eliminating the statute of limitations also allows survivors with previously expired claims to file civil lawsuits against those responsible for their abuse. Starting October 1, 2023, there will be an unlimited “look back” window that revives child sex abuse claims that were previously time-barred.

Other states have created limited “look back” periods lasting for a certain number of years. Maryland is the first state to pass a “look back” window with no expiration date.

Criminal Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Maryland

Maryland has no criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse.

List Of Priests Accused Of Abuse In Maryland

The following is a list of priests accused of abuse in Maryland. Other clergy members accused of priest abuse in Baltimore and other parts of Maryland are also included.

Although administrative staff and volunteers are not listed, you may still be able to file a claim for abuse against the responsible diocese.

If you or a loved one was abused by a Maryland clergy member, you may still have legal rights.

History Of Clergy Abuse In Maryland

In April 2023, the Maryland attorney general released a report documenting hundreds of child abuse cases in the Archdiocese of Baltimore over the course of several decades. The report listed more than 150 priests credibly accused of abuse. This follows the release of reports from the archdiocese in 2016 and 2018, which identified 99 clergy members facing credible accusations.

2023 | Maryland AG Releases Investigation

In April 2023, the Maryland attorney general released the results of an investigation that began in 2018 into the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The report identified more than 150 priests that abused more than 600 children from the 1940s through 2002. The report also documents the ways church leadership covered up abuse.

As part of the investigation, the attorney general’s office reviewed hundreds of thousands of church documents and interviewed many survivors.

One such survivor was Elizabeth Ann Murphy. Interviewed twice in 2018, Murphy recounted the abuse she suffered at the Baltimore Catholic Community Middle School in the 1970s. John Merzbacher, a former teacher, raped Murphy and several other students.

In 1995, Merzbacher was given four consecutive life sentences. However, Murphy felt the victory was hollow because the Archdiocese of Baltimore was never held accountable for enabling Merzbacher.

Investigations into the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Wilmington, also announced in 2018, are ongoing.

Maryland Priest Abuse Victim Resources

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in Maryland, you are not alone. Statewide resources exist to help victims of sexual violence on the road to recovery. You can find a Maryland crisis center here.

Some survivors also find solace and empowerment by taking legal action against their abuser or the responsible organization. Speak with one of our experienced attorneys today to learn more about your legal options.

Maryland Priest Abuse FAQs

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Priest Sexual Abuse In Maryland?

Starting October 1, 2023, Maryland will have no statute of limitations and will have a permanent “look back” window for survivors of child sex abuse. This means any person abused by a priest as a child can file a civil lawsuit against their abuser no matter how long ago the abuse happened.

Learn more about child sexual abuse statutes in Maryland here >

How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In Maryland?

Report suspected child abuse, including child sexual abuse, to the Maryland Department of Human Services. Abuse reporting numbers for local departments can be found here.