Archdiocese of Philadelphia Settles Sexual Assault Case for $3.5M
In a significant development, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has reached a settlement of $3.5 million to resolve a case involving allegations of sexual assault by one of its priests against a 14-year-old boy nearly two decades ago. The plaintiff’s legal representatives shared the news, emphasizing that this settlement holds the archdiocese accountable for its failure to protect the victim and other children.
The harrowing incident unfolded in 2006 when the plaintiff, a 14-year-old seventh-grader at the time, was serving as an altar boy and attending religious school in a parish located in a Philadelphia suburb. According to court documents filed in the civil case, the victim was taken to the office of Pastor John Close, who was overseeing children’s religious education classes at the parish. During this encounter, Close allegedly subjected the boy to a distressing ordeal, indicating a need for “cleansing,” which escalated into a sexual assault. Close then coerced the victim into silence by invoking threats of “eternal damnation.”
Tragically, this traumatic event had a profound impact on the victim’s life, leading to severe psychological distress, substance abuse, and the loss of educational, economic, and personal opportunities. The plaintiff’s legal team asserted that the archdiocese’s negligence, recklessness, and outrageous conduct were instrumental in allowing this tragedy to occur. They accused the archdiocese of failing to observe and supervise the relationship between the victim and Close, neglecting to address Close’s prior sexual abuse of children, and not taking action to remove Close from the ministry despite previous allegations of abuse.
The complaint also alleged that the archdiocese was aware of two reports of sexual assault against Close prior to the 2006 incident. In both instances, the archdiocese did not report the allegations to law enforcement or take steps to remove the priest from ministry.
In its response to the complaint, the archdiocese stated that it had no knowledge of this specific allegation before Close’s death, and it reported the accusation to law enforcement when informed by the plaintiff’s attorneys in 2019. The archdiocese expressed its commitment to preventing child abuse, protecting young people in its care, and offering compassionate support to survivors of sexual abuse.
This settlement is a step towards accountability, but it also highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The plaintiff’s attorneys pointed to a Philadelphia grand jury report from 2018, which revealed “credible allegations” against 300 “predator priests,” with over 1,000 identifiable child victims in the church’s records. This disturbing pattern of covering up predatory behavior underscores the need for transparency, prevention, and justice in addressing these grave concerns.
While the archdiocese has expressed deep regret for the pain suffered by survivors of child sexual abuse, the impact of such incidents on victims’ lives is undeniable. As the investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable, and measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The settlement serves as a reminder of the urgent need for continued vigilance in safeguarding the well-being of children within religious organizations.
