$52M+ In Sexual Abuse Settlements Paid By Diocese Of Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Diocese of Bridgeport has paid out $52.5 million in settlements related to allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy since 1953 with the vast majority linked to 12 credibly accused priests.

The information comes from a financial accountability report released by Bishop Frank Caggiano. The diocese covers 82 Roman Catholic parishes in Fairfield County.

“My heart breaks at the harm to victims and betrayal of the faithful caused by the sin of abuse, and the Church’s repeated failure to act decisively and transparently to protect young people,” Caggiano said. “I wish to express my heartfelt apology to all those affected by this tragedy. I also recognize that restoring trust will require the heroic witness of holiness on the part of every priest, especially myself.”

Of that 87.4 percent of settlements paid relate to claims of abuse before 1990. There were 156 settled claims with an average payment of $337,000. More than 95 percent of settlements were paid after 2000. To sign up for Bridgeport breaking news alerts and more, click here.

“Although most settlements relate to incidents that took place more than 30 years ago, this does not diminish the continued pain of the victims/survivors and all those affected by abuse,” Caggiano said.

A majority of the 156 claims and 87.8 percent of the settlement amounts paid were attributed to 12 credibly accused priests, according to the report. One priest was responsible for $11.9 million of the settlements.

Legal fees for the diocese amounted to about $6.5 million.

A full accounting that addresses claims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy and the response of church leadership will be released in spring 2019. The investigation is being led by retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg.

The diocese has instituted a Safe Environment program that establishes boundary rules between priests and minors. Priests who violate the rules are removed from their duties. Two Bridgeport priests were recently removed from their duties following allegations of violating rules. Father Jose Rebaque shared a cabin on a cruise ship with a 15-year-old boy, according to a statement from the diocese. There were no allegations of sexual abuse and the boy’s parents knew of the arrangement. Former Rev. Frank Gomez resigned from the priesthood after he was found to have violated similar rules, including texting children without parental consent or knowledge. Gomez wasn’t accused of sexual abuse.

The list of credible accused clergy members who are dead include:

• Kieran Ahern
• Alfred Bietighofer
• Stanley Bonaszek
• Lawrence Brett
• Walter Coleman
• William Donovan
• Martin Federici
• William Fletcher
• James Gildea
• Joseph Gorecki
• Richard Grady
• Stanley Kozoil
• Francis McKenna
• Robert Morrissey
• Raymond Pcolka

The list of credible accused living priests include:

• Henry Albeke
• Charlie Carr
• John Castaldo
• Jean Marie DeGraff
• Stephen DeLuca
• Joseph DeShan
• Sherman Gray
• Albert McGoldrick
• Joseph Moore
• Gavin O’Connor
• Gregory Smith
• John Stronkowski
• Charlie Stubbs
• Vincent Veich

The majority of settlements were reached between the Diocese and victims or their legal counsel. Some settlements were reached with the help of judges or other mediators and one was tried through litigation that ended up with the diocese liable for monetary damages.

About 92 percent of settlements were supported through the sale of diocesan property, insurance recoveries and other co-defendants such as religious orders.

“The Diocese acknowledges that absent the need to pay out these claims, the revenue sources used to pay these settlements would have been used to support the broader mission of the Church,” Caggiano said in the report.

The diocese continues to provide support for priests who are removed from their duties following credible allegations of sexual abuse. Eight credibly accused priests who are still alive receive between $1,319 and $1,466 per month in support. All financial assistance to six credibly accused priests will cease come Jan. 1, 2019.

Support to some priests was reduced following a review of their tax returns to determine standards of living and alternative income sources.

Read the full report here.

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