At least 36 priests of the Catholic Diocese of Orange in southern California have been publicly accused of engaging in the sexual assault of a minor. Some of these allegations claim that the diocese knew these abuses were occurring and failed to report it to the proper authorities – opting instead to cover up the disgusting acts.
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we believe these despicable actions are absolutely unacceptable. If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse by a member of the Diocese of Orange in California, please contact our Orange County child sexual abuse lawyer immediately to discuss your case. We want to help you seek the closure and justice you deserve – no matter how long ago the abuse took place.
Why Choose Manly, Stewart & Finaldi?
Our team of passionate, experienced attorneys in Orange County has helped survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Orange County receive the legal assistance and emotional support necessary for their healing and recovery.
- We have successfully represented survivors of abuse and assault for more than 20 years. This includes providing counsel to over 150 survivors of clergy abuse in California.
- We have a proven record of results, securing more than $2 billion in total compensation for our clients.
- We take a sympathetic, understanding approach to every case. We fully comprehend the severity of your circumstances and provide legal representation that prioritizes your well-being and trust above everything else.
- We understand that you may have concerns about personal safety, so we maintain the highest standards of confidentiality throughout all case proceedings at your request.
Ultimately, we are here to help you seek justice.
Meet One of Our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Attorneys
What Our Clients Have to Say
“One of the best reputable lawyers in the country, I feel honored to be a client of theirs.” – Vanessa R.
Why Do You Need a Diocese of Orange Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Clergy abuse cases are often stressful and complex, taking large amounts of time and energy to litigate. As such, an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases is always recommended. Our skilled Diocese of Orange sexual abuse attorney can:
- Take care of all the legal legwork on behalf of the client, while also providing the emotional support they need.
- Properly evaluate the full value of your claim, allowing you to receive the maximum possible compensation for your case.
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case, finding all parties who may be liable for your abuse. Additionally, they may potentially find others who may have survived similar experiences – which can strengthen your case against the diocese.
- Evaluate all possible avenues of compensation and decide on the one that best suits your needs.
- Help you remain confidential throughout the duration of the claim for safety and privacy purposes.
Publicly Accused Priests from the Diocese of Orange
Below is a list of names of Diocese of Orange priests who have been publicly accused of sexual assault.
- Andrew Christian Andersen Convicted
- Sofronio A. (Pon) Aranda Settled
- Gregory Atherton Sued
- Lawrence J. Baird Accused
- Franklin Buckman Sued
- Santino Casimano (Casamino) Accused
- John V. Coffield Sued
- Richard Delahunty Settled
- Sinon F. Falvey Sued
- Robert Foley Settled
- Michael A. Harris Settled
- Bertrand W. Horvath Sued
- Edgardo Arrunataegui Jimenez Accused
- John Knoernschild Sued
- John Peter Lenihan Settled
- John “Jack” W. Lord Sued
- Alexander Manville Sued
- Thomas Joseph Mohan Accused
- Dominic Nguyen Accused
- Gordon John Pillon Accused
- Timothy Ramaekers Sued
- Luis Eduardo Ramirez Convicted
- John (Jon) E. Ruhl Settled
- Cesar Salazar Accused
- John A. Sheahan Sued
- Gerardo Jarencio Tanilong Convicted
The New Independent Compensation Program
On May 14, 2019, six California Dioceses announced the formation of a new Independent Compensation Program (ICP) to provide monetary compensation for past victims of abuse by clergy members:
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Diocese of Fresno
- Diocese of Orange
- Diocese of Sacramento
- Diocese of San Bernardino
- Diocese of San Diego
This program allows a third-party committee of independent administrators to evaluate your claim, verify its eligibility, and determine the amount of compensation you should receive. The registration period for claims started on September 16 and concludes on January 31, 2020.
Should I Apply for Compensation Under the ICP?
Before registering for compensation under the ICP, it is highly recommended to consult an attorney first. Although the program allows all survivors to apply for compensation, regardless of when the abuse occurred, there may nonetheless be a few things to consider before filing a third-party claim:
- A new law passed has increased the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault – allowing those who previously could file a claim to proceed with a civil suit in court.
- The final compensation from the ICP is often far less than what applicants are entitled to in a formal civil suit.
- By accepting the compensation from the ICP, you waive your right to file any future lawsuits against the dioceses.
Consulting a Diocese of Orange sexual abuse lawyer can help you determine whether the ICP is the best course of compensation, and help you figure out the best option for compensation for your abuse.
There is an Expanded Statute of Limitations in California for Sexual Abuse
On October 11, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB-218 into law. Effective January 1st, 2020, this bill gives survivors of child sex abuse a second chance at compensation from their abusers.
Beginning January 1, 2020, a survivor may file a case against a priest or diocese for sexual abuse suffered as a child no matter how old the survivor is now or how long ago the abuse occurred. This “window” in the statute of limitations will last for three years.
This bill is especially important for survivors of clergy abuse, as many years have likely passed since the initial abuse occurred. Even if decades have passed, AB-218 may enable you to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
All survivors will have at least until the age of 40 to pursue recovery of damages, or three years after the survivor discovers that he or she was abused as a child even after the “window ” in the statute of limitations closes on January 1, 2023.
The date of discovery is an effective way to extend the statute of limitations for survivors. The clock for the statute of limitations starts only when a psychological injury or illness is officially diagnosed as a direct result of past abuse – giving those who have been impacted more time to pursue compensation.
Contact Our Diocese of Orange Sexual Abuse Lawyers
If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy abuse by the Diocese of Orange, let us help you receive the care and support you deserve. The Diocese of Orange deserves to be held accountable for their criminal, negligent actions – and any other parties who may have helped or facilitated their actions must also hold responsibility. Contact us today and see how we can help.
