Nevada Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List

Many clergy sexual abuse cases and complaints brought forward have come out over the years in the Nevada Diocese. Law enforcement authorities are constantly working with the diocese to address this issue and hold the credibly accused perpetrators accountable. However, child sexual abuse survivors and victims often hesitate to report their cases as the legal process may be too overwhelming for them.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we aim to make this process easy for child sexual abuse victims, ensuring each case is handled with care and professionalism, without burdening them with legal fees. Our clergy abuse lawyers fight tirelessly against accused priests and the Catholic diocese to hold those accused of child sexual abuse accountable.

List of Accused Priests in Catholic Dioceses in Nevada

Last Name	First Name	Diocese	Status	Accusations (Summary)
Bourrie	Lawrence O.	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Noted to have been ordained for “another diocese.” Died in 1996.
Bosco	Raul	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019, which notes he was ordained for “another diocese.” Died in 2006. Added to the Stockton diocese’s list in 11/2020, where was assigned 1991-1992.
Napolitano	Philip	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Napolitano was named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019.
Paradiso	Joseph	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Died in 2017.
Petekiewicz	Robert P.	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Sued	Permanent deacon in Brooklyn, transferred to the Diocese of Las Vegas in 1987, ordained for the priesthood in 1991, accused in 2009 NY civil suit of abusing a boy for four years, removed from ministry in 2008.
Roberts	Mark Thomas	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Convicted	First known incident of abuse occurred in 1996. Removed from ministry in 2002, convicted of abuse of five boys in 2003, sentenced to three years probation, removed from formal probation by court in 2004.
Tea	Clark A.	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Navy chaplain, parish priest. Died 9/19/2014 in Cathedral City, CA.
Dodd	John	Diocese of Las Vegas NV	Accused	Dodd was named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Las Vegas list 4/11/2019, retired in 2014, and removed from ministry in 2019. He is currently living in a structured environment.
Anderson	Robert C.	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Died in 1978. On the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019.
Agustin	Honesto	Diocese of Reno NV	Reinstated	Priest placed on leave in 2006 after allegations of improper conduct with a minor, but investigation dropped in 2007.
Braun	Eugene	Diocese of Reno NV	Settled	Accused of abuse of at least 2-3 girls in the mid-1960s at Little Flower Church. He denied all allegations and was removed from ministry in 1974.
Despars	Robert D.	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Despars was on leave when he died in 1983. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019.
Flahive	Florence	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	From Ireland. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Died in 1958 at age 44. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019.
Brusky	David	Diocese of Reno NV	Settled	Missionary in Tanzania, East Africa for many years, also worked in WI, NV and CA schools and parishes. Accused of abuse of several girls in the 1970s, sent to St. Luke Institute in MD in 1988 for treatment, died 2/1/2014.
Duff	William	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Worked in the diocese 1963-1993. Died in 2005. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019.
Ryan	Timothy O.	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on 4/5/2019. Died 8/13/1960.
Vieages	Harold F.	Diocese of Reno NV	Accused	Placed on leave in 1991, died in 2004. Accused of fondling and raping a 12-year-old boy in about 1969.

About Credibly Accused Clergy and Child Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse involves credible allegations of inappropriate or unlawful sexual behavior by high-ranking clergy members towards vulnerable individuals like children and young adults, a serious issue often labeled as child sexual abuse.

The Catholic diocese has become well-known for its history of abuse by clergy members. Cover-ups are used to prevent people from seeking legal action or filing civil lawsuits. However, this has made it worse for abuse survivors. Not feeling comfortable speaking about the sexual abuse committed by religious order priests can make the lasting impact of the abuse worse.

This abuse can cause severe emotional trauma, mental health issues, and long-term psychological damage to survivors. Some sexually abused victims may even suffer in silence out of fear and never tell their stories. Reporting and seeking legal action are crucial for reclaiming victims’ lives and holding perpetrators in Nevada Dioceses accountable. This is why responsible adults must keep an eye out and report abuse to civil authorities if they have sufficient reason to believe that someone is in danger.

In Nevada, filing a clergy sexual abuse complaint involves the district attorney and initiates a criminal investigation under Nevada law, and potential charges for credible allegations. Victims of the Catholic Church can also pursue legal action, such as civil lawsuits, to seek damages.

Legal Support for Survivors in Nevada

Injury Lawyer Team is a reputable firm specializing in clergy abuse cases involving complaints brought forward about the two Nevada dioceses and more, such as the Catholic Church or accused clergy like Henry Brian Highfill.

Our dedicated team provides comprehensive legal support to help clients abused by clergy members navigate the complexities of these sensitive matters and explore all legal options. We prioritize transparency and ensure that all actions are taken with the survivor’s consent. We offer free, confidential consultations and full legal support, aiming to secure the justice our clients deserve.

What Laws Govern Catholic Church Abuse Lawsuits in Nevada?

Nevada has specific laws and regulations addressing clergy members accused of sexual abuse. These laws involve what defines sexual abuse, how to handle complaints brought forward, detail the statute of limitations, and more.

Statute of Limitations

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases allows victims to file a lawsuit up until the age of 38. Additionally, if the abuse was discovered later in life, victims have 20 years from the date of discovery to take legal action. If the abuse occurred when the victim was an adult, there is no statute of limitations.

Mandatory Reporting Laws

Nevada’s mandatory reporting laws require certain professionals to report suspected neglect or abuse. Failure to file a report with the proper authorities is a crime. Mandated reporters often include, but are not limited to:

Clergy members, including priests or members of the review board
Teachers
School employees
Healthcare staff
Childcare workers and social workers

If a clergy member has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused, they must report it immediately to law enforcement or child protective services.

However, an exception exists for information received during a confidential confession, protected by the clergy-penitent privilege. Priests are not required to report it if a person confesses to sexually abusing minors during confession.

Age of Consent

Nevada law clearly lists the age of consent as 16, which can impact whether you can file criminal charges or receive monetary compensation. Any person below the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activities with another person, including an adult. However, those over 16, such as a 17-year-old, can, even though they are still considered minors.

The law does provide exceptions for teenagers to protect those in consensual relationships. If both people are under 18, and the person who committed the act is not more than two years younger than the person committing the act, consensual sex is not considered abuse. Nevada law does specify that standard rules still apply, including when force or coercion is used.

It further provides provisions for individuals who may not be able to consent but are over 16, such as individuals with disabilities. An experienced attorney can help you learn more.

Other Liabile Parties

Nevada section NRS 41.130 points out that if the person who commits an act that causes personal injury, which often includes sexual abuse, is the employee of an establishment, the establishment can also be held liable.

It is the church’s responsibility to conduct background checks on employees and ensure that members of the church are safe. Failure to do so can make them liable in lawsuits, especially if the church knew about former allegations about a priest and ignored them.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Nevada

Filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Nevada involves several key steps to ensure a thorough and just process. Injury Lawyer Team can help you through this process by providing the following services:

Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your case with an experienced attorney to assess its viability and explain your legal options for taking action against clergy members, speaking with the district attorney, and more.
Evidence Collection: Our team will conduct a detailed investigation and gather crucial evidence and relevant documentation for your case. Credible allegations often require evidence to take legal action, but we can help you get it.
Filing the Lawsuit: We’ll handle the official filing and all associated legal paperwork. The complaint is also served to the defendants, who must respond within a set time limit. We’ll also see whether others may be liable, such as a church that failed to conduct background checks for clergy members.
Pre-Trial Proceedings: We’ll manage discovery, conduct depositions, and handle pre-trial motions efficiently. Discovery can involve reviewing clergy files from the Catholic Church, interviewing witnesses, and more.
Settlement Negotiations: We’ll work to negotiate a fair and just settlement for you outside of court. Many cases are settled at this stage. Settlement may be negotiated after the discovery process starts, such as while we’re interviewing people or reviewing clergy files. It can also happen right before the trial.
Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached outside of court, we will represent the victim during the trial.
Post-Trial Support: Post-trial motions or appeals may follow the trial’s conclusion. For example, if the Catholic Church disagrees with the decision, it can file an appeal. We’ll provide ongoing support and assistance even after the trial ends.

If you are a survivor of clergy sexual assault in Nevada, reach out to Injury Lawyer Team today. Our experienced sexual abuse lawyer team is here to support you and guide you through the legal process, ensuring you get the justice and healing you deserve.

Support Resources for Survivors of Abuse From Clergy Members in Nevada

There are many support services available in Nevada that focus on helping victims of abuse from clergy members and providing them with a safe space to deal with their trauma during their healing process.

For immediate support: Call 911
Archdiocese of Omaha Victim Assistance: Call 1-888-808-9055
Diocese of Grand Island Victim Assistance (Toll-Free): 1-800-652-2229
Catholic Diocese of Lincoln Victim Assistance (Sexual Misconduct Hotline): 1-844-527-0596 (English and Spanish) or Reporting Website.
Nevada Coalition: The Nevada Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence works to prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence across the state, including Clark County, and abuse from the Catholic Church. They provide support and resources to victim-survivors, offer training and education to communities, and advocate for policies and legislation that promote safety and justice for all victims.
Nevada Child Abuse Reporting Hot Line: 1-800-652-1999
Catholic Bishops Abuse Reporting: Visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562

Seeking both legal and emotional support is crucial for recovery. Legal professionals in Nevada can guide survivors through the complexities of their cases, while counseling and support groups provide necessary emotional and psychological care. Law enforcement, attorneys, and other professionals can help you find location-specific support, such as services available in Clark County.

Notable Cases and Outcomes Involving Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse in Nevada

Our attorneys have reviewed public records and private settlement data related to Nevada clergy abuse settlements to provide the best guidance. Depending on the circumstances of your Nevada case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.

Prior to 1995, Nevada’s Roman Catholic Church dioceses operated as a single entity, but they eventually split into two separate dioceses: the Diocese of Reno and the Diocese of Las Vegas. Despite the split, the two dioceses share the financial burdens related to clergy sexual misconduct cases.

Both the Reno Diocese and the Diocese of Las Vegas in Nevada have publicly listed a combined total of 57 accused priests, including priests named, who have been credibly accused of abuse. This does not include complaints brought forward that were not considered credible accusations by law enforcement or the review board.

The North Las Vegas Diocese alone has paid about $15 million in settlements since 1995. Meanwhile, the two dioceses jointly have covered $2.5 million in settlement claims since 2004.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

If you or someone you know is a victim-survivor of clergy-inflicted sexual abuse in Nevada, it’s crucial to have a professional law firm that can assist with civil lawsuits and support from the district attorney to guide you through the legal process. Injury Lawyer Team is here to support you, ensuring you receive fair compensation and that your abuser is brought to justice.

Proven Track Record: Injury Lawyer Team has a history of successfully handling clergy sexual abuse cases in Nevada and securing significant settlements and verdicts for survivors.
Compassionate Approach: We understand the sensitive nature of clergy sexual abuse cases, especially the role of church leaders in these situations. Our attorneys approach each case with empathy and respect, ensuring survivors feel supported and heard throughout the legal process.
Commitment to Justice: We are committed to holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for survivors who report sexual abuse. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you need to move forward.

If you’re a victim of clergy sexual abuse looking to file a lawsuit in Nevada, you can reach out to us for a confidential consultation to get you started with the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.

Nevada Priests Accused of Abuse