Diocese of Joliet Sexual Abuse Claims

The Diocese of Joliet serves as a prominent center for the Catholic Church in Illinois, covering seven counties, including DuPage County. Unfortunately, like many dioceses across the country, the Diocese of Joliet has faced serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse that have shaken the faith of its congregants and the larger Catholic community.

The Diocese of Joliet sexual abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are dedicated to helping survivors seek the compensation they deserve while holding institutions accountable for their role in enabling abuse.

Background and Influence of the Diocese of Joliet

The Diocese of Joliet was established in 1948 to serve the growing Catholic population in Illinois. Today, it encompasses over 100 parishes, such as Saint Jude, Saint Mary, and Saint Francis, and numerous schools across seven counties, including Will, Ford, and DuPage County.

With its headquarters in Joliet, the diocese has played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural lives of its communities.

The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus is the diocese’s central place of worship for the diocese. Named after the patron saint of expectant mothers and those in need of shelter, it symbolizes faith, hope, and service.

It hosts significant diocesan events, including ordinations, celebrations of the sacraments, and liturgical gatherings led by the bishop of the diocese.

The current bishop of the Diocese of Joliet is Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, who was installed as the sixth bishop of the diocese in September 2020. Bishop Hicks has emphasized the importance of transparency and support for survivors of clergy sex abuse while continuing the diocese’s mission of fostering faith, education, and community outreach.

The diocese also relies on auxiliary bishops to support its extensive operations, from managing parishes to overseeing educational initiatives by the Catholic Church.

From its early years, the Diocese of Joliet has been known for its commitment to education and service rooted in faith and moral values. The diocese has supported charitable initiatives to assist vulnerable populations, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and outreach.

While the diocese’s contributions to the community are commendable, its handling of child sexual abuse allegations has cast a shadow over its legacy, prompting demands for accountability and systemic reform.

Clergy Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Joliet

The Diocese of Joliet has faced serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse dating back to the 1950s and has persisted for decades, mirroring a broader crisis within the Catholic Church.

The Illinois Attorney General’s 2023 report on clergy abuse documented numerous cases within the diocese, highlighting its failure to adequately protect vulnerable children and address allegations.

These cases reveal troubling patterns, including:

• Abuse often occurs during one-on-one interactions between priests and minors, such as counseling sessions or extracurricular activities.
• Complaints being dismissed or minimized by diocesan leadership.
• Abusive priests are being reassigned to new parishes instead of being removed from ministry or reported to law enforcement.

Survivors of child sex abuse within the Diocese of Joliet have described enduring psychological and emotional trauma, often compounded by the Catholic Church’s failure to acknowledge their suffering. Many have come forward decades after their abuse, finding strength in survivor advocacy groups and legal actions that expose systemic failings within the Church.

Catholic Priests and Clergy Members Accused of Abuse

The list of Illinois priests accused of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Joliet includes:

1. Fr. John F. Barrett
2. Fr. Richard L. Bennett
3. Fr. James Boyce
4. Br. William Bedard
5. Fr. Andrew L. Buczyna
6. Fr. John J. Burke
7. Fr. James R. Burnett
8. Fr. Robert Cell
9. Fr. Thomas A. Corbino
10. Br. Daniel (William Kevin) O’Brien
11. Fr. Phillip J. Dedera
12. Fr. Arno Dennerlein
13. Fr. Paul F. Dinan
14. Fr. Richard Dochstader
15. Fr. William Dugal, III
16. Fr. Leonard (Jeffrey) Fairfield
17. Fr. Lowell E. Fischer
18. Fr. Alejandro Flores
19. Fr. Salvatore Formusa
20. Fr. James M. Frederick
21. Fr. Michael L. Gibbney
22. Fr. Lawrence M. Gibbs
23. Fr. Leonard J. Gilman
24. Fr. William (Patrick) Gleeson
25. Fr. Carroll Howlin
26. Fr. Richard E. Jacklin
27. Fr. Mark Jendrysik
28. Fr. Harold Jochem
29. Fr. Robert (Barry) Kremer
30. Fr. Frederick A. Lenczycki
31. Fr. John D. Malzone
32. Fr. Kevin McBrien
33. Fr. Richard J. McGrath
34. Fr. J. Anthony Meis
35. Fr. Lawrence W. Mullins
36. Fr. James A. Nowak
37. Fr. Donald G. O’Connor
38. Fr. Donald P. Pock
39. Fr. Edward F. Poff
40. Fr. Franklin (Felix) Prior
41. Fr. Anthony J. Ross
42. Fr. Richard M. Ruffalo
43. Fr. Francis Lee Ryan
44. Fr. Jeffrey Salwach
45. Fr. Gerald J. Simonelli
46. Fr. Henry Slade
47. Fr. John C. Slown
48. Fr. David Stalzer
49. Fr. Edward A. Stefanich
50. Fr. James O. Storm
51. Fr. Charles Van Duren
52. Fr. William D. Virtue
53. Fr. Oliver T. Walsh
54. Fr. Myles Patrick White
55. Fr. Francis (Lambert) Yore

Legal Proceedings and Child Sex Abuse Investigations into the Diocese of Joliet

The Joliet Diocese has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits related to clergy sexual abuse. Besides the 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s report, the Diocese of Joliet has faced multiple civil lawsuits filed by survivors of clergy abuse.

In 2013, the Diocese of Joliet reached a settlement involving a Catholic priest, who was accused of sexually abusing minors during his tenure at St. Mary Parish in Mokena and other assignments. The settlement included the release of personnel files related to him and other priests with substantiated allegations of abuse. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, one of the settlements was reported to be $600,000.

In April 2015, the Joliet Diocese agreed to a $4.14 million settlement with 14 men who alleged they were sexually abused by five Catholic priests during their childhoods. The abuse reportedly occurred between the 1960s and 1980s across various suburban churches within the diocese.

In response to public and legal pressure, the Diocese of Joliet has taken steps to address past abuses and prevent future misconduct. These measures include:

• Publishing a list of clergy members with substantiated allegations of abuse.
• Establishing a review board to evaluate complaints against clergy.
• Implementing mandatory training programs for clergy and lay staff on abuse prevention.

While these efforts are significant, survivors and advocacy groups argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed, including independent oversight and stronger measures to ensure transparency.

Legal Options for Survivors of Clergy Sex Abuse in the Diocese of Joliet

Survivors of clergy abuse in the Joliet Diocese can pursue both criminal charges and civil claims. While criminal cases may be limited by statutes of limitations, civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek financial compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, and other damages. 

Injury Lawyer Team brings years of experience in clergy abuse cases, offering compassionate and skilled representation to survivors of abuse in the Diocese of Joliet. Our Illinois clergy abuse lawyer team understands the emotional toll these cases take and provides the necessary support to help survivors navigate the legal process.

We specialize in uncovering patterns of institutional negligence, holding not only individual perpetrators but also enabling institutions accountable. Our thorough investigation and legal strategy ensure survivors receive maximum compensation for their suffering.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action Against the Catholic Church in Joliet, IL?

If a case involves child sex abuse, Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202.2) allows survivors to bring a civil claim at any time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. This applies to lawsuits against abusive priests, individual abusers, and, where supported by the facts, the Catholic diocese and other church institutions that failed to protect sexually abused children or ignored warning signs. 

Claims may involve sexual assault, sexual contact, sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct committed by priests or another religious leader who was entrusted with authority over children.

When a lawsuit involving allegations concerns abuse of adults—such as an adult woman or other vulnerable adults—different time limits may apply depending on the circumstances. These cases can involve unwanted sexual advances, coercive conduct, or misconduct tied to positions of trust. The facts of each case determine whether a claim may proceed and how deadlines apply.

In Joliet-area cases, a civil lawsuit is typically filed in the Will County Circuit Court. A lawsuit filed affects the public nature of the allegations and may place a matter into active litigation, even while internal church processes continue. The Joliet Diocese has publicly addressed cases involving credibly accused clergy and has stated an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of parishioners.

Civil lawsuits are separate from any criminal investigation. Survivors may also choose to report abuse to the police, who determine whether criminal charges are appropriate. Civil cases focus on accountability, institutional responsibility, and the harm caused to abused children and others, while criminal cases address violations of the law.

For many survivors, pursuing a civil claim is part of the healing process. These cases can examine whether church officials, diocesan leadership, or other supervisors ignored complaints, failed to act against known abusers, or allowed priests entrusted with care to continue harmful conduct. 

Our attorneys can explain how Illinois law applies to a specific situation and what options are available for moving forward.

Free, Confidential Consultations for Priest Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you or someone you love has experienced clergy abuse in the Diocese of Joliet, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. We will handle your case with sensitivity and confidentiality, empowering you to share your story without fear.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we help you recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a clergy abuse lawyer.

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.