Sexual Abuse and Assault Injury Lawyers
Diocese of Rockford Sexual Abuse Claims
The Diocese of Rockford, a cornerstone of faith for Catholics in Northern Illinois, has long been a spiritual beacon for its eleven counties. Established to guide generations in their obligation to attend Mass and embrace the Holy Spirit’s presence, its influence extends deeply into cultural and religious life.
Yet, recent allegations of sexual abuse within the diocese have cast a shadow over its historical significance.
The Diocese of Rockford sexual abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are committed to providing compassionate advocacy and expert legal representation to help survivors pursue the compensation they deserve.
Background and Influence of the Diocese of Rockford
The Diocese of Rockford was established in 1908, marking a pivotal moment in the spiritual development of Northern Illinois. Encompassing eleven counties, it has grown to include numerous parishes, schools, and ministries dedicated to fostering faith and community.
The diocese has played a significant role in shaping religious education, particularly through institutions like Boylan Central Catholic High School, which has been a pillar of Catholic education in the region. Under the leadership of current Bishop David Malloy, the diocese has continued its mission to inspire prophetic ways of living faith.
Bishop Malloy has frequently emphasized the need for a path forward to accomplish something meaningful for future generations, as seen in initiatives like the recent capital campaign assessment process aimed at sustaining its ministries.
However, its leadership has faced scrutiny for failing to address systemic issues of abuse. While the diocese’s history is steeped in the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and other sacred traditions, its influence has been marred by recurring allegations and a lack of transparency.
Warning Signs of Clergy Sex Abuse and Allegations Within the Diocese of Rockford
The Rockford Diocese has been implicated in numerous allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy members, spanning several decades. These allegations detail egregious misconduct, often involving minors, and underscore a disturbing pattern of systemic failures.
A 2023 report by the Illinois Attorney General identified more than 20 clergy members from the Catholic Diocese of Rockford with substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse, significantly more than previously disclosed by the diocese.
Among the cases is the misconduct of Father DeBlock, whose actions allegedly occurred while he was assigned as a parochial vicar at various parishes within the diocese. Victims, often young and vulnerable, were subjected to abuse in contexts where they sought guidance, trust, and faith.
Father William Joffe was accused of sexually abusing multiple minors while serving in the Rockford Diocese. According to the Illinois Attorney General’s clergy report, survivors reported abuse spanning decades, with the priest exploiting his trusted role. The diocese ultimately restricted his ministry after these allegations came to light.
Father Harlan Clapsaddle was accused of sexually abusing multiple minors during his time serving at St. Mary Parish in Byron and St. James Parish in Rockford. Among the survivors were three brothers who alleged that the priest abused them in the 1970s.
Another survivor described repeated abuse beginning when he was just 8 years old and continuing into his teenage years. Despite being informed of allegations in 1993, the Rockford Diocese allowed the priest to remain in ministry until 1996. He was permanently removed from ministry in 2002.
Survivors have described not only the trauma of the abuse itself but also the betrayal of trust by an institution they believed would protect them. As they continue to come forward, these claims reveal the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform.
Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Rockford
The list of Illinois clergy accused of abuse in the Rockford Diocese includes:
- Fr. Edwin Banach
- Br. Joseph J. Charron
- Fr. Mark A. Campobello
- Fr. Harlan B. Clapsaddle
- Fr. Thomas Considine
- Fr. Matthew DeBlock
- Fr. Theodore Feely
- Deacon Michael Frazier
- Fr. James Gaynor
- Fr. Al F. Harte
- Fr. John C. Holdren
- Fr. William I. Joffe
- Fr. Walter E. Johnson
- Fr. Peter D. Kohler
- Br. Richard Kuhl
- Fr. Christopher LeMay
- Br. Patrick O’Hara
- Fr. Alfredo Pedraza-Arias
- Fr. Leo Petit
- Br. Jerome Skaja
- Fr. Joseph J. M. Tully
Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Diocese of Rockford
The Rockford Diocese has faced significant legal scrutiny due to allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members, leading to both criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits.
In 2004, Father Mark Campobello pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving teenage girls during his tenure at St. Peter Parish in Geneva between 1999 and 2000. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and was laicized by the Vatican in 2005. In 2007, the diocese reached a $2.2 million settlement with two victims of the priest.
Arrested in 2016, Father Alfredo Pedraza-Arias was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two young girls while serving at Sacred Heart Parish in Aurora. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in 2018, received a jail sentence, and was subsequently deported.
The Diocese of Rockford has faced significant criticism for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations, revealing systemic issues that enabled misconduct and silenced survivors. In many cases, diocesan leadership was aware of abuse allegations but chose not to act decisively.
For instance, one priest remained in ministry for years after allegations surfaced in 1993, highlighting a troubling pattern of delayed or insufficient responses. Similarly, other accused clergy were allowed to serve in roles with access to minors despite previous misconduct. These decisions left vulnerable parishioners exposed to harm.
Rather than removing accused clergy from ministry, the diocese frequently reassigned them to other parishes. This practice allowed abuse to continue unchecked and placed unsuspecting communities at risk. One priest, for example, served at multiple parishes even as concerns about his behavior arose, demonstrating a systemic failure to prioritize the safety of parishioners.
The 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s report criticized the Diocese of Rockford for failing to disclose the full scope of abuse cases within its ranks. The report revealed that many substantiated allegations were not made public, leaving survivors feeling unheard and enabling clergy to evade accountability.
Survivors and advocates have accused the diocese of attempting to silence victims through non-disclosure agreements in settlement cases. This practice has been criticized for prioritizing institutional protection over justice and healing for survivors.
While the diocese has implemented abuse prevention measures, including mandatory reporting and background checks for clergy, survivors and advocates argue that these steps fall short of addressing systemic issues.
Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Rockford
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Rockford Diocese can pursue justice through criminal or civil legal actions. Criminal cases aim to hold abusers accountable through prosecution, while civil lawsuits focus on securing financial compensation and exposing institutional failures.
At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to standing with survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Rockford and beyond. With years of experience handling sensitive and complex cases, our Illinois clergy abuse attorney team understands the unique challenges survivors face.
We provide compassionate advocacy and expert legal counsel, helping survivors navigate the legal process, hold perpetrators accountable, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
How Long Do Sexual Abuse Victims Have to Take Legal Action Against the Catholic Church in Rockford, IL?
In Rockford, Illinois, survivors of sexual abuse connected to the Catholic Church are not restricted by a traditional statute of limitations when the abuse happened during childhood.
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202.2), civil claims arising from clergy sex abuse or other sexual abuse of minors may be filed at any time, regardless of the survivor’s current age or how long ago the abuse happened.
This applies to lawsuits against individual priests, clergy, deacons, or other religious figures, as well as against the Rockford Diocese and other church institutions when institutional failures contributed to harm.
Civil cases may examine whether church leaders, including diocesan administrators or bishops, responded appropriately to warning signs, reports of sexual abuse, or information suggesting that an individual was credibly accused.
Lawsuits can involve allegations of sexual misconduct by clergy or a lay employee, as well as misconduct involving volunteers who had access to children through parishes, schools, or ministry programs. These cases focus on whether reasonable steps were taken to protect minors and reduce the risk of future abuse.
Public discussions concerning Rockford Diocese sexual abuse matters have included references to internal investigation processes, the use of a diocesan review board, and how church leaders and diocesan investigators chose to respond once allegations were reported.
Local reporting has reflected broader community concerns in Rockford about transparency, accountability, and the impact of sexual abuse allegations on parish communities.
Illinois law allows survivors to pursue civil cases even if no criminal case was filed. Civil litigation is separate from any criminal investigation and focuses on whether abuse occurred, whether appropriate action was taken once concerns were raised, and whether institutional practices contributed to ongoing harm. These cases may involve a range of circumstances, depending on the facts.
Civil lawsuits may also be brought by adults who were abused as children and can examine the long-term effects of sexual abuse on a victim’s life, dignity, and well-being, including the need for counseling or other support. The focus is not only on individual abusers, but on whether the church as an institution failed to investigate or address misconduct appropriately.
For survivors and their families, taking legal action can be part of seeking accountability and understanding after abuse. Our attorneys can help investigate the facts, gather evidence, explain how Illinois law applies, and discuss available options while approaching each case with sensitivity to trauma and respect for the survivor’s dignity.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
If you or a loved one has experienced clergy sexual abuse within the Diocese of Rockford, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help. We handle every case with compassion, confidentiality, and a commitment to achieving justice for survivors. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a clergy sexual 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.