Diocese of Bridgeport Settles Priest Abuse Lawsuits for $3.5M

A Roman Catholic diocese in Connecticut has agreed to pay $3.5 million to five men who alleged in lawsuits they were sexually abused as children by priests

The Diocese of Bridgeport has agreed to pay $3.5 million to five men who alleged in lawsuits they were sexually abused as children by priests. 

The settlements involving three priests announced Wednesday by the Diocese of Bridgeport were reached following mediation with the law firm, Tremont, Sheldon, Robinson and Mahoney, of Bridgeport, representing the plaintiffs. 

Two priests were diocesan priests and have died. The third was a Maronite who worked at a church not overseen by the diocese. The Maronites paid for most of that portion of the settlement. 

The suits alleged the abuse occurred from the late 1980s to the early 2000s in Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury and Ridgefield. 

“It is our hope that these settlements bring a measure of healing and justice to victims, although we are fully aware that they can never be full compensated for their suffering and loss. The diocese also continues to work with victims/survivors through its survivor’s group, victims assistance coordinators, Mass of Hope and Healing, and other resources,” a statement on the Diocese website says. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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