Clergy sexual abuse is an especially difficult crime to cope with. The idea that members of the clergy – people whom children are taught to trust – could commit sex crimes against vulnerable children is devastating. If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Riverside, California, do not hesitate to contact The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for legal advice. Our Riverside clergy sexual abuse attorneys are passionate about helping survivors of clergy sexual abuse pursue justice. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse refers to sex crimes being committed by officials who are part of a church or religious institution. Any sexual activity engaged in by a member of the clergy and a parishioner constitutes sexual abuse due to the imbalance of power between the two. In addition, any sexual activity involving a child under the age of 18 is sexual abuse or assault in California, as children cannot give their consent.
Clergy sexual abuse can involve sexual touching, kissing, masturbation, child molestation, child pornography, intercourse and rape. It can involve priests, pastors, bishops, ministers, other church leaders, volunteers, youth group leaders, camp counselors and other adults at the church.
Priests in the Diocese of San Bernardino With Credible Accusations of Sexual Abuse
In October 2019, the Diocese of San Bernardino released a list of 35 priests who were credibly accused of sexually abusing children since 1978. In addition to these names, 32 others were released connected to accusations of sexual abuse prior to 1978, when Riverside was still part of the Diocese of San Diego. Credibly accused priests include:
- Alejandro Jose
- Anthony Martinez Garduno
- Clifton Raymond Etienne
- Dennis Raymond Jost
- Esteban Trujillo
- Gustavo Benson
- Jesus Dominguez
- Joseph (Joe) Fertal
- Joseph Jablonski
- Joseph R. Nunez
- Kevin Dunne
- Louis G. Perreault
- Maximiliano Gomez Macouzet
- Michael Bucaro
- Owen da Silva
- Paul Nguyen
- Peter Covas
- Peter H. Luque
- Peter McCormick
- Robert J. Donat
- Robert Kurilec
- Roberto Barco
- Rudi Gil
- Saul Ayala
- Timothy F. Keppel
This list does not include priests who are now deceased or those accused prior to 1978. No matter which clergy member sexually abused or assaulted you as a child in Riverside, consult with our attorneys about a potential claim. You may be able to collect financial compensation for the immense harm that you have suffered.
How to Seek Justice for Clergy Sexual Abuse in Riverside, California
Clergy sexual abuse is a crime in California, but it is also a tort or civil wrongdoing. As such, it entitles victims to file personal injury lawsuits against one or multiple parties in pursuit of financial compensation. Sadly, churches in Riverside have a history of concealing allegations of child sexual abuse against their priests and clergy members. Holding a religious institution responsible for its culpability can give a victim justice and closure after what may have been years of suffering in silence.
Contact a Riverside Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Riverside, help is available from the attorneys at The Senators Firm. We are passionate about protecting the rights of sexual abuse and assault survivors. We believe that victims of clergy sexual abuse should understand their rights and the legal processes that go into pursuing justice. We will help you feel empowered as we give you a voice in the civil justice system.
Discuss your potential case with our Riverside clergy sexual abuse attorneys at no cost or obligation today. Call (949) 557-5800 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.