Sex abuse claims against a now-deceased minister from Bremerton were settled by the Catholic Diocese of Seattle reports the Kitsap Sun. A man, now 67, claims he had been a victim of clergy abuse by a Father James Knelleken who had been a pastor in Raymond, Seattle, Everett and Beremerton in his 37 years as a pastor. He was the first pastor assigned to Holy Trinity parish in the 1960's. The lawsuit claims that the Archdiocese was negligent in exposing the abuse. Knelleken removed from his post in ministry in 1988 based on other sexual misconduct allegations, and was later defrocked and then died in 2003. The Archdiocese settled the sexual abuse claims for $350,000 and it is reported that the victim is glad that the Archdiocese was held accountable for this crime.
If you or a family member have been a victim of clergy abuse, whether recently or in the past, you need the help of a clergy abuse attorney to seek compensation for the damages this crime caused. The legal team at the Zalkin Law Firm is dedicated to assisting individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse by religious personnel.
