Clergy Abuse

Monsignor Facing Prosecution for Keeping Priests Accused of Sex Abuse Active in Churches

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:48:21 -0500

Undeterred by unsuccessful previous attempts to convict priests with the Catholic Church for clergy abuse, prosecutors in Philadelphia are bringing a new case before the court. They hope to hold one man responsible for dozens of charges of sexual abuse committed at the hands of clergy in Philadelphia. According to new sources, Monsignor W.L. is scheduled to go on trial this March and the city's prosecutors are busy preparing the case. While they have only named only Monsignor W.L. as a defendant so far, prosecutors say they are looking into allegations against other clergy men so they can press more charges against others.

At this time, the diocese has been accused of keeping at least 63 priests in churches across the city even though they were accused of sexual abuse. Based on their current case, the prosecutors say they want to include 30 of those accusations in the trial of the Monsignor. Right now, the Monsignor is being prosecuted for keeping priests accused of sexual abuse active in Philadelphia parishes. If you were a victim of clergy abuse, it is important that you discuss your case with a clergy abuse attorney who can help you take appropriate legal measures. If you're ready to report the abuse you endured, contact the Zalkin Law Firm now.

German Priest Admits to 280 Instances of Sexual Abuse

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:17:53 -0500

Another report of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church went public this week, but it wasn't in the United States. A German priest has not only been accused of molesting three boys but has openly admitted to it. According to several German newspapers, the priest has long had a history of sexual abuse. He first abused a 9-year-old boy and was told by his diocese to never speak to the boy again. After that happened, he moved onto two brothers, ages 9 and 13, and abused them for years. In total, the priest has confirmed 280 counts of sexual abuse against minors while representing the church.

Stories like these have led thousands of Germans to renounce their Catholicism. One study shows that 180,000 German people left the church for good in 2010. This represents a 40% increase from the previous year, one of the largest departures the church has seen in Germany ever. If you were sexually abused by a priest, now is the time to have your case reviewed by a clergy abuse lawyer from our law office. Once you contact the Zalkin Law Firm, we can inform you of your legal options and help you seek justice for the abuse and trauma you endured.

Lawsuit Approved for Child Abuse Case

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:11:30 -0500

A court of appeals in Colorado has approved the hearing of a case regarding the severe abuse of three children. The lawyers for the children are suing the social workers that failed to both protect the children and warn their foster parents about the abuse.

In 2009, the three children, aged 3, 6 and 9, were removed from their biological parents. While the adoptive parents knew that the children had been abused, they had no idea as to the extent of abuse. They only learned about the heinous acts that had been committed the day before the children were welcomed into their home.

The couple quickly discovered that the children were engaging in incestuous acts with each other. In an attempt to stop the children from seeing one another, they installed alarms in each of their bedrooms that would be activated at night. The strain from caring for the children ultimately led to the divorce of the adoptive parents.

If you have been the victim of child abuse or foster care abuse, now is the right time to seek help from a sexual abuse attorney from our firm. Contact the Zalkin Law Firm now to get help from our attorneys as well as legal advice.

Victims of Clergy Abuse Urged to Come Forward in Milwaukee

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:57:49 -0500

Victims of clergy abuse are being urged to come forward to file for restitution in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A newspaper ad printed recently stated that victims in the Milwaukee region need to file their claims before February 1st.

An archdiocese in the state is filing for bankruptcy next month and has a certain budget for clergy abuse victims. There is $10 million being set aside for victims that are able to show proof of clergy abuse at that diocese, whether current or in the past. A group of victims' rights advocates, including several pastors, are working with victims to help them get the money they need for counseling and other rehabilitative services.

The latest count of victims that have come forward is 100 but more are expected to file before the deadline. The ad will not only be printed in local newspapers but national papers as well to catch the attention of any victims that might not still be living in Wisconsin.

If you have been abused by a clergy member in your state of residence, take the time to contact the Zalkin Law Firm. Once contacted, you will have a chance to speak with a clergy abuse lawyer that can help you take appropriate legal action for your case.

Woman Steals $20,000 from Elderly Victim

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:45:22 -0500

While abuse against anyone is horrific, those who commit abusive acts against the elderly are looked upon with even more disdain. Such is the case of a 47-year-old woman who was found to have stolen over $20,000 worth of cash and goods from an elderly woman.

According to the police report, the woman was taking care of an 83-year-old woman and defrauding her at the same time. Over a period of several months the caretaker forged checks under the elderly woman's name and used her credit card without authorization. When police finally caught up with her, they had plenty of evidence to arrest her.

The woman now faces charges of criminal conduct, forgery, elder abuse and theft. She was later released from jail on $20,000 bond.

If you have been a victim of financial elder abuse, now is the right time to seek help from an elder abuse lawyer who can help you seek justice. Don't wait to contact the Zalkin Law Firm to get the legal representation you deserve.

Elder Abuse Charges Filed Against Three Women

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:37:20 -0500

Despite the footage shown of three women taunting an elderly patient, a judge deemed them to be not guilty of the charges of elder abuse filed against them. This verdict is likely not to go over well with the family that caught the actions on tape in the first place.

According to the authorities overseeing the case, the family set up the camera after their loved one told them about the abuse. The footage was fairly damaging as it showed three women making fun of the elderly woman. All three women work in the retirement home as nursing staff or aides. Although the judge admonished the women for acting in a manner that was completely unprofessional, it was not criminal and thus could not be made punishable in a court of law.

If you or an older loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, you'll want to explore your legal options with an elder abuse lawyer who can help you seek justice. To learn more about possible legal options, contact the Zalkin Law Firm today.

Priest Caught with Child Pornography

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:17:42 -0500

A priest in Pennsylvania was detained on charges of sex abuse after being accused of watching child pornography at his rectory. According to the charges against the 62-year-old man, a church employee walked into the room where the priest was caught looking at a picture of a young naked boy.

The child was naked from the waist down and the website was clearly marked as being that of child pornography. When the employee notified church officials, they in turn talked to the local police department.

A search warrant was obtained to look at the church computer; officers found over 100 images associated with child pornography on the terminal. Based on this evidence, the priest admitted that the pictures were his. It is uncertain whether the man will be charged with clergy abuse as well. So far, there have been no reports of abuse conducted by the priest against his parishioners.

Were you a victim of clergy abuse? If so, contact the Zalkin Law Firm today to set up a time to meet with a clergy abuse attorney. In some cases, you may have the right to file a lawsuit to seek monetary damages for the suffering you endured.

Students Accuse Teacher of Sex Abuse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:44:25 -0500

A teacher at a college preparatory school was fired last week to the horror and surprise of fellow staff and parents. The 39-year-old teacher was terminated by the school when two former students came forward with allegations of teacher sex abuse.

Reportedly, the told stories about how the teacher had made inappropriate sexual advances towards them while they were students at the school. While authorities in Phoenix, Arizona have been notified about the situation, the man has not yet been arrested.

At this time, it is uncertain whether the police department will pursue the charges. An investigation has been opened on the former teacher and time will tell whether he is charged formally with teacher sex abuse. While the identity of the teacher is not being released at this time, it is known that he has been a member of the staff for 39 years.

Were you sexually abused in school by a teacher or staff member? If so, contact the Zalkin Law Firm now to share your story with a student sex abuse lawyer from our team who can help you seek justice for the abuse you endured.

Son Charged with Elder Financial Abuse

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:11:18 -0500

Police discovered earlier this month that one doting son was actually stealing from his own mother.

According to the Great Falls police department, the 43-year-old man had been caring for his aging 81-year-old mother. He took her out several times around town and cashed multiple checks. However, none of those checks had actually been written by his mother but rather forged by his own hand. Based on the information gathered against him, the man admitted to cashing between 40 to 50 checks worth over $5,000.

Since he knew that his mother was of diminished mental capability, the man was charged not just with forgery but with elder abuse as well. While investigating the case, police observed that the son showed various signs of mental problems. One of those, depression, stemmed from losing his home earlier in the year.

Have you been the victim of elder financial abuse? If so, contact the Zalkin Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your lawsuit options with one of our elder abuse attorneys.

Church Reaches $3.2 Million Settlement in Clergy Abuse Case

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:55:07 -0500

A priest in Chicago has caused some serious problems for his former diocese.

The church just reached a clergy abuse settlement with another one of his victims, this time for $3.2 million. Although the suit was filed back in 2007, it has taken several years of arguing back and forth between legal teams to reach a settlement.

According to the clergy abuse lawsuit, the young boy was abused by the priest between the ages of 10 and 12. The family alleged that since neither the church nor the Cardinal took action against the priest, they should be held accountable for the resultant abuse.

The priest in question has been accused formally by nine different parties. There are rumors of additional lawsuits pending against the priest. He is no longer recognized as a priest and has been behind bars for several years now. However, he could face an even longer sentence if he is charged by the state for any new crimes.

If you have been victimized by an official with the church, contact the Zalkin Law Firm today to arrange a consultation with a compassionate clergy abuse attorney from our law office as you may be able to seek damages for the suffering you endured.

Highly Publicized Sex Abuse Case Mirrors Clergy Abuse Case

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:30:21 -0500

As the media attacks a famous college football coach for failing to take action against a sexual offender, hundreds of cases are waiting to be heard regarding similar abuses by clergy.

This case rivals the outcry against one archdiocese several years ago. Both cases involve the sexual abuse of young children by revered leaders of an organization. This week the current coach of the football team resigned when someone came forward to reveal that he had known about the abuse conducted at the hands of a former assistant coach.

Apparently the coach had witnessed his coworker molesting a young boy but did not report it to prosecutors at the time, or since then. In addition to the coach, the President of the school was also fired for his role in the sexual abuse case.

Have you been a victim of clergy abuse? While you may be embarrassed, it is important that you report what happened and protect yourself legally by contacting the Zalkin Law Firm. Our clergy abuse lawyers have worked with many victims like you and can be of great assistance.

Teacher Arrested for Sexually Abusing Male Student

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:26:32 -0500

News sources report that a teacher was taken away in handcuffs last week on the charge of teacher sex abuse.

The 38-year-old female foreign language teacher was arrested by the State Police in Kentucky on one charge of first-degree sexual abuse. While several parents had heard rumors about an illicit relationship between the teacher and a student, they were just rumors until the police arrived.

At this time, the teacher has been placed on unpaid administrative leave until she has either been cleared of the charges or found guilty.

Since the incident does involve an underage student, police are not releasing any further details. The superintendent gave a brief and vague press statement last week, saying that he believes the incident involves just one student, a male under the age of 18.

Were you sexually abused in school? If so, it is time to set up a consultation with a student sex abuse lawyer who can review your case and inform you of your legal options. To set up a time to consult with an attorney who can help you, contact the Zalkin Law Firm today.

Why Sexual Abuse Isn't Reported: The Mindset

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:46:37 -0500

According to Executive Director of the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors recently told the Daily Press that the reasoning behind who will report sexual abuse and who will not largely lies in the personality of the person themselves. It doesn't necessarily mean that they are a bad person - it just means that they reacted in a different manner. It's not just sexual abuse either; this mindset will determine who reacts to a traumatic accident, as well.

The emotions that could stop a person from reporting the incident could be anything from panic to astonishment to even intimidation. Some people, especially when the abuser is a person of authority, are unsure of what to do or how the situation will pan out and they choose to keep it to themselves in an effort to ward off the possible bad reactions.

This, however, is not acceptable. In an effort to help prevent against such reactions, Betty Wade Coyle, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse, continues to hold training sessions simple titled "Darkness to Light." In these sessions, she looks to not only understand child sexual abuse, but also to be able to have the necessary tools to help prevent against it from occurring in the first place. The goal is for this training to spread - hopefully becoming an integral part of every child's education.

When it comes to children, the reasons behind most children not reporting the incident are fairly straightforward. The main reason that children stay quite is out of fear. Other motivating factors could be embarrassment or could even be uncertainty; in most cases, the child knows their abuser and if the abuser is urging them to keep quiet, it could cause conflicting emotions.

If you or a loved one are being sexually abused or if you know someone who is being abused, do not stay quiet. By getting the involvement of a sexual abuse lawyer from the Zalkin Law Firm, you will be able to look at all of your legal options to determine the best course of action. So don't wait! There is no time to lose in situations such as this so contact a sexual abuse lawyer from our firm today.

Female Teacher Accused of Abuse

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:39:52 -0500

Another female teacher has been accused of having sexual relations with her underage students, this time in the state of Ohio.

Last week, two of her former students went before a judge and jury to relay their tales of teacher sex abuse. In total, there are three counts of providing alcohol to minors and sixteen counts of sexual battery filed against the woman. During their opening statement, the prosecution spoke about the five incidents for which the former physical education teacher was being charged, all of which happened between August and December 2010.

In rebuttal, her defense lawyers spoke about a woman that is suffering from multiple psychological problems, including bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. She now claims that she does not remember the incidents, only counseling her students in a manner appropriate to a teacher and counselor.

If you are a student sex abuse victim, get a better understanding of your legal options by contacting the Zalkin Law Firm to set up a consultation with a student sex abuse attorney from our law office.

Paterno Fired Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:43:52 -0500

Joe Paterno is nothing short of a legend on the football field. He has devoted just short of five decades to the sport, leading Penn State to over 400 victories - including two national titles and five teams that were able to claim themselves as undefeated. He did it in record time too - the first coach to ever lead a team to over 300 victories on the field.

Now, however, Joe Paterno is finding himself in a different fight. On Tuesday, November 8, Paterno found himself fired from his position over allegations of sexual molestation. These allegations were not, however, pointed at him; rather, they were aimed at his assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky. The allegations claims the Sandusky had molested over eight boys in a span of fifteen years. In 2002, allegedly Paterno's graduate assistant, Mike McQuary, witnessed Sandusky molesting a 10-year-old boy.

McQueary reported the incident to Paterno who is now being accused of not doing enough about it. That, however, is not to say that he did nothing regarding the situation. In fact, it is argued that Paterno reported the incident to school authorities - informing the athletic director and the Vice President of the school. Now, accusations are being shot around that the school covered up the event - not taking the proper initiative in getting the local authorities involved as Penn State is legally required to do.

Sexual abuse is, unfortunately, much more prevalent than one would like. It can occur in any circumstances and can be carried out by people that you would never suspect. If you or a loved one have recently been the victim of sexual abuse, you do not have to suffer in silence. By getting a sexual abuse lawyer on your side, you will be able to take the necessary steps towards protecting your legal rights and getting your feet underneath you once more. Contact the Zalkin Law Firm today if you would like to learn more about what can be done.