Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Stockton Diocese
In 1998 we represented clergy abuse survivors Joseph and James Howard against Reverend O'Grady and the Diocese of Stockton. We successfully convinced a jury to award $30,000,000 in damages, arguing that the Stockton Diocese allowed O’Grady contact with children despite the knowledge that he was a perpetrator of child molestation.
Between 1970 and 1993, O’Grady served at parishes in Stockton, Lodi, Turlock, Hughson, and San Andreas. In response to questions regarding his crimes against children during later depositions, he detailed his manipulation of victims. Further information produced through litigation revealed that O’Grady’s actions were well known by numerous Church officials who did nothing to prevent further abuse from occurring.
O’Grady also faced similar charges in the Netherlands, and after being deported to Ireland following completion of his prison sentence, he was caught in possession of child pornography, having left an electronic device unattended on a plane.
To learn more about this case, follow the media links below:
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse suffered at the hands of a priest or clergy member, you are not alone. Survivors may be entitled to bring their claims forward, but the time to do so is limited. Under CA Assembly Bill 218, all claims must be filed before January 2023.
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