News

Connecticut woman files RICO charge against diocese in sex-abuse case December 31, 2008

A Connecticut woman has filed a sex-abuse lawsuit against the Norwich diocese, using a federal law designed for use against organized-crime figures. The lawsuit cites RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law in claiming that the diocese engaged in a criminal conspiracy to cover up evidence of priestly abuse. The lawsuit names Bishop Daniel Reilly, who headed the Norwich diocese from 1975 to 1994; and Father Thomas McBride, the vicar general. (Bishop Reilly, who moved to the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1994, is now retired.)

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Norwich Diocese Faces Racketeering Lawsuit Over Abusive Priests (Hartford Courant)
• Sex abuse lawsuit alleges racketeering by diocese (Newsday)

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