Priest Facing Parent’s Lawsuit

Though the Diocese of Allentown Pennsylvania may only defrock Roman Catholic priest Reverend Luis A. Bonillo Margarito for having sexual relations with a teen, her parent's have filed a lawsuit against him, the diocese, Bishop John Barres, former Bishop Edward Cullen and the Reading Central Catholic High School.

Per the Pennsylvania Post Gazette, parents of the now 18-year-old student, contend that the priest, while he was chaplain at their daughter's high school, engaged her in sexual activity resulting in their daughter's pregnancy.

They went so far to prove their suspicions by hiding a video camera in their home's basement, where the two were known for spending time, in a "sting" operation to record as proof. The recording occurred in November 2009. 

The teen and the priest, unmarried, are reportedly now living together.

Associated Press was able to confirm that a teen, identifying herself as the person named in the lawsuit, answered the door of Bonillo's new Norristown apartment. She refused further comment and wouldn't bring Bonillo to the door.

A maintenance man in their apartment building, David Weldon, said that the couple moved in two or three months ago and that they had a baby six weeks ago.

The parents, in bringing their damaging taped evidence to the Diocese of Allentown, had some relief when Bonillo was removed as both the chaplain and pastor of St. Joseph Church as a result. In a diocesan news release last November, Bonillo admitted his inappropriate relationship with the teenager.

The suit alleges that Bonilla, even though sent to a treatment facility, "continued to have intimate contact with (the teen) during this time period and ultimately impregnated her."  He later left the facility to seek an apartment.

Diocesan spokesman Matt Kerr said, "He has no assignment and he has not functioned as a priest since November."

Barbara Dorris, outreach director for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP, said, "History, research and experience has taught us that predators rarely have only one victim. We fear others who have been hurt are trapped in silence and self blame."

Bonillo, after being named chaplain of Central Catholic in 2008, took up with the 17 year-old girl at the start of her senior year.  The suit claims, and "began to groom (the teen) for a sexual relationship."

The suit also alleges that Bonillo knew that another adult male had previously sexually abused the girl, and that she suffered from mental health issues. 

When the parent complained to administrators at Central Catholic, they "were told their suspicions were unfounded and that nothing could be done to separate (the teen) and Father Bonilla because he was her spiritual advisor and/or counselor."

They believe that the diocese was "so concerned about their own reputation and/or financial interests, that they failed to protect (the teen) from Father Bonilla."

Attorney Jay Abramowitch, representing the parents, is asking for punitive damages for breach of fiduciary duty, infliction of emotional distress and gross negligence.

If you, or someone you hold dear, have been the victim of a priest's abuse, contact a Criminal Defense Attorney today to proceed with your case.