Priest Abuse Case Reaches from U.S. to Europe

From the Star Tribune, in St. Paul, Minn., is the news of a clergy sex abuse case that involves Catholic dioceses in both the United States and Ireland. 

Jeff Anderson, a St. Paul attorney, has filed the lawsuit against an Irish priest that allegedly sexually abused a man when he was 8 years old.  The abuse took place in Granite Falls, Minn.

It is the first time Anderson has taken on cases that involve Europe.  He is working with Ann Olivarius, a London-based solicitor, in starting a legal practice in the United Kingdom that will serve victims of clergy abuse.

Anderson has been handling thousands of clergy sex abuse cases for 27 years.  While only working within the United States, he welcomed Olivarius when she approached him with the idea of a partnership.

Olivarius said, "It seemed we needed the same kind of pressure for justice and accountability on this side of the Atlantic."

The two filed their first joint case in Minneapolis federal court.  Irish priest Francis Markey, the Diocese of Clogher in Ireland and Northern Ireland, the Diocese of New Ulm in Minnesota and facilities that treated their client in both the United States and Europe have all been listed as defendants.

Allegedly, children in both Ireland and United States were molested by Markey.  The remaining defendants are accused of covering up his abuse, not keeping him away children and allowing him the opportunity to harm them.

The Diocese of New Ulm, in reviewing the lawsuit, has said that their diocese has a "comprehensive safe environment program which educates clergy, teachers, parents and students, and helps them identify and prevent sexual misconduct."

Markey was ordained in 1952.  He began his services as a priest in the Diocese of Clogher.  He was suspended three times after being accused of the sexual abuse of children - for ten years between 1964 and 1974.  After he completed treatment he was sent back to resume his duties as a priest.

In 1981 Markey completed treatment in a New Mexico facility.  In 1982 Markey was assigned to New Ulm. He is currently living in Nevada.

When Markey served as the victim's First Communion teacher, the suit claims that he "engaged in unpermitted, harmful and offensive sexual contact" with the boy. The suit further alleges that the abuse occurred both in, and around, the St. Andrew's parish located in Granite Falls.

Damages of over $75,00, plus other costs, are sought in the lawsuit. 

In 2009 Markey had been extradited from Indiana to Ireland - to face charges of raping a 15-year-old boy in 1968.

Anderson, in his belief that "all roads lead to the Vatican", does his best by filing lawsuits against Catholic leaders for fraud.  He also believes that the Vatican isn't doing enough to end clergy abuse within it's own community.

Contact a personal injury lawyer from our directory for monetary compensation if you or a loved one was a victim of clergy abuse.