The most northern Diocese in New York State, Ogdensburg comprises eight counties, 99 parishes, approximately 500,000 people and 126 priests. In 2002, Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Richard Lawler stated that since 1950, 56 people, 37 of whom were minors at the time, have made sexual-abuse allegations against 35 clergymen within the Diocese. The Diocese determined that the allegations against 23 of the priests were credible. The identities of all 35 priests have not been disclosed to the public.

In 2018, Church officials announced an independent compensation plan for survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Serving more as a stopgap rather than a long-term solution, this plan is extremely limited in its capacity to help clergy sex abuse survivors find justice. We recommend that survivors pursue healing and justice through the New York Child Victims Act and urge you to contact legal counsel prior to taking action.

It’s time for justice. It's time to bring the truth out into the light. It’s time for accountability and healing. From simply listening to your story without judgment to assistance navigating the complexities of the New York Child Victims Act, we are ready to help New York child sex abuse survivors find justice and healing. Our law firm of legal professionals and advocates has more than three decades of experience working with survivors of sexual abuse and litigating cases against Catholic dioceses and religious orders nationwide. Please contact attorney Bill Kelly at bk@mccarthykelly.com or (212) 732-5040. Your information will remain completely confidential.

The most important step you can take as a childhood sexual abuse victim is to contact an attorney immediately.  No amount of money will undo the harm caused but it can bring a sense of justice and closure for victims. Please contact attorney Bill Kelly at bk@mccarthykelly.com or (212) 732-5040.