Cinnaminson Teacher and Former Priest Accused of Past Affair with Minor
A teacher in Cinnaminson, New Jersey who is a former priest was accused of having a past affair with a minor that resulted in a pregnancy. In the 1980s, the former priest who served in the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut in his late 20s allegedly conducted a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl that continued until she was about 16 and became pregnant. He left the priesthood voluntarily after breaking a celibacy vow and fathering the child. In 2002, the story came out, and he was suspended from his position as a New Jersey middle school teacher for the past affair. Earlier this year, he faced suspension again since the story resurfaced, but the state Department of Education arbitrator returned him to his position because he committed no crimes during his 21-year career with the school district. He never denied the relationship and was not charged in Connecticut for any crimes because the woman disclosed her story after the statute of limitations in Connecticut ran out.
One of the issues in reporting past instances of clergy abuse is that the statute of limitations may run out and not allow survivors to gain the closure they need to move past the abuse. Disclosing abusive actions may take years to report due to the shame and fear a survivor may endure and that means that the abuser may avoid punishment. Changing the statute of limitations for New Jersey may be on the table if Governor Murphy signs the proposal for the changes into law.
If you or someone you love faced clergy abuse as a child, our New Jersey clergy abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr will offer their support and legal guidance in filing a claim. Please call us at 732-537-8570 or toll-free at 877-249-4600 or contact us online to arrange a free and confidential consultation. From our office in Highland Park, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout New Jersey including the communities of New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
