Past Sex Abuse Allegations Cause Collingswood Priest to Resign
Previous sex abuse allegations against a priest in Collingswood, New Jersey prompted the clergy member to resign from his position. Reverend John D. Bohrer resigned from his position as an administrator of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish after the Camden, New Jersey diocese announced plans to release a list of priests who have been credibly accused of abuse. Despite a zero-tolerance policy previously implemented by the diocese, Bohrer kept his post several years after 2002 accusations arose by a man claiming past abuse stemming from the 1980s at St. Pius X in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He received a suspension from church leaders who forwarded the claim to the police and began an investigation. After the investigation concluded, the diocese sent the results to the Vatican that dismissed the permanent removal of Bohrer from the priesthood. At the time, Camden Bishop Joseph Galante released Bohrer from suspension and allowed him to take on new posts.
Prompted by the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, several states including New Jersey made the important decision to conduct their own investigations into clergy abuse. This has been a long time coming for victims and survivors who feel their rights have been swept under the rug and not taken seriously by the Catholic church. Many abuse survivors experience significant emotional trauma after the onset of abuse that disrupts all areas of their lives for most of their lifetimes.
If you or someone you love experienced abuse by a clergy member, we will act as your voice and assist you in filing a claim. Call our New Jersey clergy abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr today at 732-537-8570 or toll-free at 877-249-4600 to schedule a free consultation. With offices located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
