A new lawsuit filed in June against the Archdiocese of Miami has brought back a horrific case involving Neil Doherty, a former Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing minors over several decades. This recent filing is part of a larger, ongoing battle that has seen multiple survivors of Doherty’s abuse come forward, seeking justice for the torment they endured during their childhood.
It is estimated that Doherty may have thousands of victims from his tenure as a pastor at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church.
Reviving the Horror: The Case of Neil Doherty
Neil Doherty, who was employed by the Archdiocese of Miami from 1969 until his removal in 2002, is now facing yet another legal challenge after being accused of grooming and sexually abusing young boys. This latest lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, involves a victim identified as “John Doe 8” who claims he was sexually assaulted by Doherty in the mid-1990s, when he was only 16 years old.
The lawsuit specifically names the Archdiocese of Miami, which it alleges was aware of accusations against Doherty but did not remove him. The lawsuit also cites a psychological evaluation Doherty underwent in 1990s that specified he should not be around children.
The Impact of Decades-Old Allegations
The alleged abuse against John Doe 8 took place in the mid-1990s, but this legal battle is happening decades later. This new lawsuit comes after Doherty’s conviction in 2013, when he pleaded no contest to six counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Despite his release in 2023, his actions continue to haunt his victims, as they fight for justice through civil claims.
The legal case is a reminder of the pain and suffering caused by clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing battle survivors face in seeking justice, often many years after the incidents occurred.
The Archdiocese's Response
The Archdiocese of Miami has responded to the new lawsuit by stating that it is in the process of responding to the allegations. They emphasized that Doherty was permanently removed from the priesthood in 2002 after the church became aware of his actions. In a statement to the Miami Herald, they noted their commitment to the welfare of victims and maintaining a sense of justice and healing. The Archdiocese also reiterated their policy of reporting allegations of sexual abuse to law enforcement.
In the past five years, the Archdiocese of Miami faced at least four other civil lawsuits on behalf of seven survivors, who all named Doherty as an abuser. In 2006, the Archdiocese also settled six civil lawsuits including two specifically against Doherty.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations and the Path to Justice
The lawsuit filed by John Doe 8 challenges the Florida statute of limitations, arguing that the emotional impact of the abuse was not realized until much later in life. Florida’s laws surrounding sexual abuse cases have changed over the years. In 2010, the state eliminated the statute of limitations for the criminal prosecution of sexual assault cases involving victims under the age of 16, though it does not apply retroactively.
For civil lawsuits, victims of abuse have until the age of 25 to take legal action, or four years from the time they make the connection between the abuse and its long-term effects. This allows victims to seek justice even after years of silence, which is crucial for those like John Doe 8 who only recently gained the courage to confront their trauma.
The Ongoing Impact of Clergy Abuse Scandals
The fallout from the nationwide clergy sex abuse scandal continues to reverberate throughout the Catholic Church.
While the Archdiocese of Miami and the wider Catholic Church have implemented some reforms, such as background checks for employees and mandatory training, many survivors argue that these changes are insufficient. They say the in-house process of dealing with allegations can often re-traumatize victims and fail to bring true accountability.
How We Can Help You Seek Justice
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, it is important to seek legal representation. Let Helping Survivors help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation and healing you deserve.
Contact Helping Survivors today to discuss your case and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.
