Allegations Against Pastor Robert Hoeffner
A civil lawsuit filed on May 30, 2025, accuses former Pastor Robert Hoeffner of the Diocese of Orlando of sexually abusing a minor, Shawn Teuber, over several years. The suit claims that Hoeffner groomed and abused Teuber during his time as a student at St. Joseph Catholic School in Palm Bay, Florida. The alleged abuse reportedly took place between 2012 and 2014 in various locations, including the school, the pastor’s car, and his home.
The lawsuit also alleges that the Diocese, the church, the parish, and the school not only failed to stop Hoeffner’s conduct but actively concealed the abuse. According to the complaint, warnings about the pastor’s inappropriate relationships with students were ignored. It accuses the defendants of “willful acts of disregard and concealing” the abuse.
Connection to a Deadly Palm Bay Shooting
Law enforcement is investigating potential links between the alleged abuse and a deadly triple shooting in Palm Bay that occurred one year ago. The suspect, Brandon Kapas, murdered Pastor Hoeffner, the priest’s sister, and his own grandfather before fatally shooting two police officers and then being killed by law enforcement.
Police reports reveal that Kapas had a long association with Hoeffner, who worked at Kapas’ Catholic school, and neighbors frequently saw Kapas at the pastor’s home. Authorities found a folder with cryptic notes at Hoeffner’s residence and received accounts from a former classmate of inappropriate touching by the pastor, though it remains unclear whether Kapas himself was a victim.
Diocese’s Response to Sex Abuse Allegations
The Diocese of Orlando released a statement denying prior knowledge of any allegations against Hoeffner during his tenure or after his retirement in 2016. They expressed sympathy for the Palm Bay and St. Joseph communities but stopped short of commenting on the specific allegations.
Support for Survivors Who Have Not Yet Come Forward
This lawsuit brings to light the possibility that other victims, like Shawn Teuber and potentially Brandon Kapas, suffered abuse at the hands of Pastor Hoeffner. Sexual abuse by clergy remains a deeply sensitive and traumatic issue, and survivors often face immense challenges in coming forward, especially when trusted institutions fail to protect them.
Many survivors hesitate to come forward due to fear, shame, or uncertainty about their legal rights. If you or someone you know experienced abuse by Pastor Hoeffner, others in similar roles, or within the Diocese of Orlando or similar institutions, it is important to know that help is available.
If you have not yet come forward, it is not too late to seek justice. Survivors have legal options to pursue justice and compensation, even if the abuse occurred years ago. Laws have evolved in many states to extend or eliminate statutes of limitations for filing claims related to childhood sexual abuse, enabling survivors to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for the harm suffered.
File a Civil Suit Against the Diocese of Orlando
At Helping Survivors, we understand the complexities involved in cases of clergy abuse. We offer confidential consultations and connect survivors with experienced attorneys who specialize in these matters. Our goal is to help survivors navigate the legal process with compassion and support, empowering them to hold accountable those responsible for the abuse.
If you have been affected by abuse in the Diocese of Orlando or elsewhere, you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a vital step toward healing and justice. Contact Helping Survivors today to learn about your rights and explore your legal options in a safe and confidential environment.
Don’t wait—your story deserves to be heard, and justice is possible.
