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	The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests By David Clohessy and Barbara Blaine SNAP Press Release November 16, 2005 Precedent-setting clergy abuse settlement reached in Maine Mother of sex abuse victim ends lawsuit against Portland Catholic Diocese First time a parent has successfully sued molester & church officials But Bishop ignores her plea to "tell the truth" about her son's molester Portland, ME - A mother whose son was molested by a Maine priest has settled her lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Portland (Maine). It is believed to be the first time a parent has successfully brought a civil molestation suit against Catholic officials in Maine. "This settlement is a significant step forward for families of victims," said Tupper's attorney, Mark Randall of Portland. "However, no amount of money can compensate for the pain and suffering that this family has endured." Marie Tupper of Boothbay Harbor, filed a civil lawsuit for breach of fiduciary duty against the Diocese of Portland (Maine). Lee worked for fifteen years as pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Boothbay Harbor and for fourteen years as pastor of St. Philip Church in Lyman, Maine. Tupper's son was abused between 1977 and 1979 during the time that Lee served as pastor in Boothbay Harbor. Marie Tupper's mother worked for Lee as the housekeeper in the parish rectory. On several occasions, Lee took Tupper's son to his private office to sexually abuse him. The amount of settlement is not disclosed. It is expected that Lee will pay a portion of the settlement. (Tupper's formal statement is included below. She and her family do not wish to speak to the media at this time) Bishop Malone has steadfastly refused to publicly disclose the number of allegations brought against Lee and the circumstances of the abuse. It is known from Lee's victims that he took children to his sister's cottage on Sebago Lake where he served them alcohol and told them to swim naked in front of him. Lee then took kids, one by one, into his private bedroom where he massaged their bodies and sexually abused them. It is estimated that Lee brought dozens and dozens of children to the cottage. "It is past time for Bishop Malone to be honest and forthcoming about Lee's crimes. If he cares about kids, he'll go to each parish where Lee worked and urge victims and witnesses to come forward, get help and contact police," said David Clohessy of St. Louis, National Director of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "We hope this helps relieve some of the horrific pain this family has suffered and still suffers," said Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP's president. "No settlement can restore the shattered trust, stolen innocence, and damaged self-esteem of individuals who have been violated in unimaginable ways by trusted priests." SNAP hopes this precedent-setting settlement will prompt "others parents who are wounded to step forward, disclose their secrets, and start their recovery. We believe there are victims of Lee who have never told about their abuse to their families or the police or a therapist. Hopefully, today's news will encourage at least one of them to end their isolation and pick up the phone and get help," said Clohessy.
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