Archdiocese Settles Priest Abuse Case for $1.65 Million, by Sarah Schulte, ABC7, September 20, 2007

Archdiocese Settles Priest Abuse Case for $1.65 Million

By Sarah Schulte
ABC7
September 20, 2007

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5667527

The Archdiocese of Chicago has settled the first of several lawsuits involving a priest accused of molesting boys. The settlement is in a case against Father Daniel McCormack, who pleaded guilty to child molestation earlier this summer. The archdiocese has settled the lawsuit for $1.65 million.

The suit claimed Father McCormack abused the boy over a four-year period when he boy attended Saint Agatha Parish on Chicago's West Side.

Father McCormack's guilty plea in criminal court last July paved the way to begin settling at least three civil suits filed against the Archdiocese of Chicago. Thursday's financial settlement goes to a boy that was molested between the years of 2001-2005. The unnamed victim and his family settled because they were anxious to get the case behind them.

The abuse began when the boy was only 9 years old. For four years, a student at St. Agatha's endured sexual abuse from his priest and basketball coach, Father Daniel McCormack. While the Chicago priest pleaded guilty to molesting five boys last July, the first civil case against McCormack and the Archdiocese of Chicago has been settled for 1.65 million dollars.

"No amount of money will ever undo what was done. The boy has suffered greatly. We can all appreciate that. This amount of money was fair under the circumstances," said Steven Dicker, victim's attorney.

Attorney Steven Dicker says his client, who is now 15, is relieved he does not have to testify in either a criminal or civil proceeding.

Cardinal George released a written statement about the settlement. He says: "My prayers go out to this young person and his family as well as my hope for healing." The cardinal's statement nor the settlement include any type of apology to the victim.

"The family is not interested in an apology from the cardinal. They want this thing behind them," Dicker said.

But for the survivors group known as S.N.A.P., they have been asking for more than an apology. For years, Barbara Blaine has called for the cardinal to step down.

"We would not be in this position if Cardinal George had done things right," said Barbara Blaine, S.N.A.P.

Steven Dicker says he and his client have no interest in punishing the cardinal, but they do hope the financial settlements will have an impact on the archdiocese.

"The question is, is this the kind of money enough to make them more vigilant in not letting this happen again?" said Dicker.

Expect more million-dollar-plus settlements in the near future between the archdiocese and Father McCormack victims.

As for the now 15 year old boy who reached the first settlement, Steven Dicker says his client is doing well. The boy is no longer a student at St. Agatha's. Dicker says the boy will use the money for any type of therapy, medication or tutors he may need.