Tremont & Sheldon Attempts Resolution of Over 30 New Clergy Sex Abuse Cases Tremont & Sheldon October 18, 2002 http://web.archive.org/web/20021014180935/http://tremont-sheldon.com/brief/brief.htm BRIDGEPORT, CT, Oct. 18, 2002 - The law firm of Tremont & Sheldon has reached an agreement with Bishop William Lori and the Diocese of Bridgeport to attempt resolution of over 30 new clergy sex abuse cases involving former child parishioners who were sexually abused by priests within the Diocese of Bridgeport. United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel has once again agreed to assist in resolving these matters. Previously, in March of 2001, through the efforts and assistance of Magistrate Garfinkel, Tremont & Sheldon effectuated a global settlement against the Diocese of Bridgeport involving 24 survivors of clergy abuse. The most recent mediation effort includes over 30 victims represented by the law firm who were sexually molested by 10 priests within the Diocese of Bridgeport. As a result of pending statutes of limitations, Tremont & Sheldon has filed 5 lawsuits involving claims against Monsignor Charles Stubbs, Father Martin Federici, Father Alfred Bietighofer and Father Joseph Gorecki. These lawsuits were filed in order to preserve the rights of the victims during the pending mediation. Tremont & Sheldon had previously represented victims who had been abused by all four priests. In addition claims have been filed against Fathers Richard Grady, Alfred Bietighofer, Joseph Deshan, William Donovan and Raymond Pcolka. "Tremont & Sheldon is dedicated to providing the best possible representation to the survivors of clergy sex abuse and we believe that mediation, under Magistrate Garfinkel's direction, will assist us in this effort", said Attorney Cindy Robinson. Earlier this year, Attorney Jason Tremont of Tremont & Sheldon met with Bishop William Lori and two clients in order to report the sexual abuses of Father Alfred Bietighofer while at Blessed Sacrament in Bridgeport. Bishop Lori has offered to meet with any victim who claims to have been sexually abused by a priest within the Diocese of Bridgeport. "Bishop Lori has clearly shown his willingness to address these claims. I look forward to sitting down with representatives of the Diocese and Magistrate Garfinkel and, hopefully, offer closure to the many victims who have been devastated by these abuses," said Attorney Tremont. Since that meeting, Tremont & Sheldon has been able to resolve three additional claims for persons who were sexually abused as minors by priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The three offending priests were Charles Stubbs, Charles Carr, and Joseph Moore. Those settlements were achieved over the past three months and have not been previously reported. "We are hopeful that the Diocese of Bridgeport will deal with these cases in a fair and compassionate manner," said Attorney Douglas Mahoney. Currently, Tremont & Sheldon is engaging in an open dialogue with the attorneys for the Diocese of Bridgeport. Attorney Michael Dolan, General Counsel for the of Diocese Bridgeport, has been given full opportunity to interview the victims and investigate the claims. It is anticipated that Magistrate Garfinkel will also be meeting with individual claimants as part of the ongoing effort. Tremont & Sheldon is hopeful that these matters will resolve during the mediation process.

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