Fr. James W. O’Neill

Order: OSFS
Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington DE and MD

Removed from ministry in 2003. Accused in a 2004 DE lawsuit of abuse of a youth 1976-1985. Moved to Philadelphia in 1985 after complaint. Working in Charlotte, NC when the suit was filed. In 12/2006, a court ruled that the suit could go forward but not on the original claim from 1985. O’Neill did not appear for a deposition because he was working in South Africa. He admitted the abuse. The Order settled in 3/2008. The Diocese settled in 5/2008. O’Neill’s name was released as part of the Order’s 8/2011 $24.8M settlement with 40 individuals. Was living in a monitored setting. Included on the Charlotte diocese’s list 12/29/2019.

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