Fr. Richard L. Bennett
Diocese learned of abuse allegation in 2004. Bennett was said to have abused a youth once in 1976 after learning of abuse by another priest. Review board deemed the allegation unfounded. Bennett was still active as of 4/2006, under supervision. A civil suit filed by plaintiff in 5/2006 was dismissed by the court in 10/2006. All supervision of Bennett was removed in 5/2007. Bennett’s name was included in 5/2022 on the diocese’s list of credibly accused. It notes that he left ministry in 2009 and was laicized in 2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
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