Fr. David G. Bentley

Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Albany NY

Settlement in 1994 to a man for $150K for claims of 1970s abuse at the Albany Home for Children. The man’s brother received $70K settlement in 1997; a third brother received an unspecified amount. Others also alleged abuse. Continued to serve in Africa, OH and NM. Sent to NM to Servants of the Paraclete; allowed to work in Las Cruces diocese. Placed on leave in 4/02. Plaintiff in 1994 got another $225K in 2002. Civil suit filed in 2002; dismissed by court. Suit filed in Boston in 5/05. Suit filed 7/12/18 v Diocese of Las Cruces, Paracletes and Benedictines by man claiming Bentley and Fr. Joseph Anderson, OSB of Holy Family in Deming NM abused him from when he was an altar boy, age 9, hundreds of times 1994-2001. On Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/18. On Albany diocese’s list 11/30/18. In a 2021 deposition, Bishop Hubbard acknowledged that Bentley admitted his behavior,  was sent to treatment then returned to ministry.


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