Fr. David G. Bentley

In 1994 the Diocese settled with a man for $150K for claims of sexual abuse in the 1970s 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. Bentley continued to minister in Africa, OH and NM. Sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in NM; allowed to work in the Las Cruces diocese. Placed on leave in 4/2002. The plaintiff in 1994 received another $225K in 2002. A civil suit was filed in 2002; dismissed by a court. A suit was filed in Boston in 5/2005. Another suit was filed 7/12/2018 against the Diocese of Las Cruces, the Paracletes and the Benedictines by a man claiming Bentley and Fr. Joseph Anderson, OSB of Holy Family in Deming NM sexually abused him beginning when he was a 9-year-old altar boy, hundreds of times 1994-2001. Included on the Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/2018. On the Albany diocese’s list 11/30/2018. In a 2021 deposition, Bishop Hubbard acknowledged that Bentley admitted his behavior,  was sent to treatment then was returned to ministry.