Fr. Joseph E. Birmingham

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 04/19/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Accused of abusing more than 50 boys and one girl, beginning in seminary. The Archdiocese first learned of abuse in 1964 when he admitted abusing two boys. Transferred, reoffended and was transferred again. Sent for treatment in 1987 after he admitted abusing a boy the same year. Died 4/19/1989. Survivor Paul Cultrera located other victims in 1995 and filed suit. Claim settled in 1996 for $50K. Hogan complaint filed in 2002 by 53 victims; settled in 2003. Another lawsuit naming Birmingham and two others was settled for $475K in 12/2008. Name included on the Archdiocese’s list in 8/2011.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.