Fr. Maurice J. Blackwell
Pastor of St. Edward’s in Baltimore 1979-2003. Placed on leave in 1993 after complaints of abuse of a minor 1989-1992. Law enforcement investigated; closed case despite evidence of abuse; discovered several teenage boys had lived at Blackwell’s rectory over the years. Sent to treatment then reinstated. Permanently placed on leave in 1998 after admitting to a “sexual relationship” with another minor which ended in the 1970s. Settlement for $90K with this victim. The 1993 accuser shot and injured Blackwell in 2002. Archbishop acknowledged abuse. In 2002 multiple others alleged sexual abuse by Blackwell 1960s-1970s. Included on the archdiocese’s list of accused. Laicization announced in 12/2004. Found guilty during a 2/2005 criminal trial for the 1993 abuse, which included rape. Settlement for $70K with this victim in 2008. Also in 2008, $35K and $75K settlements with two more victims. Three more men came forward, in 2/2017, 5/2018 and 4/2020, reporting abuse ages 13-17, at age 8 or 9, and in third grade. Blackwell’s case is included in the MD Attorney General’s 4/5/2023 report.
- Washington Times 12.05.93
- Baltimore Sun 10.21.98
- Baltimore Sun 05.15.02
- Washington Post 05.15.02
- Washington Post 05.17.02
- Baltimore Sun 05.19.02
- Washington Post 05.21.02
- Baltimore Sun 05.22.02
- Baltimore Sun 05.24.02
- Baltimore Sun 08.09.02
- Archdiocese of Baltimore List via Baltimore Sun 09.26.02
- Baltimore Sun 12.17.02
- Baltimore Sun 12.18.02
- Baltimore Sun 05.08.03
- Baltimore Sun 12.23.04
- Baltimore Sun 01.04.05
- WBAL 02.09.05
- Baltimore Sun 02.14.05
- Washington Post 02.18.05
- Baltimore Sun 02.18.05
- Baltimore Sun 07.02.05
- MD Attorney General’s Report 04.05.23
- Associated Press 11.29.23
Sources:
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