Fr. Walter Phillip Coleman

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Diocese knew of complaints in the 1970s; investigated in 1994. Per a 1994 lawsuit, Coleman abused a boy for five years, giving him gifts and money. Allowed to function for several months before “retiring.” Went on to work as a priest in the Miami FL archdiocese. Suit resolved for undisclosed sum in 1995. Another suit in 1996. Claims also settled in 2001 and 2003. Faculties removed in 2002. New suit 9/27/2010 claimed abuse of a 10-year-old boy in 1972. Died in 10/2016. Five cases involving four priests, including Coleman, settled in 5/2017. New lawsuits in 9/2018 with claims of abuse by Coleman of two altar boys at St. Patrick’s in Bridgeport in the 1970s and 1980s. A third man claimed Coleman abused him as a child at St. Joseph’s in Brookfield in the 1980s. Settlement in 3/2019. Per a 2019 report commissioned by the diocese, there were 12 victims, all boys ages 6-14, abused 1969-1982.


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