Fr. Walter Phillip Coleman

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.
- Associated Press 06.24.99
- Associated Press 10.16.99
- Hartford Courant 03.09.01
- Hartford Courant 03.09.02
- Connecticut Post 03.17.02
- Connecticut Post 04.14.02
- Dallas Morning News 06.12.02
- Connecticut Post 11.13.02
- Connecticut Post 10.16.03
- Associated Press 10.17.03
- News-Times 11.24.09
- Connecticut Post 11.24.09
- Connecticut Post 12.01.09
- Hartford Courant 12.02.09
- Connecticut Post 09.28.10
- Daily Fairfield 09.28.10
- Connecticut Post 09.15.16
- Connecticut Post 09.17.16
- Stamford Advocate 06.05.17
- NBC Connecticut 06.06.17
- Miami New Times 06.29.17
- Danbury Patch 08.24.18
- Connecticut Post 09.22.18
- Hartford Courant 10.03.18
- Connecticut Post 03.20.19
- Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19
- Diocese of Bridgeport Settlements List 03.22.19
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