Fr. Neil “Gus” Doherty
Parish priest, counselor for Catholic Family Services. Archdiocese was warned of Doherty’s behavior many times, as early as 1971. Kept in ministry until 4/2002. Lawsuit in 2003 claimed abuse of four to five boys. Settlement in 1994 for $50K. New suit in 2005 claimed abuse of a boy over five years, starting when the boy was 11 in 1997. Drugged and raped victims. Had them call him “Gus.” Arrested in 2006. Settlement(s) in 2006. Two claims settled in 6/2007. Three more plaintiffs came forward in 4/2007. Multiple suits 2007-2013. By 11/2011 26 men had come forward with allegations. Trial awarded $100M in 11/2011; plaintiff(s) will never collect. Pleaded no contest in criminal matter 1/14/2013. Sentenced to 15 years 1/28/2013. New allegations emerged during the FL A.G.’s investigation, report released 11/6/2020. Reportedly in 8/2023, Doherty had been released from prison and was living in a residential neighborhood in Orlando.
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