Fr. Joseph Havey

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Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Died: 08/21/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Accused in a 1993 lawsuit of sexually abusing at least five boys in the 1970s-1980s, ages 10-14, while pastor of St. Agnes. The boys were students at the parish school. Per the suit, Harvey provided pornography, drugs and alcohol, and that Havey forced the boys to perform sado-masochistic acts on him to “cleanse me of my sins.” The suit was dismissed in 1995 due to the statute of limitations and dismissal upheld by appeals court. Two other claims were pending at that time. Havey had reportedly left the priesthood and married, and in 1993 was living in St. Augustine, FL. At least some claims settled as part of a 2004 $3M mass settlement. Laicized 2/17/2006. On diocese’s list of those with substantiated allegations released 11/29/2018. Havey died at his home in FL 8/21/2017. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.


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