Fr. John J. Laferrera
In 2009 a man told the archdiocese that he had been abused by Laferrera and Fr. T. Smith. Accusation dismissed as not credible. At least 11 other accusers came forward. Civil suit filed in 3/11 by four; four others later joined. Pastor of Saint Philomena’s in Livingston when suit filed. Removed in 7/11 when he took voluntary leave. Denied charges. Allowed to retire with benefits as of 6/6/12. Six plaintiffs settled in 6/12 for $300K; privileges removed. Claims of two more plaintiffs were to be mediated. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19, noting multiple alleged victims. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children. Reportedly in 11/21 there were three recent suits, one claiming abuse by Laferrera of a boy, age 15, at a Livingston parish in 2008 and 2009.
- Voice from the Desert 03.17.11
- Saint Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church 03.25.11
- News 12 03.29.11
- Media Release 06.26.11
- Livingston Patch 06.27.11
- Star Ledger 07.04.11
- Livingston Patch 07.04.11
- Star Ledger 07.10.11
- SNAP Statement 07.12.11
- Voice from the Desert 06.06.12
- Star Ledger 07.14.12
- The Patch 07.16.12
- Archdiocese of Newark List 02.13.19
- Archdiocese of Newark Tobin List 02.13.19
- JA/GG Doe 14 v Diocese of Metucheon et al 07.21.20
- NJ.com 07.22.20
- Statesman Journal 07.23.20
- NorthJersey.com 11.29.21
Sources:
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