Fr. John J. Laferrera
In 2009 a man told the Archdiocese that he had been sexually abused by Laferrera and Fr. T. Smith. The allegation was dismissed as not credible. At least 11 other accusers came forward. A civil lawsuit was filed in 3/11 by four; four others later joined. Pastor of Saint Philomena’s in Livingston when the suit was filed. Laferrera was removed in 7/2011 when he took voluntary leave. He denied the allegations. Allowed to retire with benefits as of 6/6/2012. Six plaintiffs settled in 6/2012 for $300K; privileges removed. Claims of two more plaintiffs were to be mediated. Included on the Archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 2/13/19, with multiple alleged victims noted. Permanently removed from ministry. Accused in a 7/2020 lawsuit of participating with Cardinal McCarrick and other priests in a sex ring involving children. Reportedly in 11/2021 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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