Fr. William Lambert
Accused in 1991 by a man of sexual abuse for almost 20 years, including rape, beginning when the alleged victim was an altar boy, age 12. Lambert was said to have plied the boy with alcohol and given him money. Further, Lambert allegedly handcuffed and tied the boy with a rope the first time he raped him. The boy blamed himself and said Lambert made him confess to various priests after each incident, none of whom intervened. Lambert was sent to treatment, then put back in ministry. Suit filed in 1992. Jury awarded man $242K, to be paid by Lambert. Diocese later settled. A second man sued Lambert and won an out of court settlement. As of 2002, the original plaintiff said he knew of 23 other accusers. Lambert died 11/21/2005. Included on the diocese’s list in 3/2019, which notes first allegation received in 1991. Earliest known abuse was 1958, the last in 1984.
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