Fr. Thomas J. O’Brien

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Monsignor. Multiple allegations of the abuse of minors. Chaplain at a Kansas City MO Hospital until he retired in 4/2002. Often worked in schools. Several plaintiffs filed suit in 1/2004 against O’Brien and two other priests. More suits filed 2004-2005. Settlement of one announced in 4/2007. Some claims settled in 8/2008 as part of a $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Named in new suits in 2/2011, 9/2011 and 11/2011. One was a wrongful death suit in the case of the 1983 suicide of a 14-year-old alleged victim. Named in over two dozen lawsuits. Wrongful death suit settled for $2.25M in 7/2013 during jury selection. Died in 10/2013. Settlement in 2014 for $10M with 31 plaintiffs involving 13 priests, including O’Brien. On the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese’s list updated 4/1/2019, which notes allegations of abuse 1950-1954, reported in 2013. On the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph list 9/5/2019.

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