Fr. Gavin O’Connor
Two brothers filed separate suits alleging abuse by O’Connor. One settled in 1989, the other in 1998 for $200K. Bishop Egan suspended O’Connor in 1/1989 and persuaded him to leave the priesthood. Egan personally took the laicization petition to Rome. O’Connor was removed from ministry and laicized the same year. Egan reportedly paid O’Connor around $17K – $20K to cover personal debts and living expenses when he left the priesthood. A 2019 report commissioned by the diocese states that, during 1977-1985, Gavin abused five boys ages 13-19, four of them brothers. Name included on the Belleville diocese’s list 9/20/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
- Hartford Courant 03.17.02
- Hartford Courant 05.18.02
- New York Times 05.18.02
- Hartford Courant (AP) 05.19.02
- NY Post 05.19.02
- NY Daily News 05.20.02
- Chicago Sun Times 06.19.02
- Connecticut Post 12.01.09
- Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19
- Diocese of Bridgeport Settlements List 03.22.19
- Diocese of Belleville List 09.20.22
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
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