Fr. Victor E. Stewart
Alleged to have sexually abused of boys throughout his priesthood. Some lived with him in his parish rectories, with Cardinal Bernardin’s knowledge. Accused in 1991 of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from his parish; archdiocesan officials had long been hearing complaints about this from parishioners, and about young men and young boys in the rectory. Made to resign in 8/1991. Assigned in 6/1992 as chaplain to a Rehab Center. Died 6/6/1994. By 7/2005, 14 alleged victims had settled claims against the archdiocese for a total of $3M and settlements were pending for 8 others. In 2005 several alleged victims filed a complaint accusing Chicago police of complicity in their abuse by silencing some of them when they tried to tell in the 1990s. There were a total of 33 claims against Stewart by 2009. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 4/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes 47 “reported survivors.”
- Chicago Tribune 07.14.05
- Chicago Defender 07.20.05
- ABC 7 02.11.06
- Chicago Tribune 02.12.06
- Chicago Archdiocesan Report 03.20.06
- Chicago Sun-Times 03.21.06
- Chicago Tribune 11.21.09
- The Final Call 01.01.10
- Personnel File Released 01.21.14
- SNAP Press Release 01.25.14
- Final Call 02.05.14
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
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