Fr. James P. Vallely

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 12/12/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Portland ME

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Portland OR in 1949; moved to the Portland ME diocese in 1951, incardinated in 1952. Subject of least five allegations of the sexual abuse of boys, per documents released by the ME A.G.’s office in 5/2005. Four were said to be in ME 1956-1962. Privileges removed and abuse publicly acknowledged in 1993 after one accusation. A woman told the pastor of St. Michael’s church in 1994 (and later) that she had been abused at age 11. She settled for $200K in 12/2009 for the 1976 abuse. Vallely retired in 1988 and died 12/12/1997. Three more accusers emerged in 12/2009. Two men filed suits in 5/2013. On 11/23/2015 six men filed civil suits vs the Portland ME diocese alleging abuse by Vallely 1958-1977. All were altar boys, ages ranging 8-15 during the alleged abuse. The Diocese settled with the six men on 8/15/2016 for $1.2 million.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.