Father Paul E. Lavin
Father Paul E. Lavin: A History of Abuse and Accountability in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Father Paul E. Lavin was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1969 and served in various parishes within the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Throughout his ministry, multiple allegations of sexually abusing boys were brought against him, spanning decades and affecting numerous survivors.
The story of Father Lavin is a tragic example of institutional failure, delayed accountability, and the ongoing struggle for justice faced by survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Timeline of Abuse and Church Response of Father Paul E. Lavin
1969–1997: Ordination and Early Ministry
Father Paul E. Lavin was ordained in 1969 and served in several parishes throughout the Washington, D.C. area. During this time, he was entrusted with the spiritual care and guidance of countless parishioners, including children and vulnerable individuals.
1997: First Reported Abuse and Initial Church Response
In 1997, the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) received its first report of sexual abuse by Father Lavin. Following this report, Lavin was placed on leave and underwent evaluation. Despite the gravity of the allegations, he was reinstated to the ministry after a police investigation concluded without any criminal charges. This decision reflected a broader pattern within the Church at the time, where the absence of criminal charges often led to reinstatement rather than removal.
2002: Additional Reports and Permanent Removal
In 2002, amidst growing public scrutiny and further reports of abuse, Father Lavin was permanently removed from ministry. This action came as the Catholic Church faced a nationwide reckoning over its handling of clergy sexual abuse, with new policies emphasizing the protection of children and accountability for abusers.
2004: Removal from the Clerical State
Two years after his permanent removal from ministry, Father Lavin was formally removed from the clerical state (laicized) in 2004.
2004: Laicized. This action, also known as defrocking, stripped him of his priestly status and barred him from performing any clerical functions.
Sexual Abuse Under the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Father Lavin’s abuses occurred within the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. According to survivor accounts and published reports, his misconduct spanned multiple parishes and involved the exploitation of his position of trust and authority.
The archdiocese’s initial response—placing him on leave and then returning him to ministry—mirrors the systemic failures that have come to light in recent years regarding the Church’s handling of abuse allegations.
Legal and Criminal Proceedings on Father Paul E. Lavin
Despite numerous allegations, Father Paul E. Lavin was not criminally charged following the initial police investigation in 1997.
However, the mounting evidence and additional reports ultimately led to his permanent removal from ministry and laicization.
The lack of criminal convictions in cases like Lavin’s underscores the challenges survivors face in seeking justice, including statutes of limitations, lack of evidence, and institutional barriers.
For further reading on similar cases and convictions, see these resources:
Bishop Accountability: Paul E. Lavin Profile
The Yost Legal Group: Advocating for Survivors of Church Sexual Abuse
At The Yost Legal Group, our mission is to provide compassionate, dedicated legal representation for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy and other trusted institutions.
We understand the profound trauma that survivors endure and are committed to holding abusers and institutions accountable.
Contact our church sexual abuse lawyers at 1-800-Yost-Law for help. We are here to answer any questions you have about filing a priest abuse claim.
Free, Confidential Consultations: We offer survivors a safe and confidential space to discuss their experiences and explore their legal options.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Advocacy and Justice: Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex sexual abuse cases, including those involving the Catholic Church and other religious organizations.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse in the Church, you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors and fights tirelessly for justice and accountability.
Contact Us Today
Phone: (800)-YOST-LAW or (866)-841-4597
Text: 1-410-659-6800
You Deserve Justice and Support
The history of Father Paul E. Lavin serves as a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and survivor-centered advocacy. The Yost Legal Group is here to help you reclaim your voice and your rights.