DC Priest Form

Were You Abused by Father James V. Lannon ?

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Father James V. Lannon

ordained:1931
removed:1958
died:1984

Father James V. Lannon: A Timeline of Abuse and Institutional Failure in Maryland

The Catholic Church’s history in Maryland, as elsewhere, is marked by both deep community roots and devastating scandals. One such case is that of Father James V. Lannon. There were decades of abuse of children, and the Archdiocese of Washington’s (ADW) repeated failures to protect its most vulnerable parishioners stand as a tragic example of institutional betrayal.

Timeline of Father James V. Lannon’s Ministry and Reported Abuse

1931: Father James V. Lannon is ordained as a priest.

1953: The first report of child sexual abuse by Lannon is made to the Archdiocese of Washington. He is suspended from the ministry.

1954: Lannon is temporarily removed, evaluated, and then returned to ministry—a decision that would have lasting, tragic consequences.

1958: After further concerns and likely additional reports, Lannon is permanently removed from parish ministry.

1984: Lannon dies, never facing criminal prosecution.

Summary of Abuse and Institutional Response for Father James V. Lannon

Father Lannon’s abuse spanned years, with survivors coming forward as early as the 1950s. Reports indicate that his predatory behavior was known to church officials, who responded with temporary suspensions and psychological evaluations rather than decisive action. Instead of alerting law enforcement or the public, the ADW allowed Lannon to return to ministry after each report, placing countless children at risk.

Survivors describe a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and sexual assault, often carried out in church facilities or during parish events. The trauma inflicted by Lannon was compounded by the church’s silence and failure to act.

In Maryland, where Lannon primarily served, his presence in parishes was a source of fear and long-term harm for many families.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings for Father James V. Lannon

Despite multiple reports, Father Lannon was never arrested or criminally charged. At the time, it was common for allegations against priests to be handled internally by the church rather than reported to law enforcement. This lack of accountability allowed Lannon to evade justice during his lifetime, and survivors were left without closure or support.

While Lannon’s case did not result in high-profile criminal proceedings, it has been referenced in investigative articles and reports on clergy abuse in Maryland.

These sources highlight the pattern of institutional cover-up and the long-term impact on survivors.

The Maryland Attorney General’s 2023 report on clergy abuse includes references to Lannon’s misconduct and the ADW’s inadequate response.

The Yost Legal Group: Advocates for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Maryland

Survivors of clergy abuse often face a lifetime of trauma, trust issues, and emotional pain. At The Yost Legal Group, we believe that every survivor deserves justice, support, and the opportunity to heal.

Our experienced team is dedicated to representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse across Maryland, holding institutions accountable and fighting for the compensation and closure our clients deserve.

We offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of Maryland church abuse, please reach out to us at (800)-YOST-LAW or by text at 1-410-659-6800. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

Investigative coverage of clergy abuse in Maryland.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/maryland-ag-documents-widespread-sexual-abuse-least-600-victims-baltim-rcna78378 – In-depth reporting on the Attorney General’s findings.