Father Russell Lowell Dillard
Summary of Child Molestation Claims against Monsignor Russell Lowell Dillard
Monsignor Russell Lowell Dillard served within the Archdiocese of Washington for several years. However, he was removed from ministry following credible reports of sexual misconduct against children. The archdiocese, like many other religious institutions across the country, has faced scrutiny for its handling of abuse allegations and its responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
According to public records and news reports, allegations surfaced suggesting that Father Dillard engaged in inappropriate conduct with minors. In response, the Archdiocese of Washington placed him on administrative leave and initiated an internal investigation, cooperating with law enforcement as required by law.
Ultimately, Father Dillard was permanently removed from ministry, and his case was reported to civil authorities.
He was removed from his pastoral duties in 2002 after allegations came to light that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with two teenage girls.
Two sisters charged that Monsignor Russell Dillard engaged in “inappropriate touching and kissing” with them from 1979 to 1984, when they were in eighth grade and high school. A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington stated this.
Dillard “has acknowledged relationships did occur, including the touching and the kissing,” when he was a newly ordained associate pastor at St. Anthony’s in Northeast Washington.
Timeline of Monsignor Russell Lowell Dillard
From 1973-1976, he taught English and Language Arts at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Southeast Washington, DC. He also taught 11th and 12th-grade Religion at Regina High School in Hyattsville, MD, throughout the 1980s until its closing in 1990.
From 1978-1983, Father Dillard was Associate Pastor for Youth at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Northeast Washington, DC.
In 1987, he became the first African-American pastor of Saint Martin of Tours Parish in Northwest Washington, DC, where he served until 1990, while continuing as Catholic Chaplain at Howard University.
In March 2002, he was removed from ministry (suspended after admitting to misconduct)
News Coverage About Monsignor Russell Lowell Dillard
Washington Post:
[“Pondering His Fall Within the Church” (Sep 15, 2002)](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/09/15/pondering-his-fall-within-the-church/33e58ace
Washington Pastor Removed From Post After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
The Broader Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse within the Archdiocese of Washington
Cases like this are a painful reminder of the lasting impact of abuse and the need for ongoing vigilance. Survivors often face significant emotional, psychological, and spiritual harm, and the process of healing can be long and difficult.
At The Yost Legal Group, we believe that every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered to seek justice.
Legal Rights and Support:
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse within the Archdiocese of Washington or any other institution, know that you are not alone. Maryland law, including recent changes under the Child Victims Act, has expanded opportunities for survivors to pursue justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Our team is experienced in handling cases involving child sexual abuse and is dedicated to advocating for survivors with compassion and determination. We offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact The Yost Legal Group
If you have questions about your legal rights or wish to speak with an attorney, please contact The Yost Legal Group at (800) YOST-LAW, (866) 967-8529, or text 1-410-659-6800. Your story matters, and we are here to help.