Father William M. Stock

The Allegations of Childhood Sexual Abuse Against Father William M. Stock

The Catholic Church has faced ongoing scrutiny for the way it has handled allegations of childhood sexual abuse by clergy. Among the many tragic stories is that of William M. Stock, a former priest whose career ended in disgrace after being accused and convicted of molesting minors. This web page provides a detailed timeline of Stock’s career and criminal case, summarizes the events and their impact, offers references to news coverage, and explains how survivors can seek justice and compensation with the help of The Yost Legal Group.

Father William M. Stock

1969:  Ordained
1985:  Abandoned priesthood
2006:  Abuse first reported to ADW
2007:  Arrested
2006:  Convicted

Timeline, Abuse Conviction, and Support for Survivors of Catholic Priest Sexual Abuse

William M. Stock’s Career and Abuse Allegations

1969: William M. Stock is ordained as a Catholic priest, beginning his ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW).

1969–1985: Stock serves in various parishes, working closely with children and families. During these years, there are no public reports of abuse, but as is now known, many cases of clergy abuse went unreported or were covered up by church authorities.

1985: Stock abandons the priesthood. The reasons for his departure are not fully disclosed at the time, but it later emerges that concerns about his behavior may have played a role.

2006: A survivor comes forward and reports to the Archdiocese of Washington that Stock had sexually abused them as a child. This is the first abuse report officially received by the ADW regarding Stock. The church refers the matter to law enforcement.

2006 (later): William M. Stock is arrested and criminally charged in connection with the abuse allegations.

2007: Stock is convicted of childhood sexual abuse. The conviction brings long-overdue accountability for his actions but also raises serious questions about how the church handled — or failed to handle — earlier warning signs.

Summary of Father William M. Stock Abuse of Minors

William M. Stock’s story is, heartbreakingly, a familiar one for many survivors of Catholic priest abuse and childhood sexual abuse. After being ordained in 1969,

Stock served in several parishes within the Archdiocese of Washington. For over a decade, he was a trusted figure in the church community, working with children and families.

However, beneath the surface, Stock was committing acts of sexual abuse against minors — crimes that would not come to light until decades later.

Stock left the priesthood in 1985, a move that, in hindsight, may have been connected to concerns about his behavior. For years, the abuse went unreported.

It wasn’t until 2006 that a survivor bravely contacted the Archdiocese of Washington to report that Stock had sexually abused them as a child. The ADW, under increased scrutiny from the ongoing church sex scandal, referred the case to law enforcement.

Later that year, Stock was arrested and charged. In 2007, he was convicted of child sexual abuse, providing some measure of justice for his victim and sending a message that such crimes would not go unpunished.

However, the case also highlighted systemic failures within the church. Why did it take so long for the abuse to come to light?

Were there earlier warning signs that were missed or ignored? These are questions that continue to haunt survivors and advocates of childhood sexual abuse

The Broader Context: Catholic Church Sex Abuse Scandal

The case of William M. Stock is not an isolated incident. Over the past several decades, the Catholic Church has been rocked by revelations of widespread sexual abuse by clergy and systematic cover-ups by church leadership.

High-profile investigations, such as the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” series and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, have exposed the scale and scope of the crisis.

Key issues highlighted by these scandals include:

Delayed Reporting: Many survivors do not come forward until years or even decades after the abuse occurred, often due to trauma, shame, or fear of not being believed.

Institutional Cover-Up: Church officials have often failed to report abuse to law enforcement, instead moving accused priests to new parishes or sending them for treatment.

Barriers to Justice: Statutes of limitations and other legal hurdles have made it difficult for survivors to seek justice.

Recent legal reforms, such as the Child Victims Act in several states, have begun to address these barriers, allowing more survivors to file lawsuits and hold both abusers and institutions accountable.

How The Yost Legal Group Helps Survivors Seek Justice and Compensation

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse by Catholic priests, including those harmed by William M. Stock, face immense challenges — emotional, psychological, and legal.

The Yost Legal Group is dedicated to helping survivors navigate these challenges, hold perpetrators and institutions accountable, and secure the compensation they deserve.

What The Yost Legal Group Offers:

• Free, Confidential Consultations: Survivors can speak with experienced attorneys in complete confidence, with no cost or obligation.
• Contingency Fee Representation: There are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered for the survivor.
• Proven Legal Advocacy: The Yost Legal Group has a strong track record of representing survivors of child sexual abuse and taking on powerful institutions.
• Comprehensive Support: From filing claims under laws like the Child Victims Act to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation, The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors at every step.

Survivors Taking Legal Action Against a Failed System

Legal action is not just about financial compensation — it’s about accountability, healing, and making sure that abusers and those who protect them are brought to justice. Survivors who come forward help protect others and drive institutional change.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it’s never too late to seek justice. The Yost Legal Group provides compassionate, confidential support and will vigorously advocate for your rights.

Phone: (800)-YOST-LAW or (866)-841-4597

The story of William M. Stock is a painful reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of accountability. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.

With the help of dedicated legal advocates like The Yost Legal Group, survivors can pursue justice, healing, and meaningful compensation.

Catholic Priest Abuse – Child Sexual Abuse Maryland –  Church Sex Scandal,

Maryland Abuse Lawyers – Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims – Priest Sexual Abuse Claims