Maryland Sex Abuse Lawyer Archives

Former Sheppard Pratt Nurse Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Posted on November 3, 2025November 3, 2025 by Loni Liss

The recent arrest of a former Sheppard Pratt nurse on charges of raping a minor patient has sent shockwaves through the Maryland community. It raises serious questions about safety protocols in mental health facilities and the rights of survivors.

As details continue to emerge, families, survivors, and advocates must understand what happened, the broader implications for patient safety, and how legal support is available for those affected by similar tragedies.

Timeline of Alleged Sexual Abuse and How the Crime Unfolded

On Tuesday, detectives with the Baltimore County Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Michael Cabanalan, a 35-year-old former nurse at Sheppard Pratt, on a dozen charges, including second-degree rape.

The charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old female patient at Sheppard Pratt’s Towson facility in early September.

According to charging documents, Cabanalan exploited his position of trust and authority to target a vulnerable minor undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Staff at Sheppard Pratt are required to check in on patients regularly to ensure their safety and well-being. However, records indicate that Cabanalan’s visits to the victim’s room were unusually frequent and extended.

During these encounters, he allegedly solicited the victim’s phone number and Instagram handle, violating clear hospital policies prohibiting personal relationships with patients.

Details of the Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

The situation escalated after the victim was discharged. Cabanalan contacted her via text, arranging to meet after midnight.

He picked her up near her home, drove her to his Towson apartment, and allegedly sexually assaulted her before returning her home.

The victim’s mother, awakened by the family dog at 4 a.m., discovered her daughter had snuck out that night. The next day, the victim and her mother reported the incident to the police and Child Protective Services.

Institutional Safeguards and Hospital Policy Failures

Upon learning of the allegations, Sheppard Pratt leadership immediately terminated Cabanalan’s employment. In a subsequent email to his supervisor, Cabanalan claimed his “father was deathly ill” and announced his intention to quit and return to the Philippines.

However, police records show that after his termination, he contacted the victim on TikTok, urging her to delete evidence of their communications and inquiring if she had reported him.

Sheppard Pratt, a nonprofit psychiatric hospital with over 300 locations across Maryland, has stated that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and remains committed to providing a safe and therapeutic environment.

The hospital’s administrative manual strictly prohibits staff from establishing or seeking personal relationships with patients and forbids any contact via social media.

Currently, Cabanalan is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. He does not yet have an attorney listed in court records.

The police have urged anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been a victim to contact the Baltimore County Police Department or the Department of Social Services.

The Broader Issue: Protecting Vulnerable Patients

This case highlights the profound vulnerability of patients in psychiatric and mental health facilities. When families entrust their loved ones to such institutions, they expect not only expert care but also unwavering protection from harm.

The breach of trust in this case is particularly egregious because it involves a caregiver exploiting a minor patient’s impaired state and institutional safeguards.

Sexual assault in healthcare settings is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting psychological effects. Survivors may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and mistrust of medical professionals.

For minors, these effects are often compounded by the challenges of navigating the legal system and securing appropriate support.

Legal Rights and Support for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual assault and rape in healthcare settings have legal rights and avenues for justice. In Maryland, the law recognizes the heightened responsibility of healthcare providers and imposes severe penalties for those who exploit their positions.

Civil lawsuits can also provide survivors with compensation for physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

Reporting such incidents to a Maryland sex abuse lawyer can be daunting, especially for minors and their families. However, timely action is critical for preserving evidence, protecting other potential victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Hospitals and clinics are required to cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.

The Role of Advocacy and Community Support

Community awareness and advocacy play a vital role in preventing abuse and supporting survivors.

Organizations, legal advocates, and survivor support groups work tirelessly to raise awareness. Educating staff and families about warning signs and pushing for stronger institutional safeguards is critical.

For survivors, knowing they are not alone is essential. Access to trauma-informed counseling, legal guidance, and peer support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.

Families should be encouraged to speak up if they notice unusual staff behavior or if a loved one expresses discomfort about a caregiver.

The Maryland Child Victims Act

The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 allows survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.

This critical law removed the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sex abuse. Survivors can come forward at any age to hold abusers and institutions accountable in the state of Maryland.

If you experienced abuse as a child in Maryland, even decades ago, you have the right to file a claim.

The Yost Legal Group: Advocating for Justice and Support in Maryland

At The Yost Legal Group, we believe that every survivor deserves justice, dignity, and unwavering support. Our team is committed to advocating for those who have suffered sexual abuse as a minor in an institutional setting.

We understand the unique challenges survivors face and offer compassionate, confidential guidance through every step of the legal process. There are protections in place for victims of sexual abuse in Maryland, even if the abuse happened over 15 years ago.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in a healthcare facility, contact us. The Yost Legal Group can help you understand your rights and pursue accountability.

Filing a Maryland Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling sensitive cases involving minors and vulnerable individuals. We fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses are incurred.

To learn more or to speak with a child sex abuse attorney, contact The Yost Legal Group at (800)-YOST-LAW. (800)-967-8529

Your voice matters, and we are here to stand by your side.

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Child Sexual Abuse Claims at Mount St. Joseph High School

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Loni Liss

Child sexual abuse is an unimaginable violation of trust that leaves lasting scars on survivors and their families.

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of allegations emerge, shedding light on the systemic failures that have allowed such abuse to persist in institutions meant to nurture and protect children.

One such troubling case involves allegations against Xaverian Brother Robert Flaherty, a former teacher at Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

The case highlights the importance of accountability, survivor advocacy, and institutional reform in addressing the devastating impact of child sexual abuse.

Brother Robert Flaherty Case Highlights Need for Oversight

Brother Robert Flaherty, a member of the Xaverian Brothers religious order, has been accused of sexually abusing a minor in the mid-1980s.

The allegation, which was revealed in August 2024, has led to his removal from ministry pending an investigation by the Baltimore City police and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

While the allegation does not involve a current or former student of Mount St. Joseph High School, the case raises critical questions about the culture of silence and lack of oversight in institutions where such abuse has occurred.

Coming forward is an act of immense courage for survivors, and their voices must be met with unwavering support and action.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse at Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland, contact The Yost Legal Group. Call our Maryland sex abuse lawyers at 1-800-967-8529 for a free and confidential consultation. A compassionate sexual abuse lawyer will listen to what happened and offer the help you need.

List of Priests and Brothers Accused of Child Sexual Assault

Abuse of a Minor Allegations and Institutional Response

Brother Robert Flaherty joined the Xaverian Brothers in 1979 and began teaching at Mount St. Joseph High School in 1980.

Over the years, he held teaching positions at several other schools across the country, including St. Xavier High School in Kentucky and St. John’s Preparatory School in Massachusetts.

Despite his long tenure in education, no prior allegations of abuse had been reported against him until 2024.

The Xaverian Brothers, in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office, have implemented protocols for handling allegations of abuse, including removing Brother Flaherty from ministry while the investigation is ongoing.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has also reviewed its records and found no prior allegations against Brother Flaherty. However, as Sean Caine, the archdiocese’s communications director, pointed out, high-profile cases often encourage other survivors to come forward.

This case serves as a stark reminder that abuse is often hidden for decades, with survivors silenced by fear, shame, or institutional cover-ups.

The Yost Legal Group is urging anyone who was abused at Mount St. Joseph High School to come forward. If the abuse involves a church representative, a teacher, a guidance counselor, or an athletic coach, a sexual assault lawyer will fight to seek justice.

The Impact on Child Molestation Survivors and the Community

Child sexual abuse has profound and far-reaching consequences for survivors. Many experience long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects, including:

– Depression

– Anxiety

– post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– difficulty forming trusting relationships.

The trauma is often compounded by the betrayal of trust, particularly when the abuser is a respected figure within the community, such as a teacher, coach, or religious leader.

The allegations against Brother Flaherty have undoubtedly sparked feelings of shock, anger, and betrayal in the Mount St. Joseph High School community.

He was a teacher and an athletic coach credited with reviving the school’s ice hockey program. Such cases force communities to grapple with the painful reality that individuals they once admired have caused irreparable harm to others.

There are more likely many other sexual assault survivors out there suffering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

Let a caring lawyer who works with molestation claims help fight for you. Your voice deserves to be heard. This was not your fault. We believe you.

Encouraging Survivors to Come Forward

One of the most critical steps in addressing child sexual abuse is creating an environment where survivors feel safe and supported in coming forward. The courage it takes to report abuse cannot be overstated, as survivors often face significant emotional and social barriers.

Institutions like the Xaverian Brothers and the Archdiocese of Baltimore must prioritize transparency, accountability, and survivor advocacy to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed.

We encourage other survivors to break their silence.

When you work with The Yost Legal Group, we help survivors access counseling, legal support, and other resources to navigate the healing process.

How Institutions Can Break the Cycle of Silence on Abuse

The case of Brother Robert Flaherty underscores the urgent need for institutional reform to prevent future instances of abuse. This includes:

– implementing comprehensive background checks

– establishing clear reporting protocols

– providing ongoing training for staff and volunteers on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse.

Sadly, many institutions have not provided transparency and accountability. They have not ensured that allegations are handled seriously and that survivors receive the support they need.

The Xaverian Brothers and Mount St. Joseph High School must examine past practices and identify areas for improvement. While Brother Flaherty’s removal from ministry is a necessary step, it is only the beginning.

The institution must rebuild community trust by committing to protect children and holding wrongdoers accountable.

Seeking Justice Through Legal Action

Survivors of child sexual abuse often face significant barriers to seeking justice, including statutes of limitations that prevent them from filing lawsuits after a certain period.

However, recent legal reforms, such as Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023, have extended or eliminated these limitations.

Survivors can now come forward and hold their abusers accountable no matter how long ago the abuse happened. This legislative progress is critical in empowering survivors and ensuring that justice will be served.

Filing a Maryland sex abuse lawsuit against an abuser or the institution that enabled the abuse can be an important part of the healing process for survivors.

It allows sexual abuse survivors to reclaim their voices, seek accountability, and secure financial compensation for the harm they have endured.

Legal action also sends a powerful message that abuse will not be tolerated and that institutions must take their responsibility to protect children seriously.

The Role of Legal Advocates at The Yost Legal Group

For abuse survivors considering legal action, working with an experienced legal team can make all the difference. Firms like The Yost Legal Group handle cases of child sexual abuse and are dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.

They understand the unique challenges survivors face and are committed to holding abusers and institutions accountable.

At The Yost Legal Group, survivors can expect a client-focused approach that prioritizes their well-being and seeks justice on their behalf.

The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if their case is successfully resolved.

This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent survivors from seeking the justice they deserve.

Rising Above Silence: Addressing Abuse in Institutions

The allegations against Brother Robert Flaherty at Mount St. Joseph High School are a painful reminder of the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse and the urgent need for action.

While no amount of legal action or institutional reform can undo the harm caused, it is possible to create a future where children are better protected, survivors are supported, and abusers are held accountable.

For survivors, coming forward is an act of courage that can inspire others to do the same. The emotional distress you have been carrying around as a victim of sexual abuse needs to heal.

By sharing their stories, they play a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse and driving meaningful change.

Call 1-800-967-8529 to see if we can help you. Seek the justice and the financial compensation you deserve. File your Baltimore sex abuse claim if you are a victim of sexual assault in an institution.

As a society, we must stand with survivors, listen to their voices, and work together to create a safer, more just world for all children.

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Sexual Abuse Claims at Calvert Hall College High School

Posted on February 15, 2025August 19, 2025 by Loni Liss

Childhood sexual abuse is a profoundly traumatic experience that leaves lasting scars on survivors, affecting every aspect of their lives. Many who attended Calvert Hall College High School in Maryland endured unspeakable violations. There is still time to file sexual abuse claims against Calvert Hall College High School.

The journey towards healing might feel daunting and isolating. However, you are not alone in this fight for justice and recovery.

The Yost Legal Group is committed to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy or employees within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

If you or a loved one were abused as a minor at Calvert Hall College High School—it is not too late to act. Survivors have the right to seek justice, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. The Yost Legal Group Maryland sex abuse lawyers are here to help.

If you’re a victim of sexual abuse, contact us today. Survivors can still seek justice, access support resources, and reclaim their lives. We will explain how to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in the state of Maryland.

Take Action Against Abuse at Calvert Hall High School

Clear evidence has shown that the Archdiocese of Baltimore allowed systemic abuse to persist for years. Survivors can still file claims against those responsible. Below is a list of known offenders connected to Calvert Hall College High School, Towson, MD:

Brother Geoffrey Xavier Langan

Teacher (1941–1952; 1960–1985), Coach

Father Joseph Davies

Chaplain (1952–1963)

Brother Eugene Morgan

(1966–1977)

Father Laurence Brett

Teacher; Chaplain in Residence (1969–1973)

Father Francis McGrath

Teacher (1974–1976)

Father Jerome “Jeff” Toohey

Chaplain (1982–1993)

Father Donald Dimitroff

Resident (1991–2002)

If you recognize any of these names or were impacted by their actions, know that you are not alone. The experienced sexual abuse attorneys at The Yost Legal Group are dedicated to supporting survivors and holding those in power accountable.

A Maryland sexual abuse lawsuit filed by a survivor of sexual abuse is a positive step toward recovery. The archdiocese failed to protect children from clergy members and teachers. The Maryland Child Victims Act, passed October 1, 2023, allows survivors to come forward to seek justice even if the abuse happened 50 years ago.

Abused at Calvert Hall? We Can Help You Seek Justice

Take the first step today. Call or text The Yost Legal Group at 1-410-659-6800 for a free and confidential consultation. Justice and healing can begin here. A Maryland Sexual Abuse Attorney will listen to your story and provide guidance, compassion, and support.

First and foremost, acknowledging the trauma experienced at Calvert Hall College High is a brave step toward healing. What happened to you was not your fault.

No one should have had to endure such pain during what should have been formative years filled with growth and learning. As a survivor, reaching out for help can be incredibly challenging; however, it’s a vital part of beginning your path to recovery.

Whether through therapy or support groups specifically tailored for survivors of childhood sexual abuse within educational institutions like Calvert Hall College High School, there are resources available designed to provide comfort and empowerment.

Justice for Survivors of Calvert Hall Abuse Starts Here

The Child Victims Act of 2023 has been ruled as constitutional by the Supreme Court. Legal action serves as a powerful avenue through which survivors can pursue accountability from those responsible for their pain. The Yost Legal Group stands ready to assist individuals who suffered at the hands of clergy or school employees.

Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Maryland focus on navigating the complexities involved in these cases while offering compassionate legal guidance tailored specifically to each client’s needs.

By taking legal steps against perpetrators or institutions complicit in covering up abuse, survivors can pave the way toward justice not only for themselves but also prevent future incidents from occurring.

Understanding your rights as a survivor can be empowering amidst feelings of vulnerability and hurt. Maryland’s laws regarding sexual abuse cases have evolved over time to better protect victims seeking justice against perpetrators regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Timeline of Events

Early Reports: Allegations of abuse began to emerge in the early 1970’s, with whispers of misconduct reaching both the school and the archdiocese. Initial reports were often handled internally, reflecting a broader pattern in similar institutions.

Official Investigations: In 2018, amid growing public concern, the Archdiocese of Baltimore launched an official investigation into the allegations at Calvert Hall. This investigation aimed to uncover the truth and provide justice to the victims.

Public Disclosure: By 2020, findings from the investigation were made public, leading to significant media coverage. Survivors came forward with their stories, prompting the archdiocese to take more decisive action in collaboration with the school.

Stand Up Against Calvert Hall Abuse—Free, Confidential Help Awaits

Standing Strong for Survivors: How The Yost Legal Group Fights for Justice and Compensation

At The Yost Legal Group, advocacy is more than just a mission; it’s a promise to fight tirelessly for those who have been wronged. As strong advocates for survivors, we ensure that every case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Our commitment to justice is matched by our dedication to providing hope and reassurance to our clients.

Survivors can rest assured knowing they have a team of Maryland Rape and Sexual Assault Lawyers that genuinely cares and will stand by them every step of the way.

For those seeking help, The Yost Legal Group offers free, confidential consultations. Survivors are encouraged to call 800-967-8529 to begin their journey toward justice and healing.

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