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DC Cardinal Accused of Sexual Abuse Passes Away

Posted on July 14, 2025July 14, 2025 by Loni Liss

Theodore McCarrick, Removed in 2019, Never Faced a Criminal Trial

Ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick faced serious sexual abuse claims from at least 12 minors. This information comes from sources before the Vatican removed him from the clergy.

Before Pope Francis removed McCarrick from the ministry in 2019, he was one of America’s most powerful Catholic cardinals. He led the Archdiocese of Washington from 2000 to 2006, during which time multiple survivors came forward.

His fame and status hid a long history of sexual abuse against minors that started in the 1970s.

The Yost Legal Group believes survivors. Our compassionate sexual assault lawyers and legal team are here to listen.

If you are a sexual abuse survivor and were sexually molested by a priest in Maryland, contact our clergy abuse lawyers.

Standing Up For Survivors of Church Sexual Abuse Against Minors

In February 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld the Child Victims Act. The Yost Legal Group continues to fight for justice for those who have faced institutional sexual abuse.

We are currently representing hundreds of survivors. They all have credible claims against various institutions, including the Archdiocese of Washington.

Call us for a free and confidential consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer. Call or text The Yost Legal Group at 410-659-6800 today.

We will listen to you and provide support. An attorney for sexual abuse will hold the Archdiocese of Washington accountable. You may seek justice for the harm caused by the clergy.

Maryland vs. DC: How Child Victims Laws Differ for Abuse Survivors

The District of Columbia does not have a Maryland Child Victims Act. This act removed the time limit for childhood sexual abuse survivors. The 2018 amendment to DC’s Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations changed the rules. Now, victims can file civil claims until they are 40 years old.

DC Law 22-311, § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions, [(a)]: “(11) for the recovery of damages arising out of sexual abuse that occurred when the victim was less than 35 years of age— the date the victim attains the age of 40 years…”

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the District of Columbia have a deadline. They must file their claims before they turn 40. This is important to avoid losing their right to sue.

The Archdiocese of Washington operates 144 parishes across six territories. Five of those territories are within southern Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s.

Anyone harmed by a member of the Archdiocese of Washington as a minor, within Maryland, qualifies under Maryland’s laws and statutes.

If you were sexually abused as a minor in Maryland by a member of the Archdiocese of Washington, it does not matter how old you are now. You still have time to bring a civil case against the Church. You are not alone.

According to the most recent data from Catholic-Hierarchy.org, the Archdiocese of Washington oversees more than 680,000 worshipers. As such, given the position of power and trust, the archdiocese has a duty to protect every one of its parishioners. Especially from its own abusive clergy members.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that the Archdiocese of Washington was negligent in its duty. They have exhibited a pattern of child sex abuse, not just with this archdiocese but with the Catholic Church in general.

Late Ex-Cardinal Theodore “Uncle Ted” McCarrick

James became a victim of sexual abuse by Father Theodore McCarrick. The sexual assault of a minor causes post-traumatic stress disorder. As a victim of sexual assault, James took legal action and filed an abuse case. Priest molestation is sexual violence and child sexual abuse.

According to James, he called himself “Uncle Ted.” His family had been close friends with Father McCarrick before James was even born.

In the spring of 1958, Father McCarrick, nearly 28 years old and just two weeks ordained, baptized James at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tenafly, NJ.

Eleven years later, after James had moved to California with his family, the grooming began. Father McCarrick visited often. James was struggling in school and with the move. The family thought McCarrick could help.

James said the physical sexual abuse began when he was 13 years old, when the priest first touched his penis.

James would not tell anyone of his abuse by Father Theodore McCarrick until decades later. At one point, he did tell his biological uncle, who, according to James, told him “to take the secret to his grave.” His uncle and “Uncle Ted” were friends. Both are now deceased.

James may have been the first, but he was not the last. Sexual abuse in the church causes sexual assault survivors years of PTSD.

He Told His Young Victims to Call Him Uncle Ted

1969 New York Appointment. In 1969, Cardinal Terence Cooke recalled McCarrick to New York after a multi-year stint in Puerto Rico.

In the winter of 1971, John Doe was 16 years old. At that time, McCarrick was a priest in the Archdiocese of New York. Doe was a student at Cathedral Prep Seminary, wanting to become a priest.

In the sacristy at the Manhattan seminary’s cathedral, McCarrick sexually abused Doe for the first time. According to Doe’s lawyer, whenever McCarrick saw the teen, he would tell him how good-looking he was.

Then, in the winter of 1972, McCarrick cornered the boy in a bathroom: “He just came in, grabbed him, shoved his hand into his pants, and tried to get his hand into his underwear. The kid had to struggle and push him away,’ the lawyer said.”

1981 New Jersey Appointment: From there, McCarrick continued to rise through the ranks of the Catholic Church quickly. In the winter of 1981, the Church made him the first bishop of the new Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey.

Those who knew him and observed his behavior said he was friendly with all of the seminarians he was in charge of. Still, he did play favorites:

From Newark to New York: The Dark Legacy of Archbishop McCarrick

Beach House Visits: “[McCarrick] would invite a few he especially favored to overnight stays at a beach house in Sea Girt, NJ”

Mr. Ciolek, a young seminarian who got those beach house invites, told The New York Times in 2018. He explained how McCarrick would “assign sleeping arrangements.” He would choose one guest each night to share his room, which had one large bed.

Ciolek also detailed how McCarrick would initiate contact with the young men’s lower backs or thighs, much to some people’s disgust.

Another seminarian from the Sea Girt trips shared more details about McCarrick’s abuses in the 1980s. This person asked to remain unnamed. This was during his rapid rise to power.

1986 Newark NJ: In the spring of 1986, Pope John Paul II made Bishop McCarrick the Archbishop of Newark. This diocese was one of the largest in the country, with over one million Catholic parishioners.

The “Beach House Doe,” however, would be sexually abused by McCarrick in 1987 in a small New York City apartment above a hospital, according to reporting by The Times in 2018:

“There, Archbishop McCarrick asked the seminarian to change into a striped sailor shirt and a pair of shorts he had on hand, and joined him in bed, according to the seminarian’s written account. ‘He put his arms around me and wrapped his legs between mine,.”

“He also wrote that he once saw Archbishop McCarrick having sex with a young priest in a cabin … and that the archbishop invited him to be ‘next.'”

The “Beach House Doe’s” former priest’s file also included handwritten notes from McCarrick, which he signed “Uncle Ted” or “Uncle T.”

With Warnings Ignored, McCarrick Continues Ascent

Mr. Ciolek was a young seminarian. McCarrick made him share a bed during beach house visits. Ciolek “trusted … confided in … [and] admired” McCarrick. McCarrick used his power to take advantage of young, impressionable, and vulnerable boys and young men like Ciolek.

McCarrick also used the intimate knowledge he had gained from Ciolek to keep him further under his thumb. Ciolek revealed to McCarrick that he was a survivor of sexual abuse by a teacher in his Catholic high school.

Instead of giving the vulnerable young person advice and guidance, McCarrick retraumatized him repeatedly.

The handwritten letters in Ciolek’s former priest’s file also revealed that “Uncle Ted” referred to the members of his young beach house overnight trips as “nephew.” Per one letter, McCarrick wrote to Ciolek in the late ’80s:

“I just wanted to tell you how glad I am that we had the chance to get together this summer. It wasn’t as often as I would have liked, but I know how ‘social’ my nephew is!”

It is not illogical to surmise that even if Ciolek had come forward back then, the Church would have ignored him.

Your Voice Matters: Confidential Support for Survivors of Abuse

“Beach House Doe” filed the first documented complaint against McCarrick, giving his confession in the process.

He wrote a letter to the new bishop at Metuchen, the one who succeeded McCarrick, revealing that the archbishop had “inappropriately touched him and other seminarians in the 1980s.”

“Beach House Doe” went on to reveal that the instances of sexual abuse he survived and the trauma they caused “triggered him to touch two 15-year-old boys inappropriately.” He did something wrong. He needed to confess.

For his troubles, the Church put the then-priest in therapy and transferred him to a new parish—standard practice. There is little evidence to suggest they spoke with McCarrick after receiving “Beach House Doe’s” complaint.

Empowering Survivors to Seek Justice, One Story at a Time

In this case, there was no accountability. Instead, in 1995, the Church gave McCarrick the honor of hosting Pope John Paul II during his visit to Newark. The archbishop was also responsible for leading a large public mass for the pope’s visit.

A few years later, Mr. Ciolek received a surprise call. It was from the office of the Metuchen diocese. McCarrick’s former secretary from Metuchen wanted to meet with Ciolek.

At this meeting, the former secretary asked Ciolek directly if he had any plans to sue the diocese. He even mentioned McCarrick by name.

“‘ And I literally laughed, and I said, no,’ Mr. Ciolek said, adding that the monsignor responded with a sigh of relief.”

Within a year, Pope John Paul II promoted Archbishop McCarrick. He left his station in Newark to lead the Archdiocese of Washington. Three months after that, they appointed McCarrick as a cardinal.

All of this happened despite a warning from a priest in New Jersey. The NJ priest had heard several first-hand accounts from seminarians about the sexual abuses by McCarrick. Many committed against underage boys at his beach house.

Despite a direct phone call with the pope’s representative and a written letter submitted to the Vatican, the priest never received a response.

If you or a loved one is the survivor of sexual abuse by a member of the Archdiocese of Washington, you may have a case. The experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are here to help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation: 1-800-YOST-LAW.

Warnings Dismissed: McCarrick’s Presence at the Heart of the Vatican

In 2002, the pope, who would pass away just three years later, summoned McCarrick and other cardinals to help manage the Church’s PR crisis as reports of sexual abuse within the Church reached a fever pitch.

He was a voting member of the papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI after John Paul II’s passing in 2005.

In 2006, McCarrick retired as the archbishop of Washington. He was 75, the traditional retirement age for bishops. He remained a highly regarded cardinal.

In 2013, he participated in the cardinals’ meetings held before the conclave that elected Pope Francis.

Though he was active in major Vatican events and served as a leader in many high-profile funerals in DC, McCarrick seemed to have receded from the public eye.

As an “unofficial ambassador,” the Vatican sent him around the world to East Asian and the Middle East, regions where the Church couldn’t necessarily send “official ambassadors.”

A quiet life of travel and meetings could not last forever for McCarrick. His past and the renewed focus on the Catholic Church’s crimes in the 2010s made that impossible.

The Price of Silence: McCarrick’s Influence in the Catholic Church

In the spring of 2018, McCarrick (then 87) released a statement announcing his retirement from the College of Cardinals after advice from the Church.

Months prior, the Church had received another credible claim from a John Doe. The claim stated that McCarrick committed sexual abuse. John Doe said he was 16 in 1971 at Cathedral Prep Seminary in New York.

In July 2018, the pope accepted McCarrick’s resignation. He ordered him to commit to “a life of prayer and penance in seclusion.”

Seven months later, in February 2019, the Vatican defrocked McCarrick. To date, he is still the highest-ranking member of the Catholic Church expelled for sexual abuse.

McCarrick was found guilty by a church tribunal. The Vatican’s official statement read that the former cardinal was guilty of the following:

“solicitation in the Sacrament of Confession and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.”

The Catholic Church made its full 461-page report on ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick public in November 2020. This occurred nearly two years after they removed him from the ministry.

Somehow, despite over 30 years of allegations, rumors, and whispers, the Church found the pervasiveness of McCarrick’s abuses surprising.

“I have blown the whistle for 30 years and got nowhere,” said the New Jersey priest. He contacted the Vatican before McCarrick became a cardinal. The justice system failed so many young boys against sexual harassment and physical injury.

Confidential Support for Survivors of Clergy Abuse—We’re Here for You

Theodor McCarrick died on April 3, 2025. He was 94 years old. McCarrick has a long history of sexually abusing minors and adults for over 30 years in the Catholic Church. Yet, he never faced any criminal charges.

We know this is a sensitive and challenging matter. Our sexual assault attorneys understand that many survivors may never want to come forward. However, at The Yost Legal Group, we want you to know that we are here for you.

Our sexual abuse attorneys are here to listen whenever you are ready to share your story. All consultations with our experienced lawyers for sexual abuse are free and confidential. Your traumatic experiences have caused significant pain and suffering in your life.

If you have allegations of sexual abuse and are ready to talk, we are here to listen. Call or text The Yost Legal Group at 410-659-6800.

The caring legal team at The Yost Legal Group has successfully sued the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They are helping survivors get settlements. If you or a loved one is a survivor, it is important to speak with a legal professional soon. Call or text The Yost Legal Group today at 410-659-6800.

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MD Law Reduces Compensation for Juvenile Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on April 8, 2025April 8, 2025 by Loni Liss

The Maryland General Assembly stealthily passed House Bill 1378, rescinding the rights of some sexual abuse survivors if they do not file their claims in court by June 1, 2025. The bill was not supported by a single member of the government other than an obligatory bill sponsor.

No one stood up to testify in favor of the bill publicly. House Bill 1378, which takes away the amount of compensation available to survivors, was not made public until the final week of the legislative session.

Legislative leaders rushed it through both houses without following the normal procedures to avoid scrutiny by the public and the press. The bill was passed on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

The bill reduces the maximum amount of compensation for claims against the State of Maryland and local government from $890,00 to $400,000.

It will reduce the amount of non-economic damages available to survivors from $1,500,00 to $700,000.

THESE CHANGES WILL APPLY TO ANYONE WHO DOES NOT FILE THEIR LAWSUIT BEFORE JUNE 1, 2025.

Further, the bill changes the potential maximum amount of recovery from $890,000 (government claims) or $1,500,000 (non-government defendants) per each incident of abuse suffered to a maximum per person.

So if a juvenile were sexually abused repeatedly in a detention center that had notice of the abuse, they would only be able to recover $400,000 if their case is filed after June 1, 2025.

Retroactive Aspect of the New Law is Attempt to Limit the Government’s Fiscal Obligation to Help Survivors

A controversial provision of the new law is that it makes the per-person cap on damages retroactive. The legislature can usually change laws that will impact people’s rights in the future but not take away rights that exist now.

The new law would limit the maximum amount of compensation to a per person amount, even for people who file before June 1, 2025. Whether this change in the law is Constitutional is expected to be challenged in court.

Even a senator who voted for the new law admitted a Constitutional challenge would have to happen. However, it did not stop the legislature from passing the bill without considering the Constitutional implications.

Reportedly, over 5000 juvenile sexual abuse survivors have come forward, placing the state on notice of their intention to make a claim. The state of Maryland allowed thousands of instances of institutional sexual abuse to occur over decades.

This created a fiscal concern for the state due to the potential size of its financial responsibility to survivors.

The state, in turn, attempted to limit its fiscal exposure by revising the law. The real societal problem is that thousands of juveniles were raped and abused while the guards were permitted to do so year after year with impunity.

House Bill 1378 Limits Fiancial Exposure From Thousands of Sexual Abuse Claims

After becoming aware of 5000 claims, only one guard has been criminally charged, Mr. Neverdon, who is currently being prosecuted in Baltimore County.

It has been alleged that he repeatedly raped over 80 children who have come forward so far.

The new law disproportionately hurts the survivors who were the most vulnerable and injured members of society.

If someone was sexually groped one time, their claim may not be affected by the new $400,000 cap on damages. But someone who was repeatedly raped would be treated unfairly under the new law. Further, these survivors are disproportionally African American.

Under the new law, a survivor of sexual abuse for a non-government defendant who was abused regularly over years would be limited to a $700,000 cap on non-economic damages.

The legislature should never create arbitrary limits on the values of people’s suffering and should trust the courts to handle these matters. Juries must be permitted to decide the impact of abuse on each survivor.

Maryland is one of only 10 states where the legislature gives a break to wrongdoers and their insurance companies by placing arbitrary caps.

Essentially, the State of Maryland is trying to balance its budget on the backs of the people it harmed the most. The real issue here is the outrageous incidence of sexual abuse for decades in juvenile detention centers and the foster care system.

Survivor Advocacy and Institutional Accountability

Survivors and their advocates have expressed disappointment and frustration over the revisions.

Frank Schindler, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Baltimore, pointed out that the financial burden stems from the actions of abusers and the institutions that enabled them. “If these individuals and institutions did not rape children, the Child Victims Act would be irrelevant to them,” Schindler asserted.

David Lorenz, leader of the Maryland chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, lamented the lack of focus on the survivors’ experiences in both the House and Senate. “We’re not addressing what happened to those children,” Lorenz said, criticizing the debate’s emphasis on financial considerations over justice and accountability.

Inadequate Notice of Law Change Will Harm Those Who Delay in Coming Forward with Their Claims

The legislature is permitted to change the amount of compensation people have a right to claim under an existing law, but only if it provides reasonable notice to people who may choose to proceed under the then-existing law.

House Bill 1378 will take effect in maybe seven weeks from when it becomes law. This is not enough notice. The median age that survivors of sexual abuse tell others is 52 years of age.

The law that existed in Maryland before the Child Victims Act (CVA) permitted people to come forward to make a claim for childhood sexual abuse up to age 38.

The CVA made the time limitless. The new law keeps that promise, yet reduces the potential recovery to a lower arbitrary amount.

Attorneys at The Yost Legal Group representing survivors have raised alarms about the constitutionality of the revisions. One major point of contention is the bill’s provision that limits survivors to a single claim, regardless of the number of times they were abused.

The decision has sparked outrage among survivors, attorneys, and advocates, who argue that the changes undermine justice and may not withstand constitutional scrutiny.

Notice of the Short Deadline Will Liley Create a Rush to File Claims

In a recent article in The Baltimore Sun, Attorney Tom Yost emphasized the potential backlash, predicting a surge in claims before the June 1 deadline.

“Everybody who is on the fence about making a claim is going to find a lawyer,” Yost stated.

He also noted that the financial burden of settling these cases may be far less than lawmakers fear, as many claims are likely to settle for amounts below the cap.

The Maryland juvenile justice system has been wracked with controversy. Thousands of child sexual abuse cases are being filed by victims of sexual assault. Staff members at juvenile detention facilities, including guards, have abused the minors in their care.

Your Voice Matters. Seek Justice Today.

Most survivors of childhood sexual abuse are torn between never disclosing what happened to them and coming forward to make a claim. You are not alone.

When the legislature or courts create deadlines, survivors are often triggered emotionally about coming forward. Many of our clients describe losing sleep and reliving memories of their abuser while they consider their options.

A large number of our clients tell us we are the first person they ever told about their abuse.

If you are ready to come forward, call the Yost Legal Group to learn more about your rights.

Your call is confidential. We have compassionate, trauma-informed staff and attorneys who can speak with you and answer your questions. Your claim can be filed under a pseudonym (John Doe) so you maintain your anonymity.

If you call and then decide not to make a Sexual Abuse Claim, the consultation is free. If you decide to make a claim, and we take your case, there is no fee or expense unless you recover.

Maryland Survivors Need to File Their Sexual Abuse Claims by June 1, 2025

If you are a victim of sexual abuse in a Maryland institution, call us today at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8529. You can also text us at 1-410-659-6800 for a Free and confidential consultation.

The Yost Legal Group’s sexual abuse lawyers have been a voice for the injured and vulnerable in Maryland for over 35 years. We are focused on protecting the rights of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

We understand the courage it takes to come forward and want Maryland sexual abuse survivors to know they are not alone. File your sexual abuse claim today to seek maximum compensation before it’s too late.

Call our sexual assault attorneys at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8529, or text us at 1-410-659-6800. To learn more, visit https://www.yostlaw.com/practice-areas/sexual-abuse-claims-attorney/sexual-abuse-in-government-institutions/.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let us help you seek full and fair justice. The time to come forward is now.

Written by Attorney Ellen Flynn, The Yost Legal Group

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Child Sexual Abuse Claims at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School

Posted on March 30, 2025June 5, 2025 by Loni Liss

In a groundbreaking development, justice is near for survivors filing child sexual abuse claims from the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School in Maryland. Ronald Neverdon, a former staff member at the juvenile detention center, has been arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor and third-degree sexual offense.

The charges stem from allegations of sexual assaults that occurred between 1976 and 1988, marking a decades-long fight for accountability and justice for the survivors.

The arrest of Neverdon, now 78, has reignited discussions about the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur and persist. Survivors and advocates are shedding light on the dark history of the juvenile detention center.

The Yost Legal Group represents those whose lives have been forever altered by these heinous crimes.

If you or a loved one was abused as a minor while at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School in Maryland, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8549.

We are committed to seeking justice and financial compensation for survivors of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Our mission is to provide compassionate, dedicated legal representation to help those reclaim their voices and lives.

The History of Abuse at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School

The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, once a juvenile detention center in Maryland, was intended to rehabilitate and guide troubled youth. Instead, for many, it became a place of unimaginable suffering.

Reports of abuse at the school date back decades. Many survivors recount harrowing experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of staff members who were entrusted with their care.

The recent arrest of Ronald Neverdon has brought these painful memories back to the forefront. Investigators revealed they began receiving reports in April 2024 about sexual assaults that occurred over a span of 12 years, from 1976 to 1988.

These reports are a testament to the resilience of survivors who have carried the weight of their trauma for decades, often in silence.

Attorney Cara O’Brien of The Yost Legal Group expressed her thoughts on the arrest, stating, “Great news! I’ve heard his name so many times when speaking with adult survivors of sexual abuse at Charles Hickey Juvenile Detention Center.

Finally, 78-year-old former Hickey staffer charged with child sex abuse.” Her words underscore the significance of this moment for survivors and their families.

Survivor Stories: Shedding Light on the Darkness

The stories of survivors are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Many of the individuals who endured abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School were vulnerable children seeking support and guidance. Instead, they were subjected to exploitation and harm by those who were supposed to protect them.

One survivor, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their experience: “I was just a kid. I thought being sent to the Hickey School would give me a second chance. Instead, it felt like I was being punished for things I didn’t even do. The abuse was constant—physical, emotional, and sexual. I’ve carried this pain with me my whole life.”

Another survivor recounted the long-lasting impact of the abuse: “It’s not just the memories that haunt you; it’s the sense of betrayal.

These adults were supposed to help us; instead, they destroyed our trust. For years, I didn’t think anyone would believe me. But now, seeing someone finally held accountable—it gives me hope.”

These stories are not isolated incidents. They represent a pattern of systemic abuse that went unchecked for far too long. Survivors have shown immense courage in coming forward.

The Role of The Yost Legal Group in Seeking Justice for Survivors in Maryland

The Yost Legal Group, based in Baltimore, Maryland, has long been a champion for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Focusing on cases involving catastrophic injuries, toxic exposures, and personal injury, the firm has earned a reputation for its unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy.

In cases involving institutional child sexual abuse, their mission is clear: to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide survivors with the support and representation they deserve.

Attorney Cara O’Brien and the team at The Yost Legal Group are leading the charge in representing survivors of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School.

Their efforts extend beyond legal representation; they are dedicated to creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories and begin the healing process.

“Survivors of abuse deserve to be heard, believed, and supported,” said O’Brien. “We are here to stand by them every step of the way, to ensure their voices are not silenced, and to fight for the justice they have long been denied.”

The Importance of Accountability

The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. Accountability is a crucial component of justice, not only for sexual assault survivors but also for society as a whole.

Holding individuals like Neverdon accountable for their actions sends a powerful message that rape by a guard will not be tolerated. Those who perpetrate it will face the consequences.

The Yost Legal Group advocates for systemic changes to prevent future abuse. This includes pushing for stricter oversight and accountability measures in juvenile detention centers and other institutions responsible for the care of vulnerable populations.

Did you suffer sexual assault in juvenile detention in Maryland? Were you sexually assaulted by a guard? Our lawyers for sexual abuse will stand by you and protect your rights to seek justice.

Do you have a juvenile detention center abuse claim? If you are a victim of sexual assault in an institution in Maryland call us for help at 1-800-967-8529.

No Upfront Costs – Contingency Fee Basis

Our sexual assault lawyers understand that many survivors may hesitate to seek legal help due to financial concerns. That’s why The Yost Legal Group offers free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis.

This means that clients do not pay any legal fees until we successfully recover compensation on their behalf. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due. A minor who was sexually victimized can take legal action against the juvenile justice system.

If you’re a victim of sexual abuse as a minor in the state of Maryland, let our sexual assault attorneys fight for you.

How Survivors Can Seek Help

For survivors of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School or other institutions, taking the first step toward seeking help can be daunting. Our sexual abuse lawyers offer a compassionate and supportive environment for survivors to explore their legal options.

The firm provides free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay unless the firm successfully recovers compensation on their behalf.

Anyone with information about abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School or who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529.

The firm’s experienced attorneys are ready to listen and provide guidance on the next steps.

Helping Abuse Survivors Reclaim Their Lives

The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a reminder that justice, though delayed, is still possible. It is a testament to the courage of survivors who have come forward and the relentless efforts of advocates like The Yost Legal Group. However, there is still much work to be done.

Survivors of abuse deserve more than just justice; they deserve to heal, to reclaim their lives, and to know that their voices matter.

By advocating for systemic change, we can create a future where abuse is no longer hidden in the shadows and where survivors are met with the compassion and justice they deserve.

Supporting Survivors, One Step at a Time

The legacy of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School is a dark chapter in Maryland’s history, but it is one that we must confront head-on. The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning.

Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and the opportunity to heal.

The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors, offering legal representation, unwavering support, and advocacy.

Together, we can ensure that the voices of survivors are heard, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that the cycle of abuse is broken once and for all.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, please reach out to The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529.

Justice is possible, and help is just a phone call away.

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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.

Church Sexual Abuse – Clergy Sexual Abuse – Doctor Sexual Assault

Child Molestation – Child Sexual Abuse Cases – Sexual Assault at School