Former Archbishop McCarrick Charged with Sexual Assault
On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Theodore McCarrick former Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, was charged with sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy in 1974. The charges include three (3) counts of indecent assault and battery on a person age 14 or over. Although the statute of limitations for sexual assault typically prevents criminal prosecution after such a long time period, the Norfolk District Attorney’s office was able to bring charges because McCarrick moved out of Massachusetts. This same postponement, or tolling, of the statute of limitations allowed the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office to indict Conrad Mainwaring in February of 2020.
This is not the first time McCarrick has been accused of sexual assault. There are at least five (5) other individuals who have alleged McCarrick abused them when they were teenagers. Like so many others, it is alleged McCarrick used his position of power and assumed authority from God to coerce young boys into sexual acts. After abusing the boys, McCarrick ordered them to say their prayers so that God could redeem them of their sins. This only compounded the shame and stigma the survivors experienced as result of the sexual abuse.
McCarrick resigned as a Cardinal in 2018. In 2019, he was defrocked after a Vatican investigation found that he sexually molested both children and adults. During the investigation, reports surfaced acknowledging that McCarrick’s behavior was “problematic.” These reports, dated as early as 1999, were from high-ranking members of the Church. Instead of punishing McCarrick, the Church instead allowed him to become an influential cardinal kingmaker, and emissary of the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy.” A subsequent 2 year investigation found that bishops, cardinals, and popes downplayed or dismissed multiple reports of sexual misconduct at the hands of McCarrick. Sadly, this is just one more example of the Church failing to protect children from dangerous sexual predators within its ranks.
Alekman DiTusa applauds the Norfolk District Attorney’s office for seeking justice for the survivors of Theodore McCarrick. We also praise the courage of the survivors who have come forward to tell their stories.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and would like a free confidential consultation, please contact Attorney Laura Mangini at (413) 781-0000 or at laura@alekmanditusa.com.