As the state capital and the largest city in Arkansas, Little Rock has seen many cases of clergy members abusing vulnerable victims. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have worked with survivors for many years, offering them support and dedicated, empathetic legal assistance.
Little Rock sexual abuse survivors can always contact us for a free and confidential consultation, even if the abuse occurred years ago.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we can help you seek justice and the compensation you have every right to. We have recovered millions for our clients against abusers and their enablers, ensuring survivors have the means to continue their recovery.
Table of Contents
| $14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
We have decades of experience with clergy abuse cases, and we know how to support, understand, and advocate for our clients who decide to take legal action.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Little Rock
While there are no statistics on clergy abuse in Little Rock, the city has over 500 registered sex offenders [1]. In 2022, Arkansas had the highest number of sex offenders per 100,000 children, at 267 [2].
Priest abuse in Arkansas’ capital is something to look out for, especially as there have been several reported cases in the last several years.
Notable Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Little Rock
Arkansas priests accused of abuse are mostly part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, as the diocese published its list of offenders [3]. However, many protestant religious leaders have also been charged with sexual abuse of minors. Known sexual predators include:
- Donald Althoff – Christ the King (1989-1990), Scripture Study Office, St. Theresa (1990-1992). Removed from active ministry.
- Joseph Correnti – Served in several churches in the city between 1974 and 1994. Died in 2002.
- John McDaniel – Abused students in the early 1970s.
- Edward Mooney – Multiple allegations. Died in 2009.
- Walter Rajmund – Our Lady of Good Counsel (1957-1960)
- Edward Simpson – Worked between 1955 and 1986.
- Robert Torres – Worked at several churches in the city between 1966 and 1989. Multiple accusations.
- Paul Haas – Catholic High School (1964-1965). Multiple allegations.
- Patrick Walsh, MSC – Chaplain at St. Vincent Infirmary (1976-1984).
- Francis Zimmer, OSB – Multiple allegations. Worked in the city as a prison counselor.
- David Pierce – First Baptist Church, Benton. Abused an unknown number of boys [4].
- Tim Ballard – He was the principal and coach at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church in Sherwood. Charged with assaulting a student [5].
- Mark Aderholt – Former pastor in Central Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church. Arrested in 2018 for assaulting a teen in 1997 [5].
- Ivan Lambert – Second Baptist Church. Accused of grooming and assaulting a 17-year-old girl between 2016 and 2021 [6].
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Misconduct
Clergy sexual abuse can be any comment, touch, or sexual act without the consent of the person or with a person who cannot consent, such as a minor. In many cases, clergy sexual abuse involves:
- Sexual harassment – Any unwelcome comments, advances, or requests for sexual favors.
- Sexualized materials – Showing, sending, or creating explicit images, videos, and texts. This can include child pornography.
- Grooming – Earning the victim’s trust to make them keep silent about the abuse.
- Sexual assault – Any forced sexual contact, such as kissing, groping, and rape.
The Profile of Clergy Abuse Victims
Victims of sexual abuse are usually minors or vulnerable people. However, they can be of any age, gender, or background. Many victims sufferxual:
- Emotional trauma
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Physical injuries
- Spiritual confusion
- Social isolation
Common Signs of Clergy Child Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse is rarely reported, but victims may show signs such as:
- Behavior changes – Anxiety, fearfulness, anger, isolation, and aggression;
- Fear of certain adults – Fear of a religious leader or educator;
- Regression – Bedwetting or thumb-sucking;
- Religious activities – Discomfort and refusal to participate in religious events;
- Sexualized behavior – Age-inappropriate knowledge or behaviors;
- Sleep problems – Nightmares and trouble sleeping;
- Injuries – Unexplained bruises, injuries, or soreness;
- Drop in school performance – Poor performance or loss of interest in school activities.
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
People who can file a civil claim are:
- Child sex abuse survivors and their parents
- Adult victims of assault or harassment
- Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
In clergy sex crime cases, you may be able to hold both individuals and the institution accountable.
Individuals can face:
- Criminal charges – As civil attorneys, we cannot represent you in a criminal case. However, you can press criminal charges against the abuser, who can then face criminal penalties such as prison or registering as a sex offender.
- Civil liability – You can file a civil claim seeking compensation for the harm you or a family member suffered.
Victims of sexual abuse can also hold religious institutions liable. To do that, you must establish a link between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse.
Several legal theories allow religious organizations to be held liable, including:
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to report abuse
- Vicarious liability
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Little Rock
Recent changes to the Sexual Abuse Act in Arkansas removed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors to file a legal claim. Additionally, there is a revival period for expired clergy sexual abuse claims, open until January 31, 2026.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Little Rock Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Our Little Rock sexual abuse attorneys can help you seek justice in cases of abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. We file civil lawsuits related to the following:
- Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Little Rock
- Protestant churches
- Other religious institutions
- Educational institutions
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If a clergy member harmed you in any way, you can take some steps to protect yourself:
- Ensure you are safe – Get away from the perpetrator and seek medical treatment. Talk to a person you trust for support.
- Document the abuse – Save physical evidence, screenshots, all communications with the abuser and potential enablers, witness names, dates, and locations.
- Do not share details about your case – Protect your case by keeping the details private during the process.
- Seek legal help – Contact experienced attorneys specializing in clergy sexual abuse.
- Use local resources – Contact the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault or Police Victim Services.
How Our Little Rock Clergy Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Clients who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse need time to focus on healing. That’s why we manage the entire legal process, which includes:
- Case evaluation – A free, confidential consultation where we assess your case and explain your legal rights.
- Investigation –We collect evidence like medical records, communications with the abuser, and witness statements
- Expert consultations – We collaborate with professionals such as psychologists and investigators to strengthen your case.
- Claim filing – We file the claim to seek compensation for the physical and emotional harm you’ve endured.
- Managing legal procedures – We handle all paperwork and deadlines for you.
- Settlement negotiation – We negotiate a settlement, and if it’s unsatisfactory, we are ready to take your case to court.
- Civil court representation – We present evidence, call witnesses and experts, and work to hold the abuser and their enablers accountable.
The Cost of Hiring a Little Rock Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Every sexual abuse survivor deserves closure, regardless of their financial situation. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. Simply put, there are no fees unless we win your case.
Compensation for Clergy Abuse Victims
A Little Rock sexual abuse lawyer can help you recover financial compensation for:
- Economic damages – Medical expenses, therapy, and lost wages (if applicable).
- Non-economic damages – Emotional distress, PTSD, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages – Punitive damages may be awarded to punish the abuser and the institution for severe negligence or misconduct and to discourage others from committing similar acts.
The compensation amount depends on several factors:
- The severity of the abuse
- The duration of the abuse
- The age of the victim when the abuse started
- Evidence of institutional negligence
Victims of clergy abuse suffer not only physical trauma but also deep psychological harm, often inflicted by trusted figures within various religious institutions. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of helping survivors navigate these painful situations, offering support and advocacy.
Complete our online form or call (888) 424-5757 to speak with our Little Rock sexual abuse lawyers.
Related Practice Areas
Arkansas Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
Arkansas Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Fayetteville Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Fort Smith Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Jonesboro Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Springdale Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] City Data; [2] SafeHome; [3] Little Rock Diocese; [4] Arkansas Online; [5] Arkansas Newsroom ; [6] KARK
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
