The Diocese of Rockford, a cornerstone of faith for Catholics in Northern Illinois, has long been a spiritual beacon for its eleven counties. Established to guide generations in their obligation to attend Mass and embrace the Holy Spirit’s presence, its influence extends deeply into cultural and religious life.

Yet, recent allegations of sexual abuse within the diocese have cast a shadow over its historical significance.

The Rockford clergy abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are committed to providing compassionate advocacy and expert legal representation to help survivors pursue the compensation they deserve.

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Background and Influence of the Diocese of Rockford

The Catholic Diocese of Rockford was established in 1908, marking a pivotal moment in the spiritual development of Northern Illinois. Encompassing eleven counties, it has grown to include numerous parishes, schools, and ministries dedicated to fostering faith and community.

The diocese has played a significant role in shaping religious education, particularly through institutions like Boylan Central Catholic High School, which has been a pillar of Catholic education in the region. Under the leadership of current Bishop David Malloy, the diocese has continued its mission to inspire prophetic ways of living faith.

Bishop Malloy has frequently emphasized the need for a path forward to accomplish something meaningful for future generations, as seen in initiatives like the recent capital campaign assessment process aimed at sustaining its ministries.

However, its leadership has faced scrutiny for failing to address systemic issues of abuse. While the diocese’s history is steeped in the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and other sacred traditions, its influence has been marred by recurring allegations and a lack of transparency.

Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Rockford

The Diocese of Rockford has been implicated in numerous allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy members, spanning several decades. These allegations detail egregious misconduct, often involving minors, and underscore a disturbing pattern of systemic failures.

A 2023 report by the Illinois Attorney General identified more than 20 clergy members from the Diocese of Rockford with substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse, significantly more than previously disclosed by the diocese. [1]

Among the cases is the misconduct of Father DeBlock, whose actions allegedly occurred while he was assigned as a parochial vicar at various parishes within the diocese. Victims, often young and vulnerable, were subjected to abuse in contexts where they sought guidance, trust, and faith. [2]

Father William Joffe was accused of sexually abusing multiple minors while serving in the Diocese of Rockford. According to the Illinois Attorney General’s clergy report, survivors reported abuse spanning decades, with Joffe exploiting his trusted role as a priest. The diocese ultimately restricted his ministry after these allegations came to light. [3]

Father Harlan Clapsaddle was accused of sexually abusing multiple minors during his time serving at St. Mary Parish in Byron and St. James Parish in Rockford. Among the survivors were three brothers who alleged that Clapsaddle abused them in the 1970s.

Another survivor described repeated abuse beginning when he was just 8 years old and continuing into his teenage years. Despite being informed of allegations in 1993, the Diocese of Rockford allowed Clapsaddle to remain in ministry until 1996. He was permanently removed from ministry in 2002. [4]

Survivors have described not only the trauma of the abuse itself but also the betrayal of trust by an institution they believed would protect them. As they continue to come forward, these claims reveal the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform.

The list of accused Illinois clergy in the Diocese of Rockford includes:

Fr. Edwin Banach
Br. Joseph J. Charron
Fr. Mark A. Campobello
Fr. Harlan B. Clapsaddle
Fr. Thomas Considine
Fr. Matthew DeBlock
Fr. Theodore Feely
Deacon Michael Frazier
Fr. James Gaynor
Fr. Al F. Harte
Fr. John C. Holdren
Fr. William I. Joffe
Fr. Walter E. Johnson
Fr. Peter D. Kohler
Br. Richard Kuhl
Fr. Christopher LeMay
Br. Patrick O’Hara
Fr. Alfredo Pedraza-Arias
Fr. Leo Petit
Br. Jerome Skaja
Fr. Joseph J. M. Tully

Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Diocese of Rockford

The Diocese of Rockford has faced significant legal scrutiny due to allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members, leading to both criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits.

In 2004, Father Mark Campobello pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving teenage girls during his tenure at St. Peter Parish in Geneva between 1999 and 2000. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and was laicized by the Vatican in 2005. [5] In 2007, the diocese reached a $2.2 million settlement with two victims of Father Campobello. [6]

Arrested in 2016, Father Alfredo Pedraza-Arias was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two young girls while serving at Sacred Heart Parish in Aurora. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in 2018, received a jail sentence, and was subsequently deported. [6]

The Diocese’s Role in Enabling Abuse or Cover-Ups

The Diocese of Rockford has faced significant criticism for its handling of abuse allegations, revealing systemic issues that enabled misconduct and silenced survivors.

In many cases, diocesan leadership was aware of abuse allegations but chose not to act decisively.

For instance, Father Harlan Clapsaddle remained in ministry for years after allegations surfaced in 1993, highlighting a troubling pattern of delayed or insufficient responses. Similarly, other accused clergy, like Father Mark Campobello, were allowed to serve in roles with access to minors despite previous misconduct. These decisions left vulnerable parishioners exposed to harm.

Rather than removing accused clergy from ministry, the diocese frequently reassigned them to other parishes. This practice allowed abuse to continue unchecked and placed unsuspecting communities at risk. Father Alfredo Pedraza-Arias, for example, served at multiple parishes even as concerns about his behavior arose, demonstrating a systemic failure to prioritize the safety of parishioners.

The 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s report criticized the Diocese of Rockford for failing to disclose the full scope of abuse cases within its ranks. The report revealed that many substantiated allegations were not made public, leaving survivors feeling unheard and enabling clergy to evade accountability.

Survivors and advocates have accused the diocese of attempting to silence victims through non-disclosure agreements in settlement cases. This practice has been criticized for prioritizing institutional protection over justice and healing for survivors.

While the diocese has implemented abuse prevention measures, including mandatory reporting and background checks for clergy, survivors and advocates argue that these steps fall short of addressing systemic issues.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Rockford

Survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Rockford can pursue justice through criminal or civil legal actions. Criminal cases aim to hold abusers accountable through prosecution, while civil lawsuits focus on securing financial compensation and exposing institutional failures.

Recent changes in Illinois laws have extended the timeframe for filing sexual abuse claims, providing survivors more opportunities to seek justice.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to standing with survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Rockford and beyond. With years of experience handling sensitive and complex cases, our Illinois clergy abuse attorney team understands the unique challenges survivors face.

We provide compassionate advocacy and expert legal counsel, helping survivors navigate the legal process, hold perpetrators accountable, and pursue the compensation they deserve.

We represent victims of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Chicago, including:

Diocese of Joliet
Diocese of Peoria
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Diocese of Belleville

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or a loved one has experienced clergy abuse within the Diocese of Rockford, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help. We handle every case with compassion, confidentiality, and a commitment to achieving justice for survivors. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call 866-757-6452 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer.

References: [1] Mystateline, [2] The Observer, [3] Illinois Attorney General, [4] Illinois Attorney General, [5] Rockford Register Star, [6] Bishop Accountability, [7] Fox2Now