Father John James Keehan, a former priest within the Archdiocese of Chicago, has faced substantiated allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct involving minors.

Keehan, who served in various roles across Chicago, IL, including at Catholic Charities and St. Ann Parish, is accused of sexually abusing a minor boy and engaging in inappropriate behavior that violated the trust placed in him as a clergy member.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to helping survivors of clergy sexual abuse seek justice. Our Chicago clergy sexual abuse attorney team understands the profound impact of abuse and works tirelessly to hold abusers and enabling institutions accountable, ensuring survivors receive the support and compensation they deserve.

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Father John James Keehan Background

Father John James Keehan Sexual Abuse Allegations

Father John James Keehan was a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago, IL, who served in various roles throughout his career. His assignments included positions at Catholic Charities Nursing Home, St. Ann Parish in Blue Island, and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. Keehan was also involved in teaching technology courses at Truman College, which placed him in close proximity to children and young adults.

Keehan was known for his work within child-oriented programs and his service through Catholic Charities, an organization aimed at assisting vulnerable populations. Despite his outward image as a dedicated clergy member, allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors surfaced, revealing a darker side to his ministry.

Allegations Against Father John James Keehan

The allegations against Father John James Keehan detail instances of child sexual abuse and misconduct. Survivors have accused Keehan of sexually abusing a minor boy and engaging in inappropriate behavior with other minors during his time as a priest.

One of the allegations involves a survivor’s sister accusing Keehan of sexually abusing her minor brother. Reports indicate that on one occasion, Keehan was observed holding and behaving inappropriately toward a minor in a manner that raised concerns among those present.

Further investigations revealed additional allegations, including inappropriate use of technology to communicate with minors. Keehan’s computer was examined during the investigation, uncovering concerning interactions and raising questions about his behavior on numerous social networking sites.

The Archdiocese of Chicago conducted a review of the allegations and determined there was “reasonable cause” to believe the claims were credible. Keehan’s name was subsequently added to Chicago’s list of archdiocesan priests with substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors. This designation effectively barred Keehan from public ministry and other priestly duties.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

The allegations against Father John James Keehan led to investigations by the Archdiocese of Chicago and broader discussions of potential legal action by survivors.

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s independent review board conducted a thorough investigation into Keehan’s conduct. The board evaluated survivor testimonies, reviewed documents, and examined evidence from Keehan’s computer and other sources. The investigation concluded there was reasonable cause to believe Keehan engaged in sexual misconduct with minors.

As a result, Keehan was removed from public ministry, and his name was added to the Archdiocese’s list of Illinois priests with substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct.

Survivors of Keehan’s abuse have the option to pursue civil lawsuits against both Keehan and the Archdiocese. Civil claims provide a pathway for survivors to seek financial compensation for the emotional, psychological, and financial harm caused by the abuse.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has faced numerous civil lawsuits, many of which have resulted in substantial clergy sexual abuse settlements. These lawsuits serve as an important step in holding institutions accountable for enabling abuse and ensuring reforms are implemented to protect future generations.

Institutional Responsibility and Cover-Ups

The Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities have faced criticism for their handling of allegations against Father John James Keehan and other clergy accused of abuse.

Despite the severity of the accusations, Keehan remained in roles where he had access to children for years before formal action was taken. The delay in addressing the allegations allowed Keehan to continue his ministry and potentially harm more children. Survivors and their families have raised concerns about whether warning signs were ignored or dismissed by church leadership.

The Catholic Church has been criticized for its lack of transparency in handling abuse cases. In Keehan’s case, details about the allegations and the church’s internal investigation were not initially made public, leaving parishioners and the broader community unaware of the risks posed by Keehan’s continued ministry.

Keehan’s case is part of a broader pattern within the Catholic Church, where allegations of abuse were often handled internally rather than reported to law enforcement. This approach allowed abusive priests to continue serving in positions of trust, exposing more children to harm and delaying justice for survivors.

Legal Options for Survivors

Survivors of clergy abuse have the right to seek justice through criminal and civil legal avenues. Understanding these options is crucial for addressing the harm caused by abuse and holding responsible parties accountable.

Criminal charges against Keehan could result in penalties such as imprisonment, probation, or mandatory registration as a sex offender. However, survivors may face challenges in pursuing criminal cases due to statutes of limitations and the difficulty of obtaining evidence for incidents that occurred years earlier.

Civil lawsuits offer survivors an opportunity to seek financial compensation and expose systemic failures within institutions like the Catholic Church. Civil claims focus on the harm caused by the abuse, allowing survivors to recover damages for therapy costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

By pursuing civil action, survivors can also hold the Archdiocese accountable for its role in enabling abuse and encouraging reforms to prevent future harm.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to supporting survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Our experienced attorneys understand the profound impact of abuse on survivors and their families, and we are committed to providing compassionate, confidential representation throughout the legal process.

We have successfully represented survivors in cases against the Archdiocese of Chicago and other religious institutions, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. By working with an Illinois clergy sexual abuse attorney from our team, survivors can focus on healing while we handle the complexities of their legal claims.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or someone you love has been harmed by Father John James Keehan or another clergy member, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Call us at 866-757-6452 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a clergy sexual abuse attorney. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and healing.

References: Bishop Accountability