List of Accused Priests in Nevada
Many clergy sexual abuse cases have come out over the years in the Nevada Diocese. Law enforcement authorities are constantly working with the diocese to address this issue and hold the perpetrators accountable. However, victims often hesitate to report their cases as the legal process may be too overwhelming for them.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we aim to make this process easy for the victims, ensuring each case is handled with care and professionalism.
Table of Contents
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourrie | Lawrence O. | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Noted to have been ordained for “another diocese.” Died in 1996. |
| Bosco | Raul | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019, which notes he was ordained for “another diocese.” Died in 2006. Added to the Stockton diocese’s list in 11/2020, where was assigned 1991-1992. |
| Napolitano | Philip | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Napolitano was named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. |
| Paradiso | Joseph | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Died in 2017. |
| Petekiewicz | Robert P. | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Sued | Permanent deacon in Brooklyn, transferred to the Diocese of Las Vegas in 1987, ordained for the priesthood in 1991, accused in 2009 NY civil suit of abusing a boy for four years, removed from ministry in 2008. |
| Roberts | Mark Thomas | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Convicted | First known incident of abuse occurred in 1996. Removed from ministry in 2002, convicted of abuse of five boys in 2003, sentenced to three years probation, removed from formal probation by court in 2004. |
| Tea | Clark A. | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Las Vegas diocese on its list 4/12/2019. Navy chaplain, parish priest. Died 9/19/2014 in Cathedral City, CA. |
| Dodd | John | Diocese of Las Vegas NV | Accused | Dodd was named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Las Vegas list 4/11/2019, retired in 2014, and removed from ministry in 2019. He is currently living in a structured environment. |
| Anderson | Robert C. | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Died in 1978. On the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019. |
| Agustin | Honesto | Diocese of Reno NV | Reinstated | Priest placed on leave in 2006 after allegations of improper conduct with a minor, but investigation dropped in 2007. |
| Braun | Eugene | Diocese of Reno NV | Settled | Accused of abuse of at least 2-3 girls in the mid-1960s at Little Flower Church. He denied all allegations and was removed from ministry in 1974. |
| Despars | Robert D. | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Despars was on leave when he died in 1983. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019. |
| Flahive | Florence | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | From Ireland. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Died in 1958 at age 44. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019. |
| Brusky | David | Diocese of Reno NV | Settled | Missionary in Tanzania, East Africa for many years, also worked in WI, NV and CA schools and parishes. Accused of abuse of several girls in the 1970s, sent to St. Luke Institute in MD in 1988 for treatment, died 2/1/2014. |
| Duff | William | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on its list 4/5/2019. Worked in the diocese 1963-1993. Died in 2005. Included on the Las Vegas diocese’s list 4/12/2019. |
| Ryan | Timothy O. | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Reno diocese on 4/5/2019. Died 8/13/1960. |
| Vieages | Harold F. | Diocese of Reno NV | Accused | Placed on leave in 1991, died in 2004. Accused of fondling and raping a 12-year-old boy in about 1969. |
About Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse involves inappropriate or unlawful sexual behavior by high-ranking clergy members towards vulnerable individuals like children and young adults. This abuse can cause severe emotional trauma, mental health issues, and long-term psychological damage to victims. Some sexually abused victims may even suffer in silence out of fear and never tell their stories. Reporting and seeking legal action are crucial for reclaiming victims’ lives and holding perpetrators accountable. This is why responsible adults must keep an eye out and report abuse to civil authorities if they have sufficient reason to believe that someone is in danger.
In Nevada, filing a clergy sexual abuse complaint initiates a criminal investigation and potential charges. Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits for damages.
Legal Support for Survivors in Nevada
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a reputable firm specializing in clergy abuse cases. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive legal support to help clients navigate the complexities of these sensitive matters. We prioritize transparency and ensure that all actions are taken with the survivor’s consent. We offer free, confidential consultations and full legal support, aiming to secure the justice our clients deserve.
Laws and Regulations in Nevada
Nevada has specific laws and regulations addressing clergy members accused of sexual abuse:
- Statute of Limitations: In Nevada, the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases allows victims to file a lawsuit up until the age of 38. Additionally, if the abuse was discovered later in life, victims have 20 years from the date of discovery to take legal action. For criminal prosecution, there is no statute of limitations for sexually abusing minors.
- Mandatory Reporting Laws: If a clergy member has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused, they must report it immediately to law enforcement or child protective services. However, an exception exists for information received during a confidential confession, protected by the clergy-penitent privilege. Failure to report suspected abuse can result in criminal charges.
- Legislative Changes: Lawmaking authorities in Nevada have extended the statutes of limitations for civil cases and strengthened protections for abuse victims, providing more time and support for seeking justice.
- Compensation: As with any injury case, clergy abuse victims are entitled to sue for monetary compensation such as medical expenses, therapy costs, etc.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Nevada
Filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Nevada involves several key steps to ensure a thorough and just process. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you through this process by providing the following services:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your case with an experienced attorney to assess its viability and explain your legal options.
- Evidence Collection: Our team will conduct a detailed investigation and gather crucial evidence and relevant documentation for your case.
- Filing the Lawsuit: We’ll handle the official filing and all associated legal paperwork. The complaint is also served to the defendants, who must respond within a set period.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: We’ll manage discovery, conduct depositions, and handle pre-trial motions efficiently.
- Settlement Negotiations: We’ll work to negotiate a fair and just settlement for you outside of court. Many cases are settled at this stage.
- Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached outside of court, we will represent the victim during the trial.
- Post-Trial Support: Post-trial motions or appeals may follow the trial’s conclusion. We’ll provide ongoing support and assistance even after the trial ends.
If you are a survivor of clergy sexual assault in Nevada, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced team is here to support you and guide you through the legal process, ensuring you get the justice and healing you deserve.
Support Resources for Survivors in Nevada
There are many support services available in Nevada that focus on helping victims and providing them with a safe space to deal with their trauma.
- For immediate support, Call 911
- Archdiocese of Omaha Victim Assistance: Email mbhanus@archomaha.org or call 1-888-808-9055
- Diocese of Grand Island Victim Assistance (Toll-Free): 1-800-652-2229
- Catholic Diocese of Lincoln Victim Assistance (Sexual Misconduct Hotline): 1-844-527-0596 (English and Spanish) or Reporting Website.
- Nevada Coalition: The Nevada Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence works to prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence across the state. They provide support and resources to victim-survivors, offer training and education to communities, and advocate for policies and legislation that promote safety and justice for all victims.
- Nevada Child Abuse Reporting Hot Line: 1-800-652-1999
- Catholic Bishops Abuse Reporting: Visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562
Seeking both legal and emotional support is crucial for recovery. Legal professionals can guide survivors through the complexities of their cases, while counseling and support groups provide necessary emotional and psychological care.
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Nevada
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Nevada clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances pertaining to your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.
Prior to 1995, Nevada’s Roman Catholic Church dioceses operated as a single entity, but they eventually split into two separate dioceses: the Diocese of Reno and the Diocese of Las Vegas. Despite the split, the two dioceses share the financial burdens related to clergy sexual misconduct cases.
Number of Priests Accused: Both the Reno Diocese and the Diocese of Las Vegas in Nevada have publicly listed a combined total of 57 priests who have been credibly accused of abuse.
Total Settlements Paid: The North Las Vegas Diocese alone has paid about $15 million in settlements since 1995. Meanwhile, the two dioceses jointly have covered $2.5 million in settlement claims since 2004.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?
If you or someone you know are a victim-survivor of clergy-inflicted abuse in Nevada, it’s crucial to have a professional law firm to guide you through the legal process. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to support you, ensuring you receive fair compensation and that your abuser is brought to justice.
Proven Track Record: Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a history of successfully handling clergy sexual abuse cases in Nevada and securing significant settlements and verdicts for survivors.
Compassionate Approach: We understand the sensitive nature of clergy sexual abuse cases. Our attorneys approach each case with empathy and respect, ensuring survivors feel supported and heard throughout the legal process.
Commitment to Justice: We are committed to holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for survivors. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you need to move forward.
| $14 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $3 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $2 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
Contact Us
If you’re a victim of clergy sexual abuse looking to file a lawsuit in Nevada, you can reach out to us for a confidential consultation to get you started with the legal process.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation, or complete our online form. You can also email us at info@rosenfeldinjurylaw.com.
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.
