FT. LAUDERDALE MEDIA ADVISORY FOR JANUARY 28

Priest Arrested for Raping a Young Boy

Attorney To Give Documents Proving Earlier Allegations Against Cleric

What:
At a sidewalk news conference, an attorney will speak on behalf of a victim of Father Neil Doherty who was arrested last night in connection with allegations made by this victim

When:
Today, Friday, January 27, 2:00 p.m.

Where:
Steps of the Broward County Jail, 555 S.E. 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who:
Attorney Jeffrey M. Herman of Herman & Mermelstein

Why:
Beginning in 1995-96, when the victim was a nine year old boy, Father Doherty encouraged the victim to experiment with drugs and alcohol. When the boy passed out, Father Doherty anally raped him. Father Doherty continued to sodomize and have oral sex with the minor on church premises for approximately four years.

The Archdiocese of Miami received multiple credible allegations of sexual abuse by Father Neil Doherty dating back to the 1970's. In 1992, the Archdiocese confidentially settled a case in which Father Doherty was accused of molesting a minor. Nevertheless, Father Doherty was still the pastor at St. Vincent in Margate in 1995-96 when he met the victim.

Documents showing the Archdiocese's knowledge of allegations of abuse against Father Doherty dating back to the 1970's will be distributed at the press conference.

A copy of the lawsuit is available at www.hermanlaw.com or upon request.

CONTACT:

Jeffrey Herman (305) 409-7371 cell, (305) 931-2200