Long Island Catholic diocese finalizes $323M settlement for child sex abuse victims

ROCKVILLE CENTRE (NY)
New York Daily News

December 4, 2024

By Joseph Wilkinson

A years-long legal battle between Long Island’s Catholic diocese and hundreds of alleged sex abuse victims came to an end Wednesday, with a bankruptcy judge in Manhattan approving a plan that finalizes a $323 million settlement.

As part of the settlement, the Diocese of Rockville Centre will begin making payments next year to nearly 600 victims of child sex abuse in the church.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Martin Glenn said he was “extremely pleased” with the deal, according to Newsday.

“The true heroes are the survivors who have persisted through decades of trauma, hardship and immeasurable resilience,” said Jeff Anderson, an attorney for the victims. “Today’s ruling provides momentum towards a resolution that is long overdue.”

Diocese leaders had originally offered a $200 million settlement, while the victims had sought $450 million. The approved plan marks the largest Catholic diocese bankruptcy settlement in the U.S.

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