Five Priests Named

Westport, CT: (Apr-23-08) Several sexual abuse claims were brought against the Bridgeport Diocese in Westport, naming five men who served as Roman Catholic priests. Court records reveal that the five named are Martin J. Federici, who served at Westport's Assumption Church from 1968 to 1970; Revs. Joseph Gorecki, who served at Assumption in 1974; Albert McGoldrick, who served at Assumption in 1988; Charles W. Stubbs, who served at Assumption from 1964 to 1967, and Vincent Veich, who served at Assumption from 1978 to 1984. Sources stated that the diocese has reached a settlement in the case, making it the second in two years for the diocese. Records show that it reached a financial settlement in 2001 involving five priests and 26 plaintiffs.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Bridgeport diocese will pay out almost $38 million to resolve claims. The allegations against the diocese included claims against Federici, who in 1968 was picked up by Westport police for allegedly molesting a boy in his car. Diocese spokesperson Bishop William Lori stated that the latest settlement amounts to $21 million being paid to 40 people who say 16 diocesan priests sexually abused them when they were children. He said the diocese now has agreed to pay out $37.7 million in claims. [WESTPORT NOW: FIVE PRIESTS WHO SERVED IN WESTPORT NAMED IN SEX CLAIMS SETTLEMENT]

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Published on Apr-24-08