The settlement comes out to $45 million and will resolve 125 claims of sexual abuse according to a press release issued Tuesday afternoon.
While headquartered in Ogdensburg, the Diocese’s region also includes all of Franklin, Essex, and Clinton Counties.
“The Diocese of Ogdensburg is committed to ensuring the safety of all persons entrusted to our care,” said Bishop Terry R. LaValley. “The great harm that has been caused by this sinful behavior must never be allowed to happen again. It is my sincere hope that this process has brought the survivors some comfort and peace.”
The Diocese’s settlement comes after passage of the 2019 Child Victims Act, which was passed by New York State and gave survivors a year-long window for abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits previously barred by the statue of limitations.
The Diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 17, 2023, before the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of New York to resolve the claims of child sexual abuse filed against the Diocese under the Child’s Victim Act.
The $45 million contributed to the survivor Trust by the Catholic Church will be available for distribution to survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated against them by clergy, religious, lay employees and volunteers once the settlement is approved by a bankruptcy court.
After the settlement’s approval, the Diocese and insurance carriers will pay into the settlement Trust for the survivors, and the Diocese will emerge out of bankruptcy.