Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A Roman Catholic priest in Florida is facing charges that he drugged a female parishioner and raped her.
The man was in a Miami-Dade County jail late Saturday charged with sexual battery on an incapacitated victim.
According to reports, in October, the 64-year-old priest invited the victim to his home at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Homestead. The woman said she drank tea he gave her and passed out. She told investigators she woke up two hours later naked in the man’s bed, believing she was raped.
She did not notify police until two weeks ago after telling another priest. The Miami Archdiocese says she was told to contact authorities. Officers say the man confessed when confronted.
Priests are religious figures that you believe you can trust. However, when they violate that trust, the long-lasting effects on the victim can be devastating. They can range from depression and sleeping disorders to self-harm, suicide, and substance abuse.
If you are a survivor of clergy abuse, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. You may receive damages for medical and therapy bills and loss of income. You may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the individuals and the institutions that allowed these acts of abuse to occur.
Our Florida Sexual Abuse Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know how hard it can be to confront those who have inflicting so much harm. We want you to know that you are not alone and that we can make sure your voice is heard. If you are ready to step forward and hold your abuser accountable, we are here for you. Call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will fight for your rights.