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In the state of Vermont, there are 43 total priests accused of sexual abuse (all from The Archdiocese of Burlington). Survivors of church-related sexual abuse and assault in Vermont are filing civil lawsuits against abusive priests and the religious institutions that enabled or failed to stop the abuse. These legal actions aim to hold both individuals and organizations accountable, and may lead to significant financial settlements for survivors.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct that resulted from a priest or other religious leader in the state of Vermont, call (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team – completely free and 100% confidential.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Below is a list of priests accused of sexual abuse in Vermont, which also includes other diocesan clergy members facing legal allegations. The lists below do not include any allegations made against other staff or volunteers, although you may still be able to file a sexual abuse claim against those individuals.
Accused Priests From The Diocese of Burlington, VT (43)
- Baffa, Robert J.
- Beauregard, James E.
- Bessette, Conrad
- Bresnehan, Paul M.
- Bruneau, Donald A.
- Campbell, James J.
- Claire, (unknown)
- Devoy, Robert E.
- Doe, Jane
- Dunn, James
- Dussault, Joseph H.
- Eastman, John F.
- Foley, James F.
- Foster, Edward C.
- Gallagher, William P.
- Gelineau, Edward J.
- Gelineau (BP), Louis E.
- Guichard, John A.
- Kenney, John B. (Jack)
- Madden, Michael K.
- McShane, James J.
- Mead, Brian E.
- Milanese, John
- Miller, Walter D.
- Mooney, Joseph Maxime
- Murtagh, George O.
- Nichols, Stephen J.
- Paquette, Jr., Edward O.
- Paulin, George A.
- Provost, Raymond C.
- Roberts, Daniel F.
- Roberts, Daniel F.
- Ronald A., Soutiere
- Rouelle, Forrest W.
- Savary, Emile W.
- Soutiere, Ronald A.
- Stankiewicz, John A.
- Thompson, Richard E.
- Towne, Charles A.
- Walsh, Raymond D.
- Ward, Donal D.
- Willis, Alfred
- Wysolmerski, Benjamin D.
Notable Vermont Clergy Abuse Settlements
Multi-Case Settlement by Diocese of Burlington (~$34.5 Million)
Between the early 2000s and 2024, the Diocese of Burlington settled at least 67 clergy sexual abuse claims totaling approximately $34.5 million. These settlements include both public and confidential agreements involving decades-old cases of abuse, mostly by priests no longer in active ministry.
Confidential Settlement in Roger Carlin Lawsuit (2022)
The Diocese of Burlington settled a lawsuit in 2022 that alleged childhood sexual abuse by Father Roger Carlin in the 1960s. Although the amount was not disclosed, the Diocese stated that the settlement did not constitute an admission of guilt. The priest has not been added to the Diocese’s official list of accused clergy.
Ongoing Vermont Priest Abuse Lawsuits & Investigations
Diocese of Burlington Bankruptcy (2024–Present)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 amid a wave of lawsuits from abuse survivors. The Diocese had already settled over 65 cases totaling more than $34 million and faced around 30 additional claims at the time of filing. By early 2025, more than 100 abuse claims had been filed against the Diocese, halting all ongoing litigation while the bankruptcy proceeds.
Lawsuit Involving Father Leo Courcy (Filed 2021)
In 2021, a former altar boy sued the Diocese of Burlington, alleging sexual abuse by Father Leo Courcy in 1978. The plaintiff claimed the Diocese knew Courcy had been treated for psychosexual disorders in the 1960s but still allowed him to serve in parishes across Vermont and other states. Courcy appears on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused clergy.
Abuse Claim Against Father Roger Carlin (Settled 2022)
A man in his 60s filed suit against the Diocese in 2021, alleging abuse by Father Roger W. Carlin at St. John Vianney Church in South Burlington during the 1960s. The Diocese quietly settled the case in 2022 without admitting liability. Advocates have since called for Carlin to be added to the Diocese’s public list of accused priests, where he remains absent.
Testimony From Survivor Michael Veitch (2025)
In May 2025, Michael Veitch testified in federal bankruptcy court that he was molested by clergy in Weston, Vermont, at the age of 15. Now in his 70s, Veitch shared the long-term impact of the abuse and criticized the Diocese’s bankruptcy strategy for delaying justice and accountability for over 100 survivors who filed claims.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Case – Bellows Falls Congregation (2014)
Two sisters sued the Bellows Falls congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2014, alleging that ministerial servant Norton True sexually assaulted them repeatedly in the 1990s.
Deadline to File a Priest/Clergy Abuse Claim in Vermont
In Vermont, there is no statute of limitations for civil claims related to childhood sexual abuse. This means survivors of clergy abuse (regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred) can still file a lawsuit against individual abusers or the institutions that enabled them.
This change came after a 2019 law removed time limits for survivors of child sexual abuse to take legal action. For adult survivors (those abused at age 18 or older), different deadlines may apply, depending on the circumstances and type of claim being filed.
While there may not be a deadline for many clergy abuse cases, ongoing church bankruptcies or settlement funds often impose their own filing deadlines. For example, survivors seeking compensation through the Diocese of Burlington’s bankruptcy process must submit claims within court-mandated timeframes. Missing those deadlines could limit your legal options.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or timing, it’s critical to speak with an attorney who understands Vermont’s evolving laws and active church bankruptcy proceedings. The team at Kayla’s Survivors can help you understand your rights and take action before any deadlines expire. If the deadline is missed, you may no longer be eligible to file a claim.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Get Help From The Clergy Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors
Survivors of church-related sexual abuse in Vermont are filing civil lawsuits against abusive clergy members and their religious institutions (such as the Diocese of Burlington and other local congregations) that enabled or failed to stop the abuse. These legal actions aim to hold both individuals and organizations accountable, and allow survivors to pursue financial compensation for damages. Take the next step by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us about your case online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.
The sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors have helped recover over $1 billion for our clients, including clergy abuse claims settled in Burlington, Colchester, Rutland, Bennington, and surrounding areas in the state of Maryland.
