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In the state of Illinois, there are nearly 300 named priests accused of sexual abuse with Chicago accounting for the most (over 150). Additionally, there are a significant number of accused priests in the cities of Belleville, Rockford, Joliet, Peoria, and Springfield, Illinois.
Survivors of church sexual abuse initiate civil lawsuit in Illinois against abusive church members and institutions (such as the Archdiocese) that failed to prevent the abuse. These lawsuits can result in significant financial settlements, holding responsible parties accountable for their actions or negligence. If you are a survivor of sex abuse and have a potential case, call (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Below is a list of priests accused of abuse in Illinois, which also includes other diocesan clergy members facing legal allegations. The lists below do not include allegations against administrative staff or volunteers accused, although you may still be able to file a claim against staff and volunteers.
Accused Clergy Members From The Archdiocese Of Chicago, IL (164)
- Angel, Lawrence A.
- Baranowski, Alexander Sylvester
- Bartz, Richard Barry
- Batuyong, Patricio William
- Becker, Robert Charles
- Beckstrom, Robert E
- Bennett, Joseph R.
- Bogdan, Leonard Adolph
- Bonebreak, Dennis
- Bowman, Robert Peter
- Braun, David Francis
- Brigham, Kenneth M.
- Brouillette, Robert
- Buck, Daniel Peter
- Burke, Edmund F.
- Burns, Eugene Patrick
- Butler, Donald
- Byrne, Eamonn
- Calicott, John Walter
- Carr, Michael T.
- Carroll, Francis C.
- Chmura, Thomas M.
- Clements, George H.
- Cloutier, William J.
- Cobb, Alan S.
- Collins, Daniel J.
- Collins, Donald Cecil
- Condon, Eugene Laurence
- Corrigan, Edmund
- Craig, Robert
- Crosby, Thomas Carroll
- Curran, John William
- Czajka, Norman J.
- Daschbach, Richard
- DeRoeck, Walter George
- Diederich, Dominic Aloysius
- Dilla, Francis Emil
- Duggan, Jeremiah C.
- Dunn, James Claver
- Farrell, William Patrick
- Fassbinder, Richard Wayne
- Ferro, Salvatore A.
- Finan, Mark A.
- Fitzgerald, John D.
- Fitzgerald, John J.
- Fitzharris, Joseph L.
- Fitzmaurice, Terence
- Flosi, James Vincent
- Friese, Robert D.
- Gamez-Alfonso, Rigoberto
- Gardner, Stephen Justin
- Garza, Jesus P.
- Graf, Gary
- Hagan, James Craig
- Hefferan, John Edward
- Hensley, Gilbert Leroy
- Hinojosa, Juan Francisco
- Hoder, James Allen
- Hogan, Michael J.
- Hogan, Michael P.
- Holihan, Daniel Mark
- Horne, Thomas Barry
- Houlihan, James Alvarez
- Huppenbauer, Walter Edward
- Huske, Leonard
- Irwin, Charles B.
- Job, Thomas
- Jones, Augustine K.
- Jordan, John E.
- Kealy, Robert Louis
- Keehan, John James
- Kelly, Thomas Francis
- Kent, Benen
- Keough, John J.
- Kernan, Joseph C
- Kissane, Joseph Patrick
- Klein, George W.
- Kmak, Leonard Paul
- Koch, J. Robert
- Lane, John H.
- Lane, John H.
- Lasik, Ronald Justin
- Lee, Patrick J
- Leyhane, William R.
- Lupo, William L.
- Maday, Norbert J.
- Maloney, Edward J.
- Mayer, Robert E.
- McCaffrey, Vincent
- McCarthy, David F.
- McCartney, Christopher J.
- McCormack, Daniel J.
- McDonald, Robert Joseph
- McFarlane, William M.
- McGuire, Donald J.
- McNamara, Peter John
- Miller, Gary M.
- Mulsoff, Donald John
- Munoz Capetillo, Octavio
- Murphy, John Daniel
- Murphy, John E
- Murphy, Thomas Ignatius
- O’Brien, William John
- O’Connell, Michael W.
- O’Dell, Jack
- O’Gorman, Thomas
- O’Leary, Patrick
- O’Shaughnessy, Donald J.
- O’Toole, Paul L.
- Ormechea, John Baptist/J.B.
- Owens, Joseph
- Paduch, Frank
- Pallikunnen, Emmanuel
- Pantoja Segura, Eusebio
- Paramo, Thomas
- Peralta, Carlos
- Phan, Kevin
- Policetti, Sleeva Raju
- Powell, John J.
- Przybylo, Chester J./Czeslaw
- Przybylski, Konstanty
- Ray, James M.
- Reuter, Lawrence
- Reycraft, Paul
- Robinson, John Allen
- Rohrich, John F.
- Romano, Russell Lawrence
- Ronan, Andrew M
- Ruge, Kenneth Charles
- Ryan, Daniel
- Savage, Joseph E.
- Schulte, Daniel R.
- Skiffington, Wilton
- Skriba, Raymond Francis
- Skriba, Richard L.
- Smyth, John P.
- Snieg, Marion Joseph
- Soto, Ruben
- Spine, William J.
- Steel, James R.
- Stepek, Robert A.
- Stewart, Victor E.
- Strand, Ralph S.
- Strum, Howard
- Strus, Walter
- Swade, Thomas J.
- Swider, Henry Peter
- Tanghal Rimando, Albert
- Thedens, Mark E.
- Theisen, Richard Gregory
- Thomas, Joseph S.
- Trujillo, Michael
- Turlo, Walter Joseph
- Ulatowski, Donald Francis
- Vader, Anthony Joseph
- Verhalen, David H.
- Vilchez Parra, Clovis
- Vorlick, Phillip
- Walczak, Karl J.
- Weston, Michael Howard
- Wigglesworth, Wayne E.
- Wilk, Joseph
- Wojtowicz, Louis
- Yakaitis, Michael T.
At Kayla’s Survivors, our Chicago clergy abuse attorneys are always available to help you better understand your legal options. If you are a loved one has suffered from abuse or assault as a result of a priest or other religious leader in Chicago or surrounding areas, you may be eligible to recover compensation.
Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Joliet, IL (43)
- Barrett, John F.
- Bennett, Richard L.
- Buczyna, Andrew L.
- Burnett, James
- Corbino, Thomas A.
- Dedera, Phillip J.
- Dennerlein, Arno
- Dinan, Paul F.
- Dugal, III, William
- Fischer, Lowell E.
- Flores, Alejandro (Alex)
- Formusa, Salvatore
- Frederick, James
- Gibbney, Michael L.
- Gibbs, Lawrence (Larry) M.
- Howlin, Carroll
- Jacklin, Richard E.
- Jendrysik, Mark
- Jochem, Harold
- Lenczycki, Frederick A.
- Malzone, John D.
- McBrien, Kevin Michael
- McGrath, Richard J.
- Meis, J. Anthony
- Mullins, Lawrence (Larry)
- Nowak, James A.
- O’Connor, Donald
- Pock, Donald P.
- Poff, Edward
- Ross, Anthony J.
- Ruffalo, Richard
- Ryan, F. Lee
- Salwach, Jeffrey
- Simonelli, Gerald
- Slade, Henry
- Slown, John
- Stalzer, David
- Stefanich, Edward
- Storm, James
- Van Duren, Charles
- Virtue, William D.
- Walsh, Oliver T.
- White, Myles Patrick
Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Springfield, IL (25)
- Campbell, Alvin L.
- Cernich, Joseph D.
- Costa, Eugene E.
- Dee, Garrett Neal
- DeGrand, Robert
- Dodd, Robert
- Downey, Kevin J.
- Driscoll, Michael
- Eagear, Robert
- Faller, George
- Franzen, Ray
- Havey, Joseph
- Kromenaker, George
- Niebrugge, Richard
- O’Brien, Joseph C.
- O’Hara, Frank J.
- O’Hara, James Patrick
- Ryan (Bp)., Daniel
- Schlangen, Louis
- Schwellenbach, Aloysius
- Shea, Louis C
- Tebangura, Francis
- Weerts, Walter M.
- Westhoff, Frank D.
- Yunker, Stanislaus
Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Peoria, IL (24)
- Anderson, John C.
- Beebe, Charles
- Breuning/Bruening, Walter A.
- Bush, Edward E.
- Cassidy, Terry
- Cody, J. George
- Condon, Louis
- Creager, Robert J.
- Engels, Francis (Frank)
- Goodman, Norman D.
- Harbert, William
- Hiland, George H.
- Leclercq, M. Duane
- Maloney, Thomas W.
- Mary Jane, Sister
- Miller, Thomas R.
- Onderko, John M.
- Perron, Toussaint J.
- Pilon, Jerome
- Plunkett, Gregory J.
- Pusateri, Samuel D.
- Slavish, Richard
- Turnbull (OFM), John B.
- Van Acker, Michael R.
Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Belleville, IL (19)
- Calhoun, James R.
- Chlopecki, Robert
- Crook, David G.
- Friedman, Daniel L.
- Hechenberger, Gerald R.
- Kastner, Edwin G.
- Kownacki, Raymond F.
- Kreher, Albert E. “Gene”
- Linnemann, Eugene G.
- MacPherson, Walter E.
- Peterson, Louis P.
- Ratermann, Jerome B.
- Rensing, William F.
- Ruppert, E. Alan
- Schoenhofen, Roger
- Schwaegel, Joseph R.
- Sebescak, Gary
- Theis, Francis
- Vonnahmen, Robert J.
Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Rockford, IL (15)
- Banach, Edwin
- Campobello, Mark A.
- Clapsaddle, Harlan B.
- Considine, Thomas
- Feely, Theodore
- Frazier, Michael
- Gaynor, James
- Harte, Al F.
- Holdren, John C.
- Joffe, William I.
- Johnson, Walter E.
- Kohler, Peter D.
- Kuhl, Richard
- Pedraza-Arias, Alfredo
- Tully, Joseph J. M.
Illinois Clergy Abuse Settlements
The Catholic dioceses in Illinois—especially the Archdiocese of Chicago—have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve sexual abuse claims. Below are notable settlements:
- Archdiocese of Chicago
- Has paid over $200 million in total settlements.
- As of 2023, projected an additional $150+ million in pending and future payouts.
- A single law firm has settled $80 million in claims with the archdiocese since 2001.
- By 2019, reported settlements with approximately 160 survivors averaging around $500,000 each.
- 2017 – Archdiocese of Chicago
- Settled with 3 abuse survivors for a total of $3.15 million
- Averaged over $1 million per victim.
- 2018 – Diocese of Joliet
- Reached a group settlement of about $1.4 million with 3 survivors.
- 2020 – Archdiocese of Chicago
- Paid $2.1 million to one survivor.
- Paid $1.5 million to another in a separate case.
- 2008 – Archdiocese of Chicago
- Paid a then-record $12.6 million to settle claims with 16 victims.
- 2008 – Diocese of Belleville
- Jury awarded $5 million to a single survivor.
- One of the largest per-person awards in Illinois history.
Key Notes:
- Unlike some states, no Illinois diocese has filed for bankruptcy over clergy abuse liabilities as of 2025.
- Settlements are often funded through insurance, asset sales, and reallocation of Church funds.
- While financial compensation offers some relief, advocacy groups stress the equal importance of transparency and institutional reform.
Active Clergy Abuse Lawsuits in Illinois
In the last 5–10 years, Illinois has seen a surge in clergy abuse lawsuits and state-led investigations that exposed widespread misconduct. Key developments include:
- Illinois Attorney General Report (May 2023)
- Named 451 priests and religious brothers accused of abusing at least 1,997 children since 1950.
- Found dioceses frequently prioritized institutional reputation over child safety.
- Prompted all six Illinois dioceses to expand public lists of credibly accused clergy.
- 2018 Civil Lawsuit Against All Illinois Dioceses
- Filed by multiple survivors, led by attorney Jeff Anderson.
- Alleged a coordinated cover-up by all dioceses (Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, etc.).
- Highlighted that 53 accused priests had not been publicly named by Belleville and Rockford dioceses.
- Pressured dioceses to release full lists of credibly accused clergy.
- 2025 Lawsuit: Michael Eckert vs. Diocese of Peoria
- Alleged repeated childhood abuse by Fr. Thomas Miller from 1997–2003.
- Claims the diocese ignored prior warnings; Miller was suspended in 2004 and defrocked in 2010.
- Cites the 2023 AG report as supporting evidence of diocesan negligence.
- 2023 Archdiocese of Chicago Counterlawsuit
- Filed against individuals allegedly conspiring to submit false claims of abuse by Daniel McCormack.
- Based on recorded calls discussing the intent to “get on the money train.”
- Archdiocese stated this was to protect funds meant for genuine survivors.
- McCormack, a defrocked priest, has cost the Archdiocese over $20 million in past settlements.
Additional Notes:
- Lawsuits have significantly increased since the AG investigation began in 2018.
- Survivors are increasingly citing the state report in new filings.
- The Church has responded with both settlements and legal defenses, depending on case validity.
Deadline to File a Claim in Illinois
Illinois has removed nearly all time limits for prosecuting or suing over child sexual abuse. In 2017, the state eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for felony sex crimes against children, allowing charges to be filed at any time. In 2014, Illinois also removed the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse, giving survivors the ability to sue whenever they are ready—regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. However, this civil reform was not made retroactive, meaning expired claims before 2014 generally cannot be revived. For adult victims of sexual assault, civil lawsuits are still subject to a time limit (typically two years). These reforms make Illinois one of the most survivor-friendly states in the U.S., removing common legal barriers and focusing instead on the facts of the abuse.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Get Help From The Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse in Illinois, know that you’re not alone—and legal options are available. The process can be complex, but with the support of an experienced attorney, survivors can better understand their rights, pursue accountability, and seek the justice they deserve. Reaching out is the first step toward healing and holding institutions and abusers accountable. 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 lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors have helped recover over $1 billion for our clients, including clergy abuse claims settled in the state of Illinois (such as Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and Champaign).
