List of 4,800+ Priests Accused of Abuse (By State)

Catholic dioceses across all 50 states have been named in allegations of sexual abuse involving priests and other clergy members. In several states, these revelations have led to legal reforms aimed at expanding protections and legal options for survivors:

• Arizona (93)
• Arkansas (14)
• California (661)
• Colorado (34)
• Connecticut (138)
• Florida (102)
• Hawaii (21)
• Illinois (290)
• Louisiana (195)
• Maine (49)
• Maryland (100)
• Massachusetts (403)
• Michigan (153)
• Minnesota (221)
• Missouri (181)
• Montana (83)
• Nebraska (50)
• Nevada (18)
• New Jersey (247)
• New York (718)
• North Carolina (23)
• Pennsylvania (558)
• Rhode Island (56)
• Texas (282)
• Vermont (43)
• Virginia (55)
• Washington (41)
• West Virginia (19)
• Wisconsin (175)

Survivors across the country have come forward with reports of child sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests and clergy members. In response, numerous organizations have worked to document and compile the names of accused individuals. While the full extent of abuse remains difficult to uncover due to years of secrecy and underreporting, our team of clergy abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors have developed a comprehensive database of priests publicly accused of abuse, making this information accessible to survivors and the public.

Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the clergy / priest is not on the list?

Our database of accused clergy is regularly updated, but not all abusive priests are listed—especially since 41 U.S. dioceses and religious orders have yet to release names, despite serving over 9 million Catholics. Investigations have found that hundreds of accused clergy have been left off official lists. Even if a priest isn’t named in our database, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit. Get help from our legal team by calling (800) 509-9747 or requesting a free case evaluation online – 100% free and completely confidential.

How many Catholic priests have been publicly accused of abuse in the U.S.?

Our database includes over 4,800 Catholic clergy members accused of abuse in the U.S., but this figure likely represents only a portion of the true scope. Many survivors choose not to come forward, making it impossible to determine the full extent of abuse within the Church.

What is the deadline to file a claim against a clergy member?

The deadline to file a clergy abuse claim varies by state and depends on factors such as the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when the abuse was discovered. Some states have enacted laws eliminating or extending the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. For instance, Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023 removed the deadline for filing civil lawsuits related to childhood clergy sexual abuse. 

How much compensation can be recovered from a clergy abuse claim?

The average settlement for clergy abuse is approximately $268,466 with payouts exceeding $3 million. However, it’s important to understand that compensation for sexual abuse can vary based on many factors, and each individual claim is unique. 

How long do clergy abuse cases typically take to resolve?

The length of a clergy abuse case depends on the details of the case, the location, and whether it settles or proceeds to trial. While many cases are resolved within 12 to 24 months, more complex cases may take longer. An attorney can give a clearer timeline based on your unique situation.