Fordham University, The Archdiocese of New York Named in Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Several former and current residents of the Bronx have retained Guy D’Andrea of Laffey Buchi D’Andrea Reich & Ryan and Nicholas Wainwright and Mike Grieco from the law firm Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC to represent them in a child sexual abuse lawsuit. The claims are against Fordham University; The Jesuits of Fordham, Inc.; The Archdiocese of New York; The New York Province of the Society of Jesus; The U.S.A. Northeast Jesuit Province; The USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus, Inc.; The USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, Inc.; and the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.

The lawsuit alleges that, while working at Fordham University under the placement of the various Defendants, Father John Joseph McCarthy would go into neighboring blocks in the Bronx and invite children to partake in various recreational activities at Fordham University facilities in the summers while the students were largely gone from campus. After the children were done with the activities, Father McCarthy would take them to get ice cream and candy elsewhere on campus, including in his on-campus residence. While enticing the children with promises of treats, Father McCarthy would take some of the children into back rooms and force them to engage in sexual acts with McCarthy and with each other, and in some instances took sexually explicit photographs of the children.

Father McCarthy worked at Fordham University from 1956-1992. The Plaintiffs specifically involved in this case allege that they were abused in the 1970’s. As of 2019, the Jesuits Northeast Province listed two other allegations of abuse involving McCarthy in the 1970’s. Other Priests who were placed at Fordham University and credibly accused of sexual abuse include: Father Peter Conroy (1972-1979); Father Roy Drake (1965-1971); Father Eugene O’Brien (1950-1953, 1965-1971); Father William Scanlon (1972-1974); Father John Bellwoar (1936-1938); Father Maurice Meyers (1951-1959, 1973-1974); and Father Francis X. Nawn (1980-1981).

“The systematic abuse that occurred on Fordham’s campus represents a devastating betrayal of trust at multiple institutional levels,” said D’Andrea. “The Catholic Church’s history of enabling abuse is well-documented, but when an educational institution like Fordham provides the venue for such atrocities while ignoring clear warning signs, they become equally complicit in the trauma inflicted on these brave survivors. Our firms are committed to holding the defendants accountable for their roles in allowing these heinous acts to occur unchecked. No institution, regardless of its reputation or religious affiliation, should be permitted to shield abusers while abandoning their sacred obligation to protect those in their care.”

“Fordham University, The Archdiocese of New York, and the various Jesuit entities involved in this case have known for decades of abuses like those mentioned in this case,” said Grieco. “Our clients have carried the weight of the sexual abuse they endured at Fordham University, an institution they initially viewed as a beacon of positivity and safety in their community, for decades as well. The abuse left them to suffer in silence, dealing with the lasting scars that have impacted every facet of their lives, from personal relationships to their sense of safety and self-worth. This lawsuit seeks to hold the defendants accountable for failing to protect these vulnerable young people and allowing this harm to persist in silence for far too long.”

If you are someone who experienced sexual abuse by Father McCarthy or another priest at Fordham University, or have any information, please contact Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan or Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC (justice@SGGHLaw.com; www.sgghlaw.com) to discuss your legal rights.

Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan stands at the forefront of advocating for survivors of institutional sexual abuse, with a proven track record of securing justice for victims across religious, educational, and youth organizations. The firm has achieved landmark victories including a $107 million settlement for survivors of sexual abuse at a Christian based boarding school. The firm’s comprehensive approach encompasses cases against major religious institutions including the Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Church, and Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America, as well as educational institutions and youth organizations such as summer camps and programs for at-risk youth. Their legal strategy extends beyond securing compensation, focusing on institutional accountability and systemic change while providing compassionate support for survivors throughout the legal process.