A former priest accused of raping and impregnating an underage Connecticut girl in his then parish can keep his teaching job at a New Jersey middle school, according to Garden State radio station 101.5.

The accused Catholic New Jersey clergyman, the former Rev. Joseph DeShan, is on the list of “credibly accused” sexual offenders recently released by the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. The list adds to the growing number of Catholic New Jersey priests accused of sexual abuse and is illustrative of the endemic problem across the United States.

In a written statement from the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, the list was published to “ensure the ongoing protection of our children, youth and vulnerable adults and to assist in the healing of victims of clergy sexual abuse.”

Citing diocese records, the New York Post reports that DeShan was “removed from the ministry in 1989 after a ‘single allegation,’” and in 1996, the Cinnaminson (N.J.) Township School District hired him. Cinnaminson school administrators reportedly became aware of the sexual abuse allegations in 2002 and suspended DeShan for three weeks before returning him to the classroom. In December 2018, the school district sought to get rid of DeShan for “conduct unbecoming” but an arbitrator has squashed the district’s attempt.

The New Jersey Department of Education arbitrator ruled that officials had not provided proof that DeShan had done anything wrong during his employment with the Cinnaminson Township School District. The arbitrator decided that because the complaints of sexual abuse involved “pre-employment conduct,” DeShan should keep his job.

The Connecticut girl, now an adult survivor, alleges that the sexual abuse perpetrated by DeShan began when she was 14 and he was her priest. The relationship continued, she said, until he impregnated her when she was 15 or 16, which is statutory rape under Connecticut law. She gave birth when she was 16 years old.

Connecticut’s statute of limitations on sex crimes ran out before the woman came forward with her story, according to the Post. DeShan was never charged.

Last year, parents at the school where DeShan currently teaches began asking for their children to be removed from DeShan’s classroom following a 12-year-old girl’s report that the former priest’s behavior made her uncomfortable, the Post reported.

“Look at me. Let me see your pretty green eyes. You don’t see them too much anymore,” DeShan allegedly told her. The arbitrator’s seven-page ruling noted that DeShan allegedly made the remark in a “weird voice.”

According to NJ.com, DeShan is a 6th grade reading teacher and earns $85,624 a year.

Filing a Catholic New Jersey Abuse Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or abused by a priest or other Catholic church leader, you may be able to file a sexual abuse lawsuit and pursue compensation. Survivors may also qualify for compensation from the New Jersey Independent Victim Compensation Program, and checking in with an attorney can help claimants know they’re making the best decision for themselves.

Remember that you are not alone, and that legal help is available to you from compassionate lawyers. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate this litigation, and maximize your compensation.

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by sexual abuse, it can at least help to provide financial compensation, as well as start to hold those responsible for the abuse accountable for their actions.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.