The Catholic Church has ordered an investigation into abuse claims made against Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

According to The New York Post, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan has been instructed by the Vatican to look into allegations that Bishop DiMarzio sexually abused an altar boy almost 50 years ago.

A spokesperson for the New York Diocese stated that the Cardinal will enlist the help of professional forensic investigators in the investigation. However, it is unknown whether the results of the investigation will be made public. According to the Vatican, the investigation is a non-judicial process requiring confidentiality.

The allegations in the sexual abuse scandal against Bishop DiMarzio claim that the bishop sexually abused a New Jersey altar boy in the 1970s. At the time, he was a priest with the Archdiocese of Newark.

According to the claims that were made public against the bishop by plaintiff Mark M. in November 2018, the bishop began molesting him when he was an 11 year old altar boy and student at St. Nicholas Church and School.

Another clergy member was also named in the allegations, although he is now deceased. Mark M. is seeking $20 million in compensation and justice for what he claims were repeated instances of abuse by DiMarzio and the second clergy member.

Bishop DiMarzio has denied the claims against him, pointing to his history as a leader in the fight against Catholic sex abuse. Prior to the allegations against him, DiMarzio led several sexual misconduct investigations into other Catholic clergy members. According to DiMarzio, he is confident that the allegations against him will be cleared and the sexual abuse scandal will pass.

Catholic Sexual Abuse Scandal Allegations Rise Under New Laws

The New York Child Victims Act was signed into law in February 2019 in order to provide New York victims of childhood sexual abuse additional avenues for justice.

Under the law, the statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits pertaining to cases of childhood abuse were raised, allowing victims until the age of 55 to open civil cases. Previously, the laws had only given victims until the age of 23. For criminal charges, the age limit has also been increased.

The Child Victims Act also opened a one-year lookback window for victims whose cases had already expired. Under this law, hundreds of cases have already been filed by victims of childhood sexual abuse. Victims have opened cases against the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts, Jeffrey Epstein, and others. New Jersey has also opened a similar look-back window for victims.

Victims of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic Church clergy members, Boy Scouts of America troop leaders or volunteers, or workers and volunteers associated with schools, after-school programs, and sports organizations may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a class action lawsuit against their abusers. Victims may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and additional damages.

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