Diocese of San Bernardino Sexual Abuse Attorney

Clergy abuse is a brutal crime that has been found to be pervasive throughout thousands of parishes throughout California. Only recently have allegations of dioceses covering up clergy abuse and failing to notify the authorities of these heinous acts finally surfaced. In October 2018, the Diocese of San Bernardino published a list of 31 individuals with credible accusations of sexual abuse against them.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse from a member of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, please come forward with your case confidentially to an abuse attorney at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. We can keep your identity private for the duration of your case if desired. We are passionate about advocating for sex abuse survivors and can help you during this difficult time. Contact us now for a free and confidential consultation.

Why Clients Choose Us

  • Our lead attorney, John C. Manly, has represented sex abuse survivors for over 20 years.
  • Our firm has represented more than 150 clergy abuse survivors throughout California.
  • Our lawyers have obtained over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our sexual abuse clients in the past.
  • Our firm consists of award-winning attorneys and advocates who focus exclusively on sexual abuse law.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

Clergy abuse cases involving any diocese can be complex and difficult to face alone as a survivor. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we can be here for you during every step of the claims process. We can help you protect your identity, name the correct defendants, strengthen your case against the diocese, conduct a thorough case investigation and offer the emotional support you need. Finally, we can help you argue for fair and full compensation for your losses from the at-fault parties.

Clergy Abuse in the Diocese of San Bernardino

The 31 individuals whose names the Diocese of San Bernardino has made public include priests and other members of the clergy. The allegations involve crimes such as child molestation, child sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. Six of the names on the list are convicted sexual abusers within the diocese, while the others stand simply accused or sued for alleged sex crimes.

First Last Status
Saul Ayala Accused
Edward Lawrence Ball Convicted
Roberto Barco Accused
Joseph Bell Accused
Gustavo Benson Convicted
Michael Bucaro Settled
Alejandro Jose /Alex Castillo Convicted
Peter Covas Sued
Owen da Silva Sued
Daniel De Dominicis Accused
Jesus Dominguez Convicted
Robert J. Donat Accused
Kevin Dunne Accused
Clifton Raymond Etienne Sued
Joseph (Joe) Fertal Settled
Anthony Martinez Garduno Convicted
Rudi Gil Accused
Maximiliano Gomez Macouzet Sued
J. Ernest/Ernest J. Hayes Accused
Joseph Jablonski Accused
Dennis Raymond Jost Convicted
Timothy F. Keppel Accused
Robert Kurilec Accused
Peter H. Luque Sued
Peter McCormick Accused
Howard Melzer Accused
Paul Nguyen Accused
Joseph R. Nunez Sued
Louis G. Perreault Accused
Esteban Trujillo Accused
Bernard Waltos Accused

If any of the people on the published list is the perpetrator who abused you, or you were abused by a clergy person not on this list, please contact us immediately to discuss your case. 

The New Independent Compensation Program

The Diocese of San Bernardino is one of six in California involved in the new Independent Compensation Program (ICP). Beginning on September 16th, 2019, survivors of clergy abuse within six specific dioceses can file confidential claims to obtain financial relief.

The Independent Compensation Program gives survivors until March 30th, 2020 to come forward with their allegations so third-party administrators can hear them. If the administrators find the claim credible, they may offer a compensation award within two weeks.

Should You Accept Compensation Through the Program?

Whether or not it is in your best interest to accept a settlement through the ICP depends on the facts of your case. Recently, California lawmakers extended the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases to age 40 rather than 26 with Assembly Bill No. 218. If you are now within the statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit, this could result in better compensation than a settlement from the ICP. Our attorneys can review your specific case for free and let you know which route we believe is right for you.

Speak to a Diocese of San Bernardino Clergy Abuse Lawyer

The lawyers at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi have devoted their lives to fighting against facilitators of sexual abuse. We have gone up against religious institutions, Fortune 500 companies, school districts and other powerful conglomerates to demand justice. Our mission is to protect the rights of sexual abuse and assault survivors. To request a free, confidential case evaluation at our local law office, call (855) 944-0710 or contact us online today. We can help you fight for the results you need to move forward.