Abuse

Olmsted County Jury Awards $7.6 Million to Abuse Survivor, Paving the Way for Accountability Among Insurers in Diocese Cases

by

ROCHESTER, Minn. — An Olmsted County jury has awarded $7.6 million to a man in a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, stemming from allegations of sexual abuse that occurred more than 50 years ago. The plaintiff, now in his late 60s, claims he was abused by Rev. Joseph Cashman during his childhood from 1973 to 1976. At that time, Cashman served as principal at Lourdes High School in Rochester. This case is part of a broader wave of litigation this year against the diocese, which recently reached a $21.5 million settlement with 145 … Read more

Massachusetts Leaders Unite to Close Legal Loopholes and Strengthen Protections Against Child Sexual Abuse

by

BOSTON — During a briefing at the State House on Thursday, Sen. Joan B. Lovely addressed the critical issue of child sexual abuse, advocating for new legislation aimed at better protecting children and survivors in Massachusetts. The discussion highlighted the pressing need to reform laws that currently leave vulnerable minors at risk. Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue emphasized the importance of Bill 1634, aimed at addressing sexual assaults involving adults in positions of authority or trust. Shugrue pointed out that similar laws are already in place in 80% of states, stating, “We are … Read more

Wonder Lake Resident Faces Decades-Old Abuse Allegations as Defense Demands Clarity on Charges

by

Wonder Lake, Illinois — A local man, Alan J. Mrowka, who is accused of sexually abusing a child nearly 30 years ago, has requested that prosecutors provide clearer details about the allegations against him. Mrowka, 70, faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a child under 13, categorized as a Class 2 felony, according to documents filed in McHenry County court. Supporters have consistently attended Mrowka’s court hearings, with Judge Mark Gerhardt acknowledging their presence at a recent pretrial session. He noted their interest in the progress of the case, highlighting the community’s involvement … Read more

Cook County Jury Rules in Favor of Elissa Wall, Connecting Jeffs Family Finances to Church Abuse Accountability

by

A jury in Cook County, Illinois, delivered a significant verdict on June 27, siding with Elissa Wall in her case against Seth and Warren Jeffs. This ruling paves the way for Wall to collect funds from a property sale by Seth Jeffs, with the $130,000 earned now eligible to help pay off a court-mandated debt Wall is owed. Warren Jeffs, currently serving a life sentence in Texas for sexually assaulting a minor, is the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). In 2017, a Utah court mandated that he pay … Read more