Diocese of Orange reaches $3.5 million settlement in sex abuse lawsuit
The Diocese of Orange has agreed to settle a lawsuit that involved a former vice principal at Mater Dei High School in 1978.
According to a spokesperson for the Diocese, the settlement was actually reached in November. The lawsuit alleged that a victim was abused by Michael Harris, a former priest and vice principal of the Santa Ana-based school.
Despite being prepared to go to trial in the case, Diocese of Orange officials decided that they would settle, said Jarryd Gonzales, the spokesperson for the Diocese.
"The Diocese vigorously defended the decades-old claim and was prepared to take it to trial," Gonzales said. "However, all parties — the plaintiff, the Diocese's insurers, and the Diocese — agreed that a pre-trial settlement was most beneficial to everyone involved."
The settlement was funded entirely by the Dioceses's insurers, Gonzales said.
Though the agreement was made about a month ago, the announcement came just hours before attorneys representing the plaintiff were slated to hold a news conference in front of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. They said they would "unveil the breadth and depth of the debauchery and deception at Mater Dei."
Attorney Jeff Anderson said that as of 2012, Harris had been accused of busing at least 13 victims, eight of which were at Mater Dei.
"In all claims alleging child sexual abuse, the Diocese is committed to seeking justice, fostering healing and providing unwavering support for survivors," Gonzales said. "The Diocese of Orange deeply regrets the harm caused by any and all incidents of abuse. The events alleged in this case occurred more than four decades ago; we recognize that such events have lasting impacts, and we are committed to ensuring the Diocese of today is safe for all."
In order to do so, Gonzales said that the system established the Office of Child and Youth Protection, which requires all clergy, employees and volunteers to undergo fingerprinting and background checks. They also must attend recurring training to ensure a safe environment.
"We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, standing in solidarity with survivors and their families. By acknowledging the past and taking responsibility, we continue our work to prevent such harm from every occurring again," Gonzales said.
The news comes just months after the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced a massive $880 million settlement over hundreds of sexual abuse claims dating back decades — the largest of its kind.