A California jury awarded $16 million to an unnamed clergy abuse survivor in his case against the Diocese of Oakland April 22, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases pending against the diocese.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the survivor, identified only as “John Doe,” claimed he was sexually abused by Stephen Kiesle in the 1970s. Kiesle was arrested in 1978 for child molestation and was defrocked in 1987. Since then, he has faced numerous molestation charges and served two prison sentences connected with those charges and a separate drunk driving incident in 2022.
According to NBC Bay Area, the jury’s decision means the diocese is liable for the abuse and must pay the damages despite its Chapter 11 bankruptcy status. The outlet also reported that though several hundred suits have been filed against the diocese, Doe’s case is one of a few that a judge allowed to proceed after the diocese filed for bankruptcy. His case is the first to reach a verdict.
Doe’s attorney, Rick Simons, said the survivor is “relieved that a 16-year trial has come to an end, exonerated of the shame and guilt that he’s carried since he was 10 years old.”
Simons also said that the jury’s decision sends a message about the weight of clergy abuse claims.
“They’re telling all of these institutions and their insurance companies that we’ve had enough and we recognize the depth of harm in a child abuse case even if these other institutions and people won’t,” he said.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the verdict follows a $56 million payout by the diocese to 56 survivors in 2005.
The diocese issued a statement in response to the jury decision, saying that it prays the verdict “helps bring peace and healing to the survivor.” The diocese apologized once again to survivors and noted that it has since implemented decisive policies for the protection of youth, and for the vetting and training of clergy, staff, and volunteers working in all Catholic institutions.
“The diocese sought a global settlement of the 330 lawsuits filed to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for all survivors,” the diocese continued. “Awards of this magnitude underscore the necessity of the bankruptcy process and a confirmed plan that pays all survivors fairly and equitably, not just those fortunate enough to be first in line for a trial.”