Maine diocese reaches settlements for more than 100 clergy sexual abuse claims

The Diocese of Portland, Maine, has settled more than 100 claims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy, according to an Aug. 20 report from the Portland Press Herald.

The diocese first announced settlements July 30 with whom Portland Bishop James Ruggieri described as “many people,” after a January 2025 Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruling prevented some survivors from pursuing childhood sexual abuse claims that had already been barred by the state’s statute of limitations, as Zeale News previously reported.

New reporting now shows the settlements extend beyond those claims to include more recent cases that remained legally actionable, with more than 100 claims settled overall. One lawyer for the plaintiffs said roughly half were covered by a seven-figure payout, according to the Press Herald.

Bishop Ruggieri addressed the purpose of the agreements when announcing them last month. He explained that after the Main Supreme Judicial Court’s January 2025 decision, he worked to determine the right path forward with those affected by the court decision. 

“Even though pending cases that were decades old no longer had legal standing based on the ruling,” he wrote, “the diocese recognizes that the harm caused by sexual abuse is not erased with time and still desired to respond with compassion.”

He took time to pray and discern next steps, recognizing that this has been a painful chapter for the Church. 

“Through negotiation with their attorneys and impartial mediation, the diocese has reached financial resolutions with many people affected by the Law Court decision,” he said. “This is intended to acknowledge, in a tangible way, consistent with our resources and obligations, the seriousness of what has been reported and the lasting impact of abuse. Funds used are from those previously designated for liability claims, not from the Catholic Appeal.”

Despite the settlements, attorneys told the Press Herald that dozens who reported past clergy abuse still seek an apology.

Keith Amato, who told the outlet he was abused by a priest at St. Bruno Parish in Van Buren when he was 6 years old, was among those who settled.

“For me, it’s not about the money, it never was,” Amato said. “I just wanted somebody to say sorry. I still haven’t really gotten that.”

Robert Dupuis, who also reached a settlement, said he had not expected so many people to come forward.

“I knew that some people would come forward, a few people, but never a hundred people,” Dupuis said. “I hope they’re in the same place I’m in right now, all of them. To be living my life with less insecurities than I did for close to 40 years after the abuse.”