Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Families of students at Boylan Catholic High School, located at 4000 St Francis Dr, Rockford, IL 61103, were notified via email on September 19, 2024, about an ongoing investigation involving Father Matthew DeBlock, who served as a teacher and assistant principal at the school. The Diocese of Rockford confirmed the investigation in a news release published shortly thereafter, according to WIFR.
The Diocese stated that Father DeBlock is under investigation for an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor, reportedly occurring during his tenure at Boylan from 2012 to 2014. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against DeBlock, and local law enforcement agencies have either denied any active investigation or indicated they would only comment if charges were announced.
In light of the investigation, Father DeBlock has resigned from his role as parochial vicar at St. John Neumann in St. Charles. He is currently prohibited from engaging in any ministry activities at St. John Neumann or any other diocesan entity while the investigation is ongoing. The Diocese has communicated Father DeBlock’s status to all parishes and schools where he has served since his ordination in 2008.
Anonymous sources who attended Boylan during the alleged misconduct period expressed concerns about a culture of silence surrounding personal issues. One former student recalled, “There was a little group you could opt to sign up for if you wanted like a group for anxiety... You felt like there was something wrong with you.” Another source remarked, “If it were talked about, I think Boylan would do everything to keep this under wraps.”
The Diocese of Rockford has committed to providing updates to families regarding the situation as more information becomes available. They encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by clergy members to contact law enforcement or the Diocese’s hotline at 815-293-7540, or email reportsexualabuse@rockforddiocese.org. A victim advocate will reach out within 24 hours of any report made to the diocese.
In light of a May 2023 report from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, which identified 24 abusive clerics across the six Catholic dioceses in Illinois, the Diocese of Rockford has reiterated its commitment to child safety and transparent handling of abuse claims. The diocese provides resources on its website regarding child protection measures and the process for reporting abuse.
In the aftermath of recent allegations involving a Catholic high school teacher, many victims and their families are left wondering about their legal rights. Our team sat with Illinois attorney Erv Nevitt, who specializes in sexual abuse cases, to discuss the options available for children sexually abused at a Catholic school. This conversation explored how victims can hold negligent parties accountable and navigate the complexities of the statute of limitations in these sensitive situations.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us. In light of the recent allegations of sexual abuse at the school in Illinois, can you explain the legal options available for victims of sexual assault by a Catholic school teacher?
Attorney Erv Nevitt: Certainly, Darla. Victims can file civil lawsuits against both the individual perpetrator and the school or diocese that employed them. These claims can cover damages related to emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other losses.
Medina: How does the statute of limitations affect these cases?
Nevitt: The statute of limitations varies by state, but some recent legislative changes have extended the time frame for bringing claims, especially for childhood sexual abuse. In Illinois, victims may have a longer period to file, providing them with more opportunities to seek justice.
Medina: What steps should a victim take if they want to take legal action?
Nevitt: The best first step is to consult with an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases. They can help victims understand their rights, navigate the legal process, and determine the best course of action based on their circumstances.
Medina: Thank you, Erv, for sharing this important information. It’s vital for victims to know their rights and available resources.
Nevitt: Thank you for having me, Darla. Raising awareness about these issues is key to helping survivors find the support they need.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, it’s important to understand that help is available. Our team is dedicated to supporting victims and their families through this challenging time. We encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and find the support you need. You don’t have to face this alone; contact us today to take the first step toward healing and accountability.
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