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William “Bill” Mannion, a former priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, was arrested on March 24 by Baltimore County Police, according to WBALTV. Authorities charged him with second-degree child abuse and multiple sex offenses stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred in the early 1990s.
The Baltimore County Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating Mannion in October 2023 after receiving reports of past sexual abuse. According to police, the survivor came forward with details of abuse that occurred from 1991 to 1994 at a location on St. Agnes Lane, which corresponds to the St. Agnes school and church located at 5422 Old Frederick Rd, Baltimore, MD 21229.
Christian Kendzierski, the executive director of communications for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, confirmed that Mannion left the priesthood in the late 1990s and was formally laicized by the Vatican in 2004. Kendzierski noted that Mannion’s departure from the clerical state was unrelated to abuse allegations at the time.
In a public statement, Kendzierski expressed sadness over the accusations and reaffirmed the Archdiocese’s commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. He also encouraged anyone with knowledge of child sexual abuse to contact authorities or the Archdiocese’s Office of Child and Youth Protection.
Baltimore County detectives believe there may be additional victims and are urging those individuals to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crimes Against Children Unit or Child Protective Services.
For those seeking support, the Archdiocese’s Victim Assistance program remains available, providing resources for survivors of abuse.
As survivors of clergy abuse consider their next steps following the arrest of former Baltimore priest William Mannion, questions about legal options take center stage. To address these concerns, Maryland-based attorney Aaron Blank, experienced in handling sexual abuse cases, shares valuable information about the rights of survivors and the processes involved in seeking accountability through both criminal and civil legal systems. His guidance offers a roadmap for those navigating the complex aftermath of such trauma.
Darla Medina (Editor): Thank you for joining me. With the arrest of Father Bill, many people may wonder what legal options are available for survivors of clergy abuse. Can you provide some clarity?
Aaron Blank (Attorney): Survivors of sexual abuse by clergy often have both criminal and civil avenues to consider. On the criminal side, the authorities investigate and prosecute the abuser, as we're seeing with Mannion. This process holds the individual accountable under the law.
Medina: And what about civil cases? How do they differ?
Blank: Civil cases focus on compensation for the survivor. Victims can file lawsuits against the perpetrator and, in some cases, the institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. These cases often seek damages for emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other impacts of the abuse.
Medina: Are there challenges survivors face when pursuing civil cases?
Blank: Yes, one major hurdle is the statute of limitations, which can limit how much time a survivor has to file a claim. However, many states, including Maryland, have extended or eliminated these time limits for sexual abuse cases, recognizing the unique difficulties survivors face in coming forward.
Medina: What would you say to someone who is considering coming forward but feels hesitant?
Blank: That's entirely understandable. Many survivors deal with fear, shame, or even distrust of the legal system. But I want to reassure them that there are attorneys and advocates who specialize in these cases and are deeply committed to providing support and fighting for justice. Reaching out to law enforcement and seeking legal counsel are important steps, and they can help survivors navigate the process with care and confidentiality.
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse by a Catholic priest, know that you are not alone, and legal help is available. Our team is dedicated to supporting survivors and their families through this difficult journey. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and begin the path to justice and healing.
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