Rockford Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Experienced Law Firm Fighting for Rockford Clergy Abuse Victims’ Rights

Rockford clergy sexual abuse lawyers fight for survivors who have endured unimaginable trauma at the hands of trusted religious leaders. The emotional and psychological scars left by sex abuse can last a lifetime, and too often, churches and religious institutions prioritize protecting their reputation over seeking justice for victims.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to holding these institutions accountable and seeking financial compensation for those who have suffered.

Our firm has successfully recovered substantial settlements for survivors, including:

• $14,200,000 for six young men abused by a priest despite his known history of misconduct.
• $4,100,000 for a woman assaulted and raped by a deacon=.
• $3,000,000 for a man abused as a child, overcoming the church’s legal attempts to dismiss the case.
• $2,800,000 for a survivor harmed at a church-run summer camp.
• $2,475,000 for a victim abused by a church volunteer.
• $1,500,000 for a 55-year-old man seeking justice against a deceased priest.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy abuse, our experienced clergy sexual abuse attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse in Rockford, IL

Clergy sex abuse involves inappropriate, unlawful sexual behavior by clergy members, religious leaders, or individuals in positions of spiritual authority within religious organizations. This type of sexual abuse exploits the trust and power vested in spiritual figures to manipulate and take advantage of vulnerable followers under their care.

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse manifests in various appalling behaviors that betray the sacred trust between religious leaders and their congregants. Here are some common forms of such abuse:

Grooming: A manipulative process where an abuser establishes a trusting relationship with the intent to exploit it for sexual purposes; this often involves special attention, gifts, or fulfilling a seemingly mentor-like role.

Sexual Assault and Battery: Any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature – from groping to rape.

Emotional Manipulation and Abuse: This occurs when clergy members use their position of power to coerce compliance through guilt, shame, or threats of spiritual consequences.

Child Sexual Abuse: Child sex abuse targets minors who are especially vulnerable due to their age and emotional development.

Sexual Harassment: Persistent unwelcome behavior that creates an intimidating environment, including suggestive remarks or propositions by clergy members.

Each form of adult or child sex abuse constitutes severe moral and legal violations aimed at taking advantage of those seeking guidance and can have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Rockford

A major investigation into clergy sexual abuse revealed that the Rockford Diocese—serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb, Kane, Whiteside, and Lee counties in northern Illinois—was home to at least 24 known offenders—far more than initially disclosed.

When the investigation began, the diocese named 15 clergy members accused of abusing children. However, a broader review by the Illinois Attorney General uncovered nine additional priests linked to sexual abuse within the Rockford area.

Statewide, the investigation revealed 451 clergy members in Illinois who sexually abused nearly 2,000 children since 1950. Shockingly, before the probe began in 2018, the Catholic Church had acknowledged only 103 cases—significantly underreporting the true scope of the abuse.

The Rockford Diocese, like many others, has faced scrutiny for failing to protect victims and for allowing abusive clergy members to remain in positions of power. As more survivors come forward, legal action continues to play a crucial role in holding religious institutions accountable.

Notable Clergy Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Rockford

The following cases represent some of the most significant incidents of clergy member sexual abuse within the Rockford Diocese:

• Br. Joseph J. Charron – Pleaded guilty to battery in April 2024 after being charged with eight counts of sexual abuse and assault. The clergy sex abuse was reported in 2021 by a former Marmion Academy student, where Charron was a faculty member. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and paid $35K in restitution.
• Fr. Mark A. Campobello – Convicted of sexually abusing two girls while serving as assistant principal and spiritual director at Aurora Central Catholic High School. Arrested in 2002, he pleaded guilty in 2004 and was sentenced to 8 years in prison. He was laicized in 2005.
• Fr. Harlan B. Clapsaddle – Accused of sexually abusing three brothers beginning in 1977. Despite denying the allegations, he was removed from ministry in 2002, and the Diocese paid $80K in settlements to the victims.
• Fr. Thomas Considine – Accused of sexually abusing multiple boys in the 1970s, plying them with alcohol. One victim died by suicide in 1978. Although removed from ministry in 1980, the Diocese did not acknowledge reports of abuse until 2002. He was publicly named in 2018 and included in the 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s Report, which identified five reported survivors and described him as a serial abuser.
• Fr. Matthew DeBlock – Indicted in 2024 for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor while assigned to Boylan Central Catholic High School (2012–2014). Following the allegation, he resigned from St. John Neumann in St. Charles and was prohibited from ministry during the investigation.

Clergy Abuse Offender Profile

The majority of Catholic priests and other religious leaders accused of clergy sex abuse in Rockford are men, and many hold positions of power within their congregations. Studies indicate that while only a small percentage exhibit diagnosable paraphilia, some offenders show pedophilic or ephebophilic tendencies, targeting children and teenagers.

Many abusers score high on narcissistic personality assessments, using their influence to manipulate victims and communities. Within Catholic dioceses, offenders often hold trusted roles such as priests, deacons, or youth ministers, giving them direct access to vulnerable individuals.

Tactics Used by Offenders

In closed communities, such as the Catholic Church, offenders rely on secrecy and fear to prevent clergy sexual abuse survivors from coming forward. Victims are often discouraged from speaking out due to social stigma, religious pressures, and fears of retaliation.

Even when abuse allegations are made, reports may be ignored, covered up, or dismissed by church officials.

Many survivors of child sex abuse do not come forward until years or even several decades later. The statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases has been reformed in many states, allowing more survivors to file civil lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that protected them.

Seeking Justice for Survivors

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse by a Catholic priest or other religious leader in Rockford, you may have legal options to pursue compensation.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a strong track record of advocating for abuse survivors and can help you navigate the healing process. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your civil claim and explore your rights.

Common Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Recognizing the warning signs of sexual abuse by priests or other religious leaders is crucial in identifying and protecting victims. Many children and sexual abuse survivors suffer in silence, making it essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to stay aware of behavioral and emotional changes that may signal abuse.

Sudden Behavior Changes – Children who have experienced sexual contact may exhibit unexplained anger, anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal. They might act out, display defiance, or struggle with concentration in school.

Regression – Victims may return to previously outgrown behaviors such as thumb-sucking, bedwetting, or attachment to security objects.

Sudden Unexplained Fears – A child may suddenly fear certain people or places that resemble where the sexual abuse occurred.

Fear of Being Touched – Victims of sexual abuse may flinch, recoil, or refuse physical contact, even from loved ones.

Substance Abuse – Some survivors turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their emotional trauma.

Self-Harm – Cutting, burning, or disordered eating are common coping mechanisms for abuse survivors struggling with emotional injuries.

Problems at School – Declining grades, skipping classes, or sudden disinterest in academics may indicate sexual abuse trauma.

Inappropriate Sexual Knowledge or Actions – Victims of child sex abuse may display sexual behaviors that are not age-appropriate, such as masturbation, sexual drawings, or conversations with explicit content.

Trouble Sleeping – Nightmares, insomnia, or fear of being alone at night can stem from trauma linked to sex crimes.

The Devastating Consequences Among Sexual Abuse Survivors

Clergy sexual abuse survivors endure lifelong consequences that affect their emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being.

The betrayal of trust by priests, church officials, and other clergy can leave victims struggling with trauma for several decades after the abuse occurs. Whether the abuse happened in childhood or later in life, survivors often face immense challenges in the healing process.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

The emotional scars left by childhood sexual abuse can be overwhelming. Survivors frequently suffer from:

Depression and anxiety – Many survivors battle persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and fear.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional distress can make daily life difficult.

Shame and self-blame – Many victims struggle with misplaced guilt, believing they were somehow responsible for the abuse.

Impact on Relationships and Trust

Betrayal by a trusted religious figure can make it difficult for survivors to trust others, affecting:

Personal relationships – Fear of intimacy and difficulty forming connections are common.

Family dynamics – Survivors may feel isolated from loved ones or misunderstood by those who don’t recognize their trauma.

Religious faith – Many victims lose trust in the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, leading to a crisis of faith.

Substance Abuse and Self-Destructive Behaviors

Many survivors turn to substance abuse or self-harm as a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma, including:

Alcohol and drug addiction – Used to numb emotional pain.

Self-harm behaviors – Cutting, burning, or eating disorders may develop as a way to regain control.

Risk-taking behaviors – Some sexual abuse survivors engage in reckless activities due to emotional distress.

Barriers to Justice and Healing

For many victims, coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse can be an overwhelming and painful process. Survivors often face:

Fear of retaliation or disbelief – Many victims worry about being shamed or dismissed.

Statute of limitations restrictions – Legal deadlines may prevent some survivors from filing sex abuse claims or lawsuits.

Church cover-ups – Dioceses and other religious organizations have historically protected abusers rather than victims.

The Importance of Taking Legal Action

Taking legal action against clergy members accused of sexual abuse is essential for both the immediate victim and the broader effort to prevent future abuse. Holding abusers and dioceses accountable can provide survivors with a sense of justice while also ensuring that religious institutions implement better safeguards to protect others.

How Filing Sexual Abuse Claims Helps Survivors

For many sexual abuse survivors, pursuing a lawsuit or filing criminal charges can be an empowering step toward healing. It allows victims to reclaim their voice, publicly acknowledge the harm they suffered, and hold those responsible accountable.

Many survivors struggle with emotional injuries such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD—filing a sex abuse claim provides a pathway to validation and justice.

Survivors may also be entitled to seeking financial compensation to cover therapy, medical expenses, and lost wages. Even if a criminal conviction is not possible due to the statute of limitations, a civil claim can still lead to justice by exposing wrongdoing and preventing institutions from ignoring abuse.

Preventing Future Abuse and Protecting Others

A sexual abuse lawsuit does more than just help individual victims—it also plays a crucial role in preventing future sex crimes. By holding Catholic clergy and church officials accountable, survivors can expose serial predators and stop them from harming others.

When one survivor comes forward, it often encourages others to share their experiences and seek justice. Many Catholic dioceses have a long history of covering up allegations of clergy abuse, and lawsuits put pressure on religious institutions to change their policies, improve oversight, and ensure better protections for children and vulnerable individuals.

How Our Rockford Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has experienced clergy sex abuse in Rockford, filing a claim can feel overwhelming. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to guiding sexual abuse survivors through every step of the legal process.

Our experienced attorneys have extensive experience holding Catholic priests, church officials, and other clergy accountable for their actions. We are here to provide compassionate legal representation and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Illinois law recognizes the severity of childhood sexual abuse and provides survivors with extensive legal protections. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, Illinois eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file a claim regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Free Case Evaluation

The first step in seeking justice is scheduling a free consultation with one of our experienced Rockford sexual abuse attorneys. During this confidential meeting, we take the time to listen to your story, understand your situation, assess the strength of your sexual abuse claim, and explain your legal options, including:

• Filing a lawsuit to recover damages for emotional injuries, therapy, medical expenses, and lost wages (735 ILCS 5/2-1115.1).
• Holding religious institutions accountable if they failed to report or actively concealed abuse allegations (325 ILCS 5/4).

Every survivor’s experience is unique, and we tailor our legal approach to meet your specific needs. We will also explain your legal options, whether that involves filing a civil sexual assault lawsuit, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing other forms of justice.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once we take your case, our team of legal professionals will conduct a detailed investigation to build the strongest case possible. This includes gathering witness statements, medical and psychological evaluations, and any church records or abuse allegations that support your claim.

Many Catholic dioceses have a history of covering up abuse, but we know how to uncover critical evidence that can strengthen your case.

Filing a Lawsuit and Negotiating a Settlement

If a civil sex abuse claim is the best course of action, we will handle the legal filing on your behalf and keep you informed throughout the process. Many cases lead to settlements, where survivors receive compensation for therapy, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Our team of legal professionals is highly skilled in negotiating settlements, but if an agreement cannot be reached, our experienced attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that the thought of legal fees can be intimidating, especially for survivors already dealing with trauma. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive payment if we win your case through a settlement or court verdict. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

Consult a Rockford Clergy Abuse Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to support, guide, and advocate for you through every step of the legal process.

We understand the lifelong impact that childhood sexual abuse and other forms of clergy abuse can have on survivors. Feelings of shame, fear, anger, and betrayal are common, but seeking justice can be an essential part of the healing process. Our team is dedicated to holding Catholic priests, church officials, and other clergy accountable for their actions.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we provide a safe, confidential space where survivors can share their experiences without fear of judgment.

Our Rockford personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling sex abuse cases, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the financial compensation and closure you deserve. Whether through negotiating a settlement or pursuing a civil lawsuit, our team of legal professionals is committed to securing justice for survivors and their families.

Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against Catholic clergy or other religious figures can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only receive payment if we successfully resolve your case.

Call us now at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Rockford clergy abuse attorney. Let us help you explore your legal options, seek accountability, and take the first step toward justice and healing.

Related Practice Areas

• Illinois Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
• Aurora Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Chicago Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Joliet Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Naperville Clergy Abuse Lawyer

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.