Lawsuit: Priest ‘coerced' woman into sexual acts - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Lawsuit: Priest ‘coerced' woman into sexual acts

Posted: Updated:
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -

A woman is suing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and a local order of Jesuits for at least $300,000, claiming a priest who performed services at a west suburban church "coerced" her into a sexual relationship.

The plaintiff, listed as Jane Doe, was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Parish in west suburban LaGrange when the Jesuit priest "coerced" her into sexual acts in 2003, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.

The suit claims the plaintiff and the priest, who is also a licensed clinical psychologist, had a close relationship that included counseling for her depression.

The plaintiff alleges the priest took advantage of her "emotional dependence" and engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with her.

It also claims negligence on the part of the Chicago Archdiocese and the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus for appointing the priest to a position of influence over parishioners.

A person affiliated with the St. Francis Xavier Parish in LaGrange said the priest assisted with an occasional mass and had been assigned to a church in another state.

The seven-count suit claims negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress and sexual exploitation in psychotherapy.

Chicago Archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt said officials there have not seen the lawsuit and therefore would be unable to comment.

The Chicago Province for the Society of Jesus did not return a call for comment Friday evening.

-Contact: Atty. Susan E. Loggans, (312) 201-8660.

Share Your Photos & Video

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Monday, June 17 2013 10:52 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:52:57 GMT
    Federal authorities say they've raided 7-Eleven stores across Long Island and in Virginia as part of a probe into human smuggling, identity theft and money laundering.
    Federal authorities say they've raided 7-Eleven stores across Long Island and in Virginia as part of a probe into human smuggling, identity theft and money laundering.
  • Service delays, cancellations

    Monday, June 17 2013 10:30 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:30:40 GMT
    Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
    A train derailed in one of the East River tunnels Monday afternoon, disrupting service on the Long Island Rail Road. Westbound service between Jamaica and Penn Station is temporarily suspended.
    A train derailed in one of the East River tunnels Monday afternoon, disrupting service on the Long Island Rail Road. Westbound service between Jamaica and Penn Station is temporarily suspended.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:50:24 GMT
    More than two dozen family members packed a court room to support the daughter who never gave up on finding her father's killer.
    More than two dozen family members packed a court room to support the daughter who never gave up on finding her father's killer. For the first time, Joselyn Martinez came face to face with the man she believes took her dad away from her when she was just a little girl.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices