New Archdiocese of Portland Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

This last week we filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon on behalf of a woman who was sexually abused by an archdiocesan priest, Fr. Edward Altstock, beginning in 1985.  The abuse occurred while she was a parishioner of St. John the Apostle Catholic parish in Reedsport Oregon.  The abuse lasted for at least 4 years from the time she was 14 years old.   The facts we believe we can prove are particularly egregious, since the priest allegedly told the girl that he would make sure they had a romantic future together; for a teenage girl who idolized her priest, this set her up for such devastation. 

According to archdiocesan officials, the sex abuse allegation against Fr. Altstock is the first one lodged against him.  He retired from active ministry in 2001.  The abuse in this case began during the last year Archbishop Cornelius Power led the Archdiocese of Portland and continued during the leadership of Archbishop William Levada, presently Cardinal and Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 

This week’s filing continues the now over 15 year history of Kelly Clark and O’Donnell, Clark and Crew of representing victims of priest abuse against the Archdiocese of Portland.  Links to past articles and presentations we have done on this topic can be found here.