Longtime Priest Michael Kelly has been indicted by the Calaveras County grand jury on three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct on a child and one count of oral copulation with a child. The native of Ireland, who spent years working at the Stockton Diocese, fled to his homeland in April of 2012 after being found liable for an incident of sexual misconduct during his studies as a student at the Stockton parish school more than 25 years ago.
Now, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office that was issued earlier this week, efforts will be made to extradite Kelly from Ireland so he can face his charges in the United States. While the reverend continues to protest his innocence, describing the accusations as “vicious false allegations” that cost him everything, the $3.75 million lawsuit that was settled in 2012 would suggest otherwise; as do the two other lawsuits that have been filed since.
For 39 years, Kelly served at the Modesto, Sonora, and Ceres perishes, as well as others. Although Kelly’s indiscretions have not yet resulted in the reverend being defrocked or losing his title, he is no longer permitted to wear a priest’s collar, nor is he permitted to perform sacraments. Despite his staunch proclamations of innocence, the accusations of sexual misconduct that Kelly faces are serious and reminiscent of several more allegations connected to the Catholic church.
If you or someone you love were sexually abused by a member of the Catholic clergy, The Senators Firm is here to help. Our California clergy sexual abuse lawyers can help you seek justice. We are sensitive to the delicate nature of these types of cases, which is why we are committed to handling them with the highest level of discretion to protect your privacy.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with an attorney at our office, call us today at (949) 557-5800.