Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. Arthur J. O’Brien – Archdiocese of Washington

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Arthur J. O’Brien – Archdiocese of Washington

June 5, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Arthur J. O’Brien – Archdiocese of Washington

Father Arthur J. O’Brien

Archdiocese of Washington

Ordained: 1983

Removed: 1984

Died: 2011

Assigned as follows:

  • 1983 – 1984      St. Pius X (Bowie, MD)
  • 1984 – 1985      Christ the King (Daphne, AL)
  • 1985 – 1987      Kalihi parish
  • 1987 – 1988      St. John Apostle and Evangelist (Mililani Town, HI)
  • 1988 – 1989      St. Rita (Haiku, HI)
  • 1988 – 1989      St. Gabriel (Keanae, HI)
  • 1989 – 1990      Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace (Honolulu, HI)
  • 1991 – 1993      Office of the Clergy
  • 1991 – 1995      Special Assignment (Office of the Clergy)

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Arthur J. O’Brien:

According to media reports, the Archdiocese of Washington said it received the first report of sexual abuse against Father Arthur J. O’Brien in 1983. The alleged victim said Father O’Brien was a family friend and his Confirmation tutor. The boy was around 14 years old.  He said that when he went to Father O’Brien’s seminary residence they would massage each other in various stages of undress. 

In 1984, Father O’Brien was removed from ministry, sent for treatment at a rehab center for Catholic priests and cleared for return to ministry. From 1985 to 1989, he accepted assignments in Alabama and Hawaii. In 1989, he was accused of abusing a 10-year-old boy for several months. The boy did yard work at the Maui church where Father O’Brien was pastor.  

In 1992, he was arrested and convicted on three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault in Hawaii.  He received a 6 month sentence (suspended) and 5 years probation.

Father O’Brien was placed on permanent leave in 1993. He retired in 1995.

In 2002, a man claimed Father O’Brien sexually abused him when he was age 14 while Father O’Brien was a seminarian in Boston.

From 2005 – 2011 O’Brien’s whereabouts were unknown. It is believed he may have been living in Florida until his death in 2011.

In October 2018, Father O’Brien’s name first appeared publicly on the Archdiocese of Washington’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Washington.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Washington, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Washington now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.

Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap