Deacon James Vecera
Diocese of Harrisburg
Ordained: Unknown.
Died: 1987
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Deacon James Vecera:
After his death in 1987, Deacon James Vecera was accused of the sexual abuse of a child by one survivor. The Diocese of Harrisburg has not released any information about the gender or age of the victim, or when the alleged abuse occurred. The only information that has been released has been found in the Diocese of Harrisburg bankruptcy proceedings. According to the report, Vecera was a deacon who had at least one known victim come forward after his death.
In February 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of its bankruptcy, the Diocese of Harrisburg will be reviewing and paying claims for anyone sexually abused by diocesan priests and lay employees. This will likely include claims filed on behalf of anyone whose case may be beyond the statute of limitations.
Ahead of the grand jury report, the Diocese of Harrisburg released the names of 71 priests, seminarians and laypersons accused of sexually abusing children since 1941. This was from an updated list that the diocese released in August of 2018. After the report was released, the total was over 301 identified and accused priests in Pennsylvania alone.
James Vecera’s name has been added to the diocese’s 2018 list of credibly accused priests and clergy members as of August 1st, 2018. No further information has been released about Vecera’s assignments while living and working for the diocese.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.