Fr. Michael X. Bennett
Diocese of Harrisburg
Ordained: 1971
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Michael X. Bennett:
In February 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of its bankruptcy, the Diocese of Harrisburg will be 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. After the report was released, the total was over 301 identified and accused priests in Pennsylvania alone.
One name that was made public for the first time from the proceedings was Father Michael X. Bennett. The list of accused priests provided by the Diocese of Harrisburg does not include any information about the number of victims who have come forward, the nature of the misconduct, or the timeframe that the alleged abuse occurred. According to the bankruptcy filing, Father Bennett has had at least one allegation against him that has not yet been resolved. In this case, Bennett has been removed from public ministry and remains on administrative leave. According to the Diocese website, he has retired and has been living in a Diocesan Retirement Residence for priests, prior to the allegations. According to filings made by the Diocese of Harrisbug in April 2020, the internal investigation against Bennett remains pending and no final determination as to the credibility of the allegation(s) has been made.
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.