Father James C. Collery
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Ordained: 1948
Died: 1987
Assigned as Follows:
- St. Ann Church (Metairie, LA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father James C. Collery:
Father James Collery was first named publicly as accused of sexual abuse by the New Orleans Archdicoese on November 12th, 2018. The allegations were first received in 2013 of abuse that was said to have occurred in the early 1980’s. The only information that was released was that the alleged abuse occurred under the Archdiocese of New Orleans, while he was an official member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit at the time.
Another alleged victim came forward in April of 2020 and claimed that he was sexually abused by James Collery at the St. Ann Church in Metairie in the early 1980’s. The man claimed the abuse started when he was just 10-years-old and began being an altar boy at the parish. The victim’s attorneys claim the Archdiocese of New Orleans should have known that James Collery was a danger to children long before their client was abused. They also claim the Archdiocese did not report Father Collery to the police when he was still alive.
James C. Collery died in 1987.
In April of 2020, the Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of its bankruptcy, the Archdiocese of New Orleans 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.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for federal bankruptcy protection in April 2020. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss your legal options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the New Orleans Archdiocese. Very strict filing deadlines will soon be set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to [email protected]